Introduce yourself: Your nerdiest/geekiest interests

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Reply with your name, what you prefer to be called, and one or more of your nerdiest/geekiest interests or hobbies.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

I’m Jeff Salbato (your teacher), but I prefer Jeff. You only need to introduce yourself in one of these sub-topics, but, because I’m the supposed leader here, I’ll post in all of them…

My nerdiest interests are philosophy, psychology, political theory, history, books, and languages. My geekiest interests are video games and board games.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by jsalbato@cnm.edu.

[Rhys Orion]

Hello! My name is Rhysand Orion but I just go by Rhys.

My nerdiest interests are psychology, behavioral health, and understanding the human mind. I love to know the “why” behind actions.

My geekist interests are style curation, character creation, world building/developing, art, tabletop games, and pc gaming.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Hi Rhys!

I think you’ll be pleased with how often you’ll find crossovers with psychology in our class this semester.

Note that I created one of these “introduction” threads to be about board games and video games, because those are two of my favorite things as well. (Right now I am obsessed with playing Space Base on BoardGameArena…it’s like joining board gaming with pc gaming.)

[Kyleigh Trujillo]

Good afternoon,

My name is Kyleigh Trujillo. Some people call me Ky for short, but either or is fine.

I’d say one my nerdiest/geekiest hobbies is entomology! Any free time I have I enjoy reading small articles and watching short documentaries based on insects. Its fascinating to learn about how each individual insect plays a vital role in our environment!

I’m also excited to be taking this class this semester. Philosophy has had an impact on my mindset throughout the years and I’m excited to take a deeper look into it! I hope everyone has a good semester!

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Kyleigh,

We could make a good team, because one of my hobbies is etymology (and you are probably one of the few people who know what that means, and why it is a stupid joke).

Book recommendation: Yong’s “Immense World” on insect and animal perception. And if you also like the nasty and microscopic types of critters, he also wrote a fun book on human parasites, “I Contain Multitudes”.

Jeff

[Brogan Pecotte]

Hi everyone! My name is Brogan and I am a first-year student at CNM. When it comes to film, I am a total nerd. My mom recommended “La La Land” to me a few years ago and it is still in my top 5 movies of all time. The director, Damien Chazelle, also directed “Whiplash” with J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller. This has also become one of my favorites.

Psychology is super interesting to me. Especially, the psychology of film. I really appreciate the different elements that filmmakers utilize to make their audience feel a certain way. For example, I’ve never enjoyed horror movies, but I really like thrillers and psychological movies and TV shows. There is something so intriguing about the fact that these films (which we all know are fake and scripted) can still make you feel nervous, anxious, sad, happy, surprised, etc.

I’m excited for what this class has to offer. Who knows? I may end up with philosophy as my next nerdy interest. Good luck to everyone!

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Brogan,

One of the headers on my website is “Propaganda” and it is actually a sorted list of book and movie recommendations. For movie nerds, a fun one is “Cinema Paradiso” if you don’t mind subtitles. Others not on the lists there that you should check out are “Waking Life” and “Momento”.

Jeff

[Michael Morgensen]

Hello everyone!

My name is Michael Morgensen and I go by Michael or Mike, and this is my second semester back at CNM. I tried college 13 years ago after high school (go Rio Grande class of 2012!) and due to my own issues I ended up dropping out and going to work. I currently work for the City of Albuquerque in the Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness as a maintenance worker.

My nerd hobbies are video games, 3D printing, and laser engraving. I have a Bambu X1 Carbon and an XTool S1 laser engraver. I’ve used it to engrave mirrors, metal signs, business cards, a few yeti tumblers, and all sorts of wood pieces. I’ve used the 3D printer to not spend money on Christmas presents for by making little statues, fidget toys, and Deadpool and Spiderman masks for the nephews. I love that I can fire up my computer and make any of my stupid little designs in either 3D or engraved or burned on to a material. I fully plan on laser engraving a copy of my certificates and degree on to glass with some sensual back lighting and hanging it in my office.

I’m looking forward to this class. It’s going to be intense but in a way I’m excited for. Ask me the day of the 11th how I’m feeling and the answer may be different, but I’m eager to challenge myself right now.

[Jack Gose]

Hello Everyone.
My name is Jack Gose. I’m currently going for a film degree at CNM. I’m actually very surprised by having to do this class this early, when I was registering for classes I didn’t notice that this was an intersession class, so I’m not really in the “school” mindset, and it might take me a bit to get re-adjusted.

