Saskatoon: An Unlicensed History – Jeff O’Brien

Although founded by teetotallers and Temperance activists, Saskatoon, booze, and the regulation thereof, have a long history together. City of Saskatoon Archivist Jeff O’Brien looks at the story of Prohibition and a century of liquor and liquor legislation here in the Paris of the Prairies, covering the years from 1882-1982.

Jeff O’Brien was born in Saskatoon and raised in Regina where, despite his best efforts to the contrary, he received an undergraduate degree in Canadian history. He went on to earn a master’s degree in archival studies from the University of British Columbia before returning home to Saskatchewan where he eventually settled down as the City of Saskatoon Archivist in 1997. As the City Archivist, Jeff believes in bringing history out of the archives and into the community. In 2006, he co-authored the book Saskatoon: A History in Photographs. He is a regular contributor to Saskatoon HOME and Prairies North magazines, and to our own historical journal, the Saskatoon History Review.  He is frequently called on to speak to community groups, city classrooms, and at local events—like this one. He can also often be seen and heard on radio and TV here talking about the history of his beloved city. In 2023, he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal in recognition of his work in this area.

Technology Doping in Sport – Dr. Sean Maw

Pretty much everyone has heard of illegal blood doping and drug doping in sport, but have you heard of technology doping?  It’s the same basic idea i.e. get an unfair edge that the other competitors won’t have, but this time using tech!  We’ll go through some examples/case studies and talk about the impacts of technology doping in sport.  We’ll also talk about why this is the “cheating” that sports generally don’t talk about (except for maybe curling) and some people just don’t care about, though they should.  For the finale, we’ll talk about where technology is leading us in sport, because we’re sure not leading it.

Dr. Sean Maw is a professor in Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan,where he runs the First Year Engineering Program and teaches design.  His research is focused on engineering education, and on sports engineering (hence the Technology Doping talk!).  Sean is a bit unusual and hasn’t really grown up yet.  He is an active soccer player, swing/ballroom dancer, and ice cream maker.  He’s announced speed skating at two Winter Olympics, climbed Kilimanjaro, and rafted down the Nahanni.  He designed crash pads for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, as well as skin suits for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics.  currently researches the physics of curling, trying to solve one of the few modern mysteries in Newtonian physics: why curling stones curl the way they do.  Science still doesn’t know.(stay tuned for an upcoming Nerdnite!)

Genomics, Cattle, and Solar Powered Vaccines – Dr. Grant Woronuk

By mixing cocktails of enzymatic probes to illuminate key sections of DNA, Grant Woronuk turns up the (nucleo)base on cattle. Using such tech to identify cattle capable of efficient growth, enabling feedyards to commit fewer grazing lands to growth, and endearing him to the industry such that they have enlisted him to solve their biggest unsolved problems…. widespread use of antibiotics in their animals. Our solution: edible vaccines packed into the animals’ feedcrop. In formulating this solution, we targeted an evolutionary nuance that results in crops that produce maximal vaccine in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. This talk will highlight some of the processes, problems, and the future of edible vaccination of animals with plants!

Dr. Grant Woronuk is the Lead Research Scientist of Quantum Genetix responsible for developing molecular genetics testing and now leading a transgenenics team for novel crop development. Somehow, Grant emerged from his academic training with a diverse conceptual and applied skillset: a PhD in transcriptomics of chilled legumes from Saskatchewan; an MSc from Guelph in molecular signaling direct pre-pollen to become grown canola without fertilization; a fellowship from UBC in the ‘omics’ of perfume biosynthesis; and a largely forgotten BSc that focused on neuroscience from Lethbridge.  If there’s any consistency with this guy, perhaps it’s the belief that big impacts can be made when we understand the small stuff.

Tickets at Eventbrite

The first book from Nerd Nite (Global) has just been released as well!! But you can see the real thing live on Apr 8!

