Nerd Nite Winona #45

TALK #1: “The Trail Provides: The Unique Culture of Long-Distance Hikers” – Alexa Shapiro

Discover a world where everyone smells, shares snacks, and turns wilderness into home. Alexa Shapiro explores the quirky, trust-filled society of long-distance hikers.
Alexa is the Trail Director for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail and a forest bathing guide based in Winona.

TALK #2: “Saving Eagles with Machine Learning” – Silas Bergen
Wind energy is clean, but risky for eagles. Silas Bergen reveals how machine learning and GPS data help identify eagle behavior and protect them from turbines.
Silas is a stats and data science professor at Winona State, with a passion for the outdoors.

TALK #3: “Insect Pinning: Where Art Meets Science” – Ellen Titus
Found a cool dead bug? Don’t toss it—pin it! Ellen Titus shows how insect pinning blends art, science, and just a little bit of obsession.
Ellen works for a major nature nonprofit and really, really loves bugs.