My geekiest/nerdiest interest is probably Magic: The Gathering. Not really playing the card game, but watching videos on people playing certain decks or analyzing them. I think that it’s a really neat trading card game, and like the different fantasy themes explored in sets. Although, the recent Spider-Man cards, along with the upcoming Marvel cards really don’t fit the game, and I personally just don’t really like them.

I’m ambivalent about this class, just because when signing up I really didn’t know it was an intersession class. So, suddenly checking my email and seeing I had a class starting the next day made me panic quite a bit. But after calming down and thinking about it, I don’t think it’ll be all that bad. I guess I’ll see what the very near future holds.

[Jason Gassaway]

Hi all,

My name is Jason, but most people just call me Jay. I’m currently attending CNM to obtain an engineering degree and transfer to a university for electrical engineering.

This is my nerdy interest. Electricity. I love all that you can do with it from a simple light circuit to more elaborate logic controllers. My geeky interest would definitely be super heroes and villains. I like to read about them and watch the marvel movies especially.

I look forward to this class as I’ve always had a slight interest in philosophy but never had the chance to dive in head first. I’ve read some work from Marcus Aurelius (Meditations) and touched on others like Friedrich Nietzsche. I’m truly excited to learn more. Good luck everyone!

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Jay,

We’ll be covering Epictetus’ Stoicism (he was Aurelius’ mentor), but, sadly, one of the philosopher’s that had to be cut because this class is so rushed was Nietzsche (I usually cover him in this class).

Jeff

[Malcolm Molina]

My name is Malcolm and most people just call me Malcolm. If you come up with something better then you can call me that as long as its not Malcom, Malcum, or Malcome (these are how people usually misspell my name). I am a dual-credit student working towards an engineering degree and I hope to eventually get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

My nerdiest interest is probably dinosaurs, I love looking at and learning about dinosaurs and just all prehistoric creatures in general. My favorite dinosaur is a deinonychus, mostly because of how they are in ARK: Survival Evolved even though it’s not accurate. My favorite prehistoric creature is the Quetzalcoatlus Northropi because I find it fascinating how something nearly as tall as a T-Rex (Quetzalcoatlus Northropi was about 5.5 meters tall whilst standing and T-Rex was about 6.5 meters tall) could still soar through the skies at 130kph (80mph).

My geekiest interests are probably videogames, anime, and Pokémon cards (although I do play the games I collect cards more). My favorite videogame is Ark: Survival Evolved (because of the dinosaurs), my favorite anime is Jujutsu Kaisen (basic I know, I like good animation and fight scenes), and my favorite Pokémon is Mew (just because they are really really cute).

[Em Varela]

Hello my name is Em Varela.
My nerd interests are psychology and automotive. I currently have a career in automotive so I know the ins and outs of how they work and the technology behind them. Psychology is my current study; I like figuring out why people become who they are and their actions.

My geek interests are anime and video games. I don’t play games anymore due to time constraints but they were a core part of my life. I’m also heavy into dance music and live events/conventions.

[Daisy]

Hi Em! It’s great to meet you. I think it’s really interesting how you combine automotive work with psychology—understanding both how machines work and why people act the way they do is a cool mix. Anime and video games definitely leave a lasting impact, even if you don’t have as much time for them now. Dance music and live events are awesome too; there’s nothing like the energy of a convention or a live show

[Ana N-M: Music]

Hi guys! My name is Ana, and the email you can reach me at is ananunezmedina@cnm.edu. A couple of artists/ bands I heavily recommend are DeathByRomy, FKA Rayne, and Violent Vira.

[Chris]

I fudged up on the last thread on the TV topic, but oh well.
I would say I am a hidden nerd. On the outside, I look like a normal grumpy middle-aged guy. On the inside, huge kid. I love the original Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, Super Mario, Dragonball Series, Pokemon and a lot of late 80’s to late 90’s era style. I do collect these figures and playing cards.

[Amari Urioste]

Hey Chris, it’s nice to meet you. My dad introduced me to Dragonball when I was younger, and I still love it. Who would you say was your favorite character?

[Daisy]

Hello, my name is Daisy. I think one of my nerdiest interests is learning history in my free time. I even like British history the most; learning about kings and queens is really interesting, but my favorite has to be the Tudor line. I like Greek mythology as well, and I will read any books related to these topics, so if you guys have any recommendations, send them my way.

