***This event concluded on Friday, May 3rd, 2024***
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Exploring Bitcoin: Can decentralized money really work?
In a span of 15 years, Bitcoin has grown from a fringe, obscure project to a $1.3 trillion asset with a vibrant community and arguably increasing geopolitical significance. Advocates see it as a new form of money and the underpinnings of a technology-enabled, trustless, and neutral financial system, while others consider it a ponzi scheme, a pet rock, or pure speculation.
One thing is for certain: bitcoin can be a polarizing topic. During this event, we'll seek to break it down and explore bitcoin - both the asset and the network - from first principles. We are excited to be joined by three successful professionals in the space with a deep understanding of this emerging technology: Nik Bhatia, Ella Hough, and Zac Guignard.
We'll discuss:Â
 - What is bitcoin, and why should you care?
 - What is money, anyway?
 - Bitcoin use cases: domestic & international
 - Common misconceptions
 - Bitcoin and governments
 - A glimpse into the future
 - And more!
Event is free to attend and open to the community. We will reserve the last 20-30 minutes of the event for Audience Q&A, so please bring your questions!
Nik is a financial researcher, adjunct professor at University of Southern California (USC), and author of the #1 bestseller Layered Money: From Gold and Dollars to Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies. He pioneered the first-ever Bitcoin class at a major US business school and currently writes The Bitcoin Layer, a research publication on Substack.
Ella is a junior at Cornell pursuing a Bitcoin-focused study through Cornell’s Robert S. Harrison College Scholar Degree Program. Through her work with the Cornell Bitcoin Club, Generation Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Students Network, and many other efforts, she is dedicated to helping educate young generations about Bitcoin.
With a focus on spearheading Bitcoin awareness and education on campus and in the local community, Zac served as President for the UVic Crypto Club while a student. Post-graduation, he now produces a newsletter ‘The Bitconomist,’ serves as Education Lead at Theya Bitcoin, and also works with the Human Rights Foundation.
Ryan runs various programs at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, and will be serving as the moderator for the discussion. He is dedicated to the startup space and passionate about providing education on how new technologies will continue to shape the world around us.
Blockchain@CSUN is a community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni focused on advancing discussion and development of blockchain and digital assets. Our mission is to provide education while also learning together about this profoundly transformative technology. We share an interest in exploring the relationship between distributed systems and human incentives, and its impact on traditional fields including finance, computer science, and economics. All disciplines welcome! Learn more
