FWIW, my hs senior nephew who attends a math/science magnet school informed me that "nerd" is not a negative term anymore. It usually applies to someone whois savvy with technology in a way that is perceived as desirable, "like a hacker who is doing you a favor." He informed me that what I described as a nerd (generally studious and socially inept) would be considered a "dork" at his school.