[Elizabeth Burt]

Hello Daisy,
I have a friend who loves history, and it is always fun to discuss. What do you like about the Tudor line? I am also interested in Greek mythology. I am a big fan of Epic the Musical, even though I know that it is not the most accurate depiction of the actual Odyssey story. Epic the Musical has sparked my interest in Greek mythology. Is there a specific character you like in Greek mythology?
I look forward to taking this class with you!

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

P.S. Just in case you never heard this, the movie “Oh Brother Where art Thou?” is a fun retelling of Homer’s Odyssey.

[Nathan Lee]

Hi, My name is Nathan, I go to high school at Volcano Vista and I play lots of sports such as football, wrestling, and power lifting. I would say I am above average in the reading classroom’s but I’m strongest in my math/science classes. I started CNM in my freshman year and now I plan to graduate Spring of 2026.
My nerdiest/geekiest interest would have to be knowing so much about the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises. I remember when I first started to like either of them, I was had just started to read the first book of Harry Potter from my library. I was so interested that I wanted to read all of them, which then continued to the spin off books such Fantastic Beasts and James Potter series. This led to me buying the movies and then I started the Lord of the Rings series and I got entrapped again, restarting the whole process.

Good luck all.

[Kodi Casias]

My name is Kodi

I love and I mean LOVE the psychology that goes through killers heads like why do that? What makes them that way? Is it in all of us or did someone make them like that?

[Alfredo Angel Mojarro]

I honestly feel thag it’s a mix of nature and nurture.

[Alfredo Angel Mojarro]

Hello my name Alfredo Mojarro im currently enrolled in CNMs electrical trades, im getting my associates degree in PLC Programming after this spring semester. My favorite hobby by far right now is playing Minecraft realms. Im hooked this lasts for usually 2 months and then I take a long 2 year break in-between lmao.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

I’ve still never played MInecraft, but I love a couple of games that are clearly inspired by it: Terraria (pretty much a clone with graphics) and Satisfactory (it’s like minecraft with fancy graphics and industrialization).

[Kaitlynn Maestas]

Hi everyone, I’m Kaitlynn Maestas and I prefer to go by Kaitlynn. I would say my nerdiest/geekiest interests are psychology, neurology, reading, playing D&D, video games, philosophy and board games.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

I’ve still been too chicken to play D&D, but everything else you listed is basically my life. In the header of this website there’s a link to “propaganda” which is really just lists of my favorite books, games, etc.

[Kaydence]

Hi everyone,
My name is Kaydence, I am 19 years old, and I am studying to become a medical assistant. I am a very artistic person and love all forms of art. I really like to do diamond paintings, and I also like doing different henna designs on myself. I started getting into dance this last year and really like it. I look forward to working with you all and learning more about this class.

[Kate Nelson]

Hello! My name is Kate. I am a cosmetology major, but I also enjoy learning about psychology and astronomy. I’m in the process of building a gaming PC, and I’ve had fun learning about all the different parts and how they work together. I’m excited to be in this class and look forward to getting to know you all!

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Kate,
That is very cool. I always cheat and buy a basic rig and then just swap out the parts to upgrade it. I have come close to building one from scratch but always go back to my cheater shortcut. I’m not as cool as you.

[Michael Thompson]

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Thompson. I am currently a Psychology major with the goal of eventually earning a Master’s degree in clinical therapy. My ultimate aim is to specialize in supporting the first responder and veteran populations. Having served as a first responder myself for ten years, I’ve developed a deep fascination with human behavior—specifically the ‘why’ behind how people think and operate. I find myself constantly analyzing the motivations and circumstances that lead people to where they are. I’m excited to be part of this class and look forward to learning alongside all of you.

[Samantha Garza]

Hello everyone,

My name is Samantha and my nerdeist hobby is reading. I read three books at a time. I read one physically, one I listen to and one I read on my Kindle. I read all types of genres and I am always willing to give a book a try.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Samantha,

Me too! I always read one heavy, serious book that I keep at school, a fun nonfiction book that I read at home, and then a purely fun fantasy/SciFi book that I read when I take walks. (Yes, it is pretty easy to read and walk when you try it.)

If you want a bunch of book recommendations, click on the “propaganda” header near the top of these pages.

[Samantha Garza]

Thank you for the book recommendations!

[Elizabeth Burt]

Hi, I’m Elizabeth, but everybody calls me Izzy.
I love basically anything related to the field of business.
My nerdiest hobbies are playing classical guitar, reading economics books, drawing chibis, playing with my cats, and looking at Lord of the Rings memes.

