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Science Events in Vancouver

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Nerd Nite North Van: Stem Cells & BioPrinting, Video Game Truths & Sustainability in Filmmaking

January 30, 2020 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Nerd Nite North Van
Like TED Talks, but with beer! Three 15-minute talks on subjects across STEM, in simple language and with some humour. Q&A after each talk.

About this Event

Each night 3 passionate Nerds (aka “Science Communicators”) give talks on complex subjects across “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), like Astronomy, Quantum Physics, Neuroscience and even how to genetically engineer a Unicorn. They do it in language anyone can understand and with as much humour as possible. The beer also helps! This is a 19+ event.

WE’RE LIKE TED TALKS BUT WITH BEER, so this is a 19+ event. If you’re under 19 years of age, click here for our TEEN shows.

At our January 2020 show we’ll discuss where the biotech community is at with stem cells & 3D printing human tissue; how independent filmmakers are effecting real change in the world through their work & empowering marginalized communities; and answer your burning questions about what programmers actually do all day while they’re making the video games we love.

We’ll have interactive question & answer periods after each talk, so come prepared with your questions and meet other nerds & the speakers during the breaks.

January Talks:

“Illuminating the Mysterious, Yet Controversial Realm of Stem Cells & BioPrinting” – Dr. Alison Muller

Stem cell technology has both fascinated and concerned society. The potential to use stem cells to build new organs using 3D bioprinting technology to replace diseased or damage ones may one day be a medical possibility; however, we aren’t quite there yet. The media has done an excellent job misinforming the public about what stem cells really are, where they genuinely come from, and what they can actually do. However, you need not fear! Dr. Alison Muller’s talk will clarify many questions and concerns surrounding stem cells while discussing the realistic, yet still very cool, bioprinting being done using stem cell technology.

Bio: Alison Muller is a Ph.D graduate from the University of Alberta who has recently moved back home to Vancouver where she’s pursuing a career in Vancouver’s exciting biotech sector. She loves presenting cutting edge medical research and has presented panels at for the past few years at Comic Expos discussing science fiction inspired technology. She has been a guest on CBC Radio morning shows in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as appearing on Global Edmonton participating in a liquid nitrogen explosion! She recently founded aliscience.ca, a science communication blog that publishes different topics focused around medical science discoveries as well as the tools used in the research field. She’s looking forward to starting her biotech career here. Alison LOVES “Magic: The Gathering” and cosplaying both original and recognizable characters in her spare time.

“All Work & No Play? The What, Why & How of Making Video Games” – Ed Douglas

“How are video games made? Who makes them? Do you just eat pizza and play games all day? Ed Douglas breaks down the myths and reality of video game development and answers top questions about one of the world’s favourite pastimes.

Bio: Ed Douglas is a videogame developer and filmmaker from Vancouver, BC, with passion for sci-fi and an obsession with astrophysics. He’s worked on some great game series like Mass Effect and Need for Speed, and some terrible movies like “Lightning: Bolts of Destruction” (where killer lightning chases our heroes while scientists come to the rescue), and “Belly of the Beast” (where Steven Seagal chases his career straight into the direct-to-DVD bin). After ambling around the world telling stories with companies like EA and Ubisoft, he’s back in BC refocusing back on film & TV.”

“Sustainability in Filmmaking” – Farhan Umedaly

Farhan Umedaly is an award-winning filmmaker best known for his films about social causes. His talk will show how independent filmmakers can effect real change in the world through their work and empower marginalized communities.

Bio: Farhan has a background in neurobiology and consulted for renewable energy developments before establishing his own production company in 2009. His original focus was to produce videos that enable clean-tech and renewable energy companies. Since then, VoVo Productions has produced more than 200 projects for leading companies and non-profits such as the David Suzuki Foundation, to help create positive change.

Farhan works alongside groups such as ISS of BC, Vancouver Foundation and Access to Media & Education Society, to provide mentorship in filmmaking to marginalized communities such as Syrian refugees and indigenous communities. He is best known for his indigenous focused documentaries ‘A Last Stand for Lelu’ and‘The Sun on Top of the House’.

In 2017 Farhan founded the Empowered Filmmaker Masterclass which has trained more than 200 indigenous participants to be self-sufficient filmmakers. He is also an instructor at Simon Fraser University within the Beedie School of Business and a guest lecturer on the topic of Human Rights – International Studies program.

Transit: We’re just 3 blocks from the Seabus at Lonsdale Quay (straight up Chesterfield), so don’t learn and drive.

MUST BE 19 YEARS+

Venue

Eagles Club
170 West 3rd Street
North Vancouver, BC V7M 1E8 Canada
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