Are you ready to get nerdy!?
Think TED talks with beer. Discovery Channel meets Drunk History.

Be there AND be square!

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Speakers

"Volcanodad"
by Ben Kennedy

Ben the volcanologist will give you his origin story, as illustrated by an internet Artificial intelligence image generator. Expect the weird and wonderful as AI struggles with what volcano science actually looks like.

Ben is a Professor in Volcanology at UC and won this years prime ministers science communication prize. He has had all sorts of volcano adventures including pogosticking on top of an erupting volcano in Vanuatu with a Japanese film crew.

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"Buzzed on Chemical Cocktails: Pollution & Pollinators"
by Tessa Hiscox

Ever think about how the chemicals you use affect the bacteria inside bees? No? In this talk we give some love to the bacteria that run the animals that run the world. How are we getting in the way of what bacteria do best?

Tessa is in the final throes of her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Canterbury. A lifelong-lover of all things science, Tessa was drawn to microbiology after brief forays into astronomy & engineering. When not knee-deep in agar or blending up bees, she’s out running or putting off renovation projects.

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“Better Together: The Art and Science of Belonging”
by Natasha Zimmerman

Weaving together the compelling psychology research on belonging with her own stories of (dis)connection, Natasha will convince you that meaningful relationships are the secret to a longer, happier life. By the end of this talk, you'll want to call your mother, hug a friend, and talk to strangers.

Natasha is a connection enthusiast, belongingness researcher, and seasoned facilitator. She completed her PhD in organisational psychology at University of Canterbury and she loves finding the juicy intersection of science, humanism, and practical application. Natasha is also the founder and creative force behind Unchatter, an organisation focused on bringing meaningful connection to the world. When she's not lost in a deep conversation, you might find Natasha looking at the moon, organising things for fun, tramping gleefully, reading poetry, or baking a ridiculous cake.

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Doors: 6:00pm
Presentations: 6:30pm

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