[Gerry Beard]

Hi, I’m Gerry. I was a drafter for structural engineers for 40 years and took art classes for the last 10 years or so. I think some of my nerdiest/geekiest interests are mathematical subjects like fractals, tesseracts, and tiling of geometric shapes; my favorite math subject in high school or college was geometry. The quantum nature of existence also fascinates me; the idea that at the very base of physical existence matter and energy are interchangeable.

[Jaylyn]

Hi everyone!

My name is Jaylyn. I’d honestly say that the thing I nerd out on the most has to be anything related to psychology. I really tend to gravitate toward Jungian depth psychology, behavioral and addiction psychology, the use of psychedelics in treating trauma, and somatic practice and energy work.

The things I geek out on the most are anime, music, video games, especially the ones with deep stories, strong emotional themes, and anything magical. I’m also really drawn to anything related to esoteric practices, things with strong symbolism and mystical systems of meaning.

[Regina]

Ollo,

My name is Regina. My childhood nickname is Reggie, given to me by a friend of mine due to the fact I am of Hawaiian decent and because of the show Rocketpower. Others call me Regina George because of Mean Girls. My gamer friends know me as Chuni because my gamertag (Chuunibyou_). For those who might wonder, yes, my gamertag is based off an Anime. However, I mainly just go by Regina.

I think the nerdiest thing about me is I am an eclectic. I love so many things. I love painting, writing poetry,and crafting. Sometimes I jot down dreams into a journal for story ideas for books. I love playing video games. Currently I am jumping between Control and Uncharted 2. I read a lot! Books articles, anything that strikes my interests. I can be scrolling through social media and find something new that catches my interests and before I know it I am researching and fact checking all about it. Recently I was reading about Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees because, I saw a video of one and had doubts they were real because of their beauty. Turns out they’re real. Last year one of my random interests actually was Philosophy. I had bought a book on Philosophy on a whim while browsing at Barnes and Noble along with a book on Stoics.

I just love learning…

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Woohoo Regina!
You are in luck, my class has philosophy all over the place, and we will even be covering Stoicism. Oh, and reading. Jokes aside, I think you’ll like my class.

[William Billand]

Greetings,

I prefer to be called Will but I am not overly picky one way or the other. I am big into history and firearms, but have lately found a deep interest in horse racing.

[Tiana Rojas]

Hello, my name is Tiana! I just prefer to be called Tiana. I’m into psychology, and absolutely love learning about human behavior and the way the brain works. Another “nerdy” thing I like is math. I’ve always enjoyed any math classes I’ve taken and find it to be the easiest subject to learn.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

Hi Tiana,
I think you’ll find plenty of psychology and human nature issues in this class to make you happy.

[Donny Memeti]

Hello,

My name is Donny! You can call me Donny or David. I enjoy playing video games on my PC on my free time usually at time. I tend to play Rainbow 6 Siege, Rust, Call of Duty.

[Maria Perez]

Hello everyone! My name is Maria, I like to go by Maria. My nerdiest/geekiest interests are Psychology, Botany, self-sustaining homes/homesteading and movies that trip you out, for example my go2, Eastrail 177 trilogy by M. Night Shyamalan.

[Amari Urioste]

Hello everyone! My name is Amari, I like to go by Amari.

I would say my nerdiest interests are sudoku and history. I have always enjoyed math classes, it’s what comes easiest to my brain. I also love learning about American history, it has been very interesting to see how our country has been built and grown over the years.

The geekiest interests are anime, comics, and romance books. I’ve always leaned toward Marvel comics more than DC. I just recently started getting into anime so it’s been cool to watch a few different ones.

[jsalbato@cnm.edu]

For most of my like I read only serious books, but now I am reading many more fun books. In recent years I have finally found some SciFi books I really like, and just in the last few months I have started reading romance.

So far I’ve read Henry’s “Book Lovers” and Moyes’ “Me Before You”.

Those were both great. What would you recommend for my next romance book? Has anyone read either Hazelwood’s “Love Hypothesis” or Hoang’s “Kiss Quotient”, because those are on my list of recommended romance books to buy.

[Mariyah]

Hi! My name is Mariyah and I like to go by Mariyah. I would say my nerdiest interest at the moment would be the anime Attack on Titan. I got into a few months ago and since then I have watched it fully through twice and am in the process of reading all of the Mangas as well. I am in love with the series and definitely hopped on the train way to late. It has some of the best storytelling, forshadowing, symbolism and cinematography I have ever seen across both anime and normal tv genres. It truly is a masterpeice and I am having an amazing time taking in the aot universe as a whole. Highly recommend, it is so much more than anime it is in a whole league of its own.

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