Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a comedy show, TED talk, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand, there is an entirely optional social game. Drinks, food, learning new and fascinating things, making friends with other nerds, we’ve got it all!

Our Speed Friending social game starts at 6:30, and then the big nerds hit the stage at 7:30. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event, get in touch at pittsburgh@nerdnite.com! This event will feature the following presentations:

WHO GETS TO BE AN ASTRONAUT? Designing for Disability in Space

Learn about the evolving spaceflight industry and the changing definition of “the right stuff.” This talk will highlight the work of AstroAccess, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to spaceflight for astronauts with disabilities. Since its founding in 2021, AstroAccess has conducted eight microgravity missions in which disabled researchers design and perform demonstrations onboard parabolic zero-gravity flights to showcase the ways in which accessible design can benefit all people, on Earth and beyond it.

Anna Voelker (they/them) is a science accessibility specialist recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for their work in Social Impact. Anna is the Executive Director of AstroAccess, an international nonprofit they launched with their Co-Founder Emeritus George Whitesides, current U.S. Congressman and former CEO of Virgin Galactic. AstroAccess is dedicated to advancing disability access in human spaceflight and has been invited to collaborate with numerous leaders in the aerospace industry, including consulting with Blue Origin on accessibility for New Shepard, the space vehicle that flew AstroAccess Ambassador Michi Benthaus to space in December 2025, making Benthaus the first wheelchair user in space.

AstroAccess is the only organization in the world researching accessibility in zero-gravity and has been featured by over 100 media outlets, including the New York Times, BBC, and Good Morning America. Anna is a two-time TEDx speaker and has given ~100 presentations on science accessibility across 5 continents, including invitations to speak with the White House, United Nations, Library of Congress, NASA, Forbes, MIT, and PBS. Previously, Anna worked at NASA as a Space Weather Forecaster and at The Ohio State University’s Department of Astronomy as the Outreach Coordinator. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Anna's first space job was doing astronomy outreach for the Allegheny Observatory.

The Art of Throwing an Out-of-This-World Themed Party

Ever wonder what 30-somethings without kids do for fun? Some obsess over planning kick-ass parties. From the gallows of France to adventures in the sky, Jenny has a passion for throwing a party like no other.

Dive into what it takes to produce an over-the-top themed party and learn how to transform your house or apartment into another time and place entirely.

When she’s not convincing people to attend her crazy get-togethers, Jenny Sharpe is a local super connector with experience producing hundreds of events from large-scale conferences like Thrival and Robotics & AI Discovery Day to intimate founders' dinners and learning programs.

It's Not About The Dishes

Effective communication is a skill! This talk will explore why it can be so challenging to just
listen and feel heard. Through the lens of couples therapy, we’ll learn how taking accountability
for ourselves leads to impactful change and more connected relationships. Growth is realizing
that the argument is never just about the proverbial dishes!

Dr. Katerina Istomin’s fascination with both verbal and nonverbal communication and its impact
on connection and belonging began throughout her first career as a musician. Now, as a licensed
psychologist, she specializes in couples and relationship therapy. In private practice and as a staff
psychologist at the VA Hospital, she enjoys seeing real, lasting change occur as people build
insight and awareness into their own intricate internal experiences.

WTF is Speed Friending?!

Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. It’s kind of like speed dating, but the idea is that you’re trying to make new friends. If you’re trying to get to know more folks in the area, there’s really nothing like it. It’s fun, easy, and moderated by our friendly crew of nerds.

A web application will direct you to a new potential friend in the room every five minutes, and our team can provide you with icebreakers and conversation topics if you’re feeling shy. It’s a fun, low-stakes way to meet new people and connect with the nerds and humans of Pittsburgh.

If you’re late, no problem, you can always join the next round. Similarly, you can sign out of the web app early if you want to stop. Speed friending is a totally optional part of the event, and you can also just hang out and grab a beer or some pizza (Spirit has phenomenal pizza) while other folks are participating in the game.

Important Info

This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space, and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.

Contact the host of Nerd Nite October 29, 2026

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