Nerd Night #55

Topic #1
“Black & Sons Butcher Co.: Winona’s Only Craft Butcher” by Kyle Black

Ever wondered what’s happening across from No Name Bar? Kyle Black breaks down whole-animal butchery, sausage-making, and life as Winona’s neighborhood craft butcher.

Kyle opened Black & Sons Butcher Co. in 2025 after sharpening his skills at a Wisconsin meat locker. He’s a backyard BBQ fanatic, world traveler, and holds a PhD in Latin American Studies from Arizona State University.

Topic #2
“Saving the World with Math: An Introduction to the Mathematics of Sustainability” by Jacob Duncan

Can math help fix the planet? Jake Duncan explores how mathematics tackles sustainability challenges like green transportation, water security, organic agriculture, wealth inequality, and gerrymandering.

Jake is a professor of mathematics at Winona State University and author of Mathematics and Statistics for Sustainability.

Topic #3
“Fun with Plastics & Maxwell’s Equations” by Ned Bryant

Want to know how engineers design plastics that absorb radar energy? This talk is right on your wavelength.

Ned Bryant is a polymer engineer at RTP Company specializing in electrically modified plastics. You may also remember his previous Nerd Nite talk on backcountry hiking in the Grand Canyon.

About Nerd Nite

Nerd Nite is a monthly talk series happening in 100+ cities worldwide where people give fun, fast-paced presentations about the things they nerd out about. Science, hobbies, research, random obsessions… it’s all fair game.