Today’s picks for civic nerds.

For Thursday:

Key to Successful Students 

Dr. Denise Pope is an award-winning author and a senior lecturer at Stanford University, so she knows a thing or two about successful study habits. She'll suggest strategies to lower stress at home while working toward college.

Dr. Denise Pope: The Resilient Student, Thu Mar 14, 7–8:30pm, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, Seattle, $20–$25.

For Wednesday:

Edison's Invention Still Creates Innovation

Was Edison's light bulb a catalyst for the nation's tech transformation? Author Ernest Freeberg sure thinks so, and he'll tell you why by describing how it was created—and the reactions of people who saw it for the first time.

Ernest Freeberg: How Edison's Light Blub Changed Invention—and Us, Wed March 13, 6–7:30, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, Seattle

Made in China? Maybe not.

Will clothes forever bear tags declaring, "Made in China?" Textile and apparel specialist Stacy Flynn will talk about the future of clothing, and how to be a part of a community that buys and supports ecologically and economically sustainable apparel.   

The Future of Clothing: Net Impact Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Wed March 13, 6–9pm, The HUB Seattle, 222 Second Ave, Seattle, free.

The Mayor Talks Transit

Mayor Mike McGinn, a vocal advocate for a new rail line connecting Ballard and downtown, will be at tonight's open house for the city's Ballard to downtown transit study tonight. The event is open to all and is your chance to talk to the man himself about potential routes, station locations and travel times.

Ballard to Downtown Transit Study Open House with Mayor McGinn, Tue March 12, 5–7, Ballard High School Commons, 1418 NW 65th St, free.

Eager Engineers

If the free Snoqualmie Ice Cream doesn't interest you, maybe the work EWB is doing with developing communities worldwide to improve quality of life will. The organization hires and trains engineering professionals and students to implement sustainable engineering projects.

Engineers Without Borders at Makerhaus, Tue March 12, 5:30–9, Makerhaus, 122 NW 36th St, Seattle, $5 suggested donation.

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Anna at [email protected].