Genomics, Cattle, and Solar Powered Vaccines – Dr. Grant Woronuk

By mixing cocktails of enzymatic probes to illuminate key sections of DNA, Grant Woronuk turns up the (nucleo)base on cattle. Using such tech to identify cattle capable of efficient growth, enabling feedyards to commit fewer grazing lands to growth, and endearing him to the industry such that they have enlisted him to solve their biggest unsolved problems…. widespread use of antibiotics in their animals. Our solution: edible vaccines packed into the animals’ feedcrop. In formulating this solution, we targeted an evolutionary nuance that results in crops that produce maximal vaccine in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. This talk will highlight some of the processes, problems, and the future of edible vaccination of animals with plants!

Dr. Grant Woronuk is the Lead Research Scientist of Quantum Genetix responsible for developing molecular genetics testing and now leading a transgenenics team for novel crop development. Somehow, Grant emerged from his academic training with a diverse conceptual and applied skillset: a PhD in transcriptomics of chilled legumes from Saskatchewan; an MSc from Guelph in molecular signaling direct pre-pollen to become grown canola without fertilization; a fellowship from UBC in the ‘omics’ of perfume biosynthesis; and a largely forgotten BSc that focused on neuroscience from Lethbridge.  If there’s any consistency with this guy, perhaps it’s the belief that big impacts can be made when we understand the small stuff.

Tuesday January 21 @ The Thirsty Scholar -Doors at 6 – First Speaker at 7

An Insiders look into the Dirty Little Secrets of the Saskatoon Auto Industry – Kealy Cheyenne 

Join Kealy Cheyenne as she delves into the gritty realities of the Saskatoon Automotive Industry, revealing insights and experiences from her extensive career spanning 2007 to 2022. In her upcoming podcast and novel, “Exit on the Left,” Kealy explores themes of resilience, ethics, and the complexities of a male-dominated industry. This talk will not only provide a compelling look at her journey through challenges and triumphs but will also offer practical advice on how to navigate car purchases, understand the implications of credit, and decode misleading offers and advertisements. Kealy doesn’t position herself as a protagonist; rather, she acknowledges her role within the very fabric she discusses, at times part of the problems she now aims to highlight. Attendees will gain a unique perspective on the automotive world, empowerment, and the power of speaking out, equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their automotive engagements.

Anime, Cosplay, and all things Nerd in Saskatchewan – Annie Shadden

Details to follow as we dial the Awesome back to manageable levels!

Swiping, Scoring…and Settling Down?  How Singles 19 to 91 Look for Love in (Un)usual Places – Sarah Knudson

We live in a world where we have access to thousands of potential romantic partners, yet more people than ever before are living alone and staying single.  What’s going on?  How do the relationship-minded hunt for love today, and what major roadblocks do they come up against?  And is the road to relationships different for young adults and seniors—or does your grandma’s love quest resemble yours in more ways than you’d like to admit?

In this talk, we’ll explore how and why we look for love today, as well as the tools we use to chase our relationships goals.  Through a mix of big data, heartfelt storytelling, and a dash of pop culture commentary, we’ll consider what happens on the road to love—from the downright embarrassing to the totally inspiring. What can we take away from broad relationship trends and in-depth narratives as advice for our own lives, whether we’re happily single, ready to mingle, or partnered?  A whole lot, so let’s find out

We are thrilled to share that Saskatoon Nerdnite is making a comeback! Mark your calendars for January 21st, 2025, as we kick off the year with an exciting evening filled with fascinating speakers, diverse topics, and, of course, refreshing pints. If you’ve ever wanted to take the stage and share your passion, now’s your chance! We are actively seeking presenters and still have spots available in our lineup. Don’t miss out on being part of this vibrant community event—reach out to us and secure your place!

