Nerd Nite Austin #167: Relatable!

Thursday, February 27st, 7:30pm at Barrel O’ Fun and on Twitch

Howdy, nerds! Let’s get together and learn something new!

“How Couples Navigate Big Transitions” by Marci Gleason, Ph.D.

How do couples successfully navigate big life transitions together? From having a first child to getting a serious health diagnosis, from emptying the nest to being locked up in quarantine together during a pandemic, big events in partners’ experiences together can have surprising effects. UT associate professor of human development and family sciences Marci Gleason will speak to what her years of study in this area have shown.

Marci Gleason is an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. She researches a number of subjects, including support in couples and families coping with life transitions and the overall impact on people’s well-being.

“Love and Placebo” by Tim Clark Newton

How and why do placebos work, and what’s love got to do with it? We’ll start with the history of placebos in the medical profession and their current role in research and daily clinical practice.

Dr Newton currently works as an Emergency Medicine physician and Quality Director at Seton Northwest. He has also been Clerkship Director at Texas Vista Hospital in San Antonio with the University of Incarnate Word, and did his residency in Detroit with Wayne State and St Johns hospital. He earned his medical degree at Touro Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine.

This month’s event is part of Texas Science Fest 2025. Find out more at https://sciencefest.utexas.edu

Nerd Nite happens at


the bar inside the
Alamo Drafthouse Mueller

  • Shows are (usually) the last Thursday of every month at 7:30pm.
  • The Barrel opens at 4pm. The show is free, so arrive early to get a good seat.
  • There will be an intermission between the speakers.
  • They have a full bar including beers on tap and a great food menu.
  • There’s parking in the garage behind the Alamo Mueller along McBee street. Barrel O’ Fun will validate parking for up to 4 hours. Look for the QR code at the ticket desk.
  • The Barrel O’ Fun website has menus, map and more.