Nerd Night returns to UA Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host its annual Nerd Night on Wednesday, Nov. 4, featuring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and is sponsored by the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Attendees can participate in demonstrations, view exhibits, and enjoy food truck meals and raffle prizes.

Erin Flowers, director of student services, described the event as a way to connect students, families, prospective applicants, and the local community. She noted that more than half of the exhibits come from student organizations. "It’s a way to build community (among) students and their families, prospective students, and the Little Rock community," Flowers said. "The exhibits make it amazing, more than half of them are from student organizations, which is really cool, and it’s a fun time for us all to be together."

The majority of activities are located in the Engineering & Information Technology building, specifically on floors one and four. These areas will host a Trojan Forge Makerspace activity, Cybersecurity Club activities, virtual and augmented reality stations, and displays of mobile and industrial robots. Other campus locations will also feature events. The Engineering Technology & Applied Science building will host a gaming lounge with Esports. Stabler Hall will offer Pico Balloon launches at 6:30, 7, and 7:30 p.m., along with stargazing. Trojan Way will feature a crop demonstration, "disappearing ghosts," and new pet rock adoptions.

Check-in and food trucks will be situated in the parking lot between the EIT building and the Reynolds business building. Flowers said the weather should be clear for stargazing on Wednesday. A live feed from the observatory will be available in the EIT building to show the night sky. The Aerospace Club will also return the pop-up planetarium to the EIT building, which Flowers noted is very popular. The American Chemistry Society student group, the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center, and the Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center will also host experiments that typically draw large crowds.

Flowers advised attendees to arrive early and make a plan because the event moves quickly. "Get here early, and make a plan, because there is a lot to do, and time flies by quickly," she said. Food truck tickets are first-come, first-served and cannot be purchased in advance. Dining options will include barbecue, tacos, loaded potatoes, vegetarian and vegan items, and desserts.

Current and prospective students can use the event to learn about research opportunities, leadership programs, honor societies, career pathways, and student organizations within the college. Flowers said the event has grown steadily over the years. "We had more than 700 people last year, and we already have more than 600 signed up this year, which is ahead of" last year's pace, she said on Monday. Registration is available online.