The Water Within: A journey of Growth and Security – Palash Sanyal

What is it about: 
The Water Within: A Journey of Growth and Security is all about how working in the water sector has shaped Palash’s life, both personally and professionally. He’ll share stories from his experiences that have deepened his understanding of adaptability, sustainability, and connection. From confronting climate change denial to tackling water scarcity, you’ll hear how water has both divided and united us. Palash will share how the qualities of water—its ability to flow, adapt, and sustain life—have influenced his approach to leadership, relationships, and lifelong learning, helping him to focus on becoming the best version of himself. He’ll also explore why water is so crucial, the challenges we face, and how we can create meaningful change in our approach to water security

Palash’s multidisciplinary approach is evident in his founding of Governing Water Inc., where he combines his extensive expertise in governance, sustainability, and water security. His credentials, including PMP, GCB.D, MEng, MSc, Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach among others, reflect his commitment to continuous learning and his belief in the importance of understanding the many facets of any challenge. Beyond his professional endeavours, Palash serves on several boards (Trans Canada Trail, Royal College International, Sandbox Mutual Insurance), where he brings a unique blend of strategic insight, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Shocking and Brainless ways to Move. -Dr Jonathan Norton

When we are too busy to know what to do we describe ourselves as ‘running around like a headless chicken’. How realistic is that metaphor? Do headless chickens really run around? Shockingly the answer is yes they do..(with some caveats). A long dead Physiology professor is renowned for keeping headless rats in a desk drawer (long before animal rights were considered). These rats ran around the drawer and were kept for many months. How does this happen?

The key to both the rat and the chicken story is twofold, with the brainstem being responsible for most of the neural functions required to keep us alive (breathing, circulation etc.) and the brainstem and spinal cord together containing much of the neural circuitry controlling movement. Yet, when an individual suffers a spinal cord injury the factor that strikes most people is that they cannot move on their own.

In this talk we will examine some of the advances being made in understanding how the spinal cord controls movement at a basic level, and how we can use electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to restore some movements for those with a spinal cord injury.

Jonathan Norton received degrees in Physiology, Engineering and Neuroscience from University College London in the UK before undertaking fellowships in Edmonton, AB. He has been in Saskatoon since 2013 as a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan and Clinical Scientist at the Saskatchewan Health Authority. He has research interests in reducing neurological injuries and the use of electrical stimulation to restore neurological functions and alleviate suffering. He has a particular interest in how the nervous system interacts with external stimuli.

Third Speaker TBD, but will be amazing too! Updates to follow…..

Rocket Science and Satellites by USask Students — Arliss Sidloski, Rosy Hettiarachchi, Dustin Preece, and Layne Ransom

Remember student life—racing across campus, pulling all-nighters, and submitting assignments with 0.1 seconds to spare? Now, throw in some actual rocket science, and you’ve got either an absolute blast… or a very impressive explosion. The USask Space Design Team (USST) is no stranger to both! They’ve got a long history of turning caffeine and panic into aerospace marvels, like rockets, satellites, and other “please don’t blow up” projects.

Most recently, the USST Rocketry team returned from the Launch Canada Challenge in Timmins, ON, with their 10-foot-tall baby, Zenith—still in one piece, thankfully. Oh, and they’re also partnered with SkCubeSat on some satellite shenanigans. You might’ve heard of RADSAT-SK1, Saskatchewan’s very first homegrown satellite which launched in 2023 (yup, it made it to space!), and now the team is brewing up its sequel, RADSAT-SK2, which promises to be just as out of this world!

Arliss, Layne, and Rosy are all in the final stretch of their mechanical engineering degrees at USask, while Dustin is looking for the next big thing, preferably in aerospace. In addition to academic life, Arliss serves as the President of the USask Space Design Team and was the Technical Project Manager for both RADSAT-SK1 and RADSAT-SK2.

Rosy led the Zenith rocketry project this past year as the sole Project Manager and is excited about some major upgrades as the rocketry team gears up for the 2025 competition.Dustin, an esteemed team alumnus, was the Technical Project Manager for RADSAT-SK1. Layne, a former member of the USST executive, was highly involved in the cubesat projects and once held the positions of HR and Communications Project Manager for RADSAT-SK1 and RADSAT-SK2.

Arliss Sidloski, Rosy Hettiarachchi, Dustin Preece, and Layne Ransom are here to show you what happens when students juggle university classes with a passion for aerospace—it’s like balancing a rocket on a tightrope while trying to pass midterms. They’re here to prove that with the right mix of coffee, equations, and rocket fuel, even students can reach for the stars—literally!