Google DeepMind: AI Research Foundations — A 5-Week Winter Study Group

Start 2025 by decoding the DNA of modern AI. Join GDG Baltimore and GDG Annapolis for a collaborative, 5-week deep dive into the "AI Research Foundations" learning path by Google DeepMind.

Overview:

This isn't a passive lecture series; it is a hands-on Study Group.

Google DeepMind’s AI Research Foundations is a practical, purpose-built AI curriculum to empower you with the skills for high-impact AI research. This technical, university-level curriculum will deepen your understanding of transformers, and teach you how to responsibly build and fine-tune modern language models through practical activities.

Over five sessions, we will dissect the curriculum, run Keras labs, and debate the ethical implications of the models we build. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a developer, this path will take you from simple N-grams to training your own Transformer model. We will provide you with free access to skills.google as well as any required tools and software. We will also introduce NotebookLM as a learning platform.

What You Will Achieve (5-Week Accelerated Path):

Weeks 1-2 (Foundations): From manual language understanding to statistical N-grams and their limitations.

Week 3 ( The Turning Point): Introduction to the Transformer Architecture and training an SLM using Keras.

Week 4 (Research in Action): Case studies in biology/education and the Machine Learning development pipeline.

Week 5 (Impact & Ethics): "Innovating Responsibly," ethical implications, and defining problem statements for our local context.

Who Should Join?

Developers

Researchers

Students

Prerequisites: very basic Python knowledge and a curiosity about how machines "think."

🗓️ The Schedule (Mark Your Calendars): We meet on Wednesdays for 5 consecutive weeks.

Session 1: Jan 8

Session 2: Jan 15

Session 3: Jan 22

Session 4: Jan 29

Session 5: Feb 5 (Grand Finale)

🕒 Time & Location:

Time: TBD by You! We know Maryland traffic can be tricky. Once you register, you will receive a scheduling poll to help us pick the time that works best for the majority of the cohort.

Location: Hybrid & Roving. We will rotate between venues in Baltimore and Annapolis to share the commute burden. A Google Meet link will always be provided for remote participation. Please feel free to recommend locations with computer labs that can accommodate 15-30 people.

The "Hybrid + Social" Experience: We believe code connects us, but community keeps us together.

The Work: We tackle the labs and theory together.

The Reward: Every in-person session concludes with a visit to a local pub or brewery to network, debrief, and warm up this winter.

👉 Register now to receive the Time Selection Poll and join the cohort!

This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-google-deepmind-ai-research-foundations-a-5-week-winter-study-group-2026-01-22/
or in person at

Anne Arundel Community College - 7009 Arundel Mills Circle Severn, 21076

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Agenda

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Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

Spotlight on Angelo Thalassinidis: Empowering the Future of Tech and Education

With over 25 years of experience in education and professional services, Angelo Thalassinidis is a proven leader in shaping the future of technology programs, and supporting founders and innovation. As a first-generation college graduate, Angelo is at the forefront of social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications, and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.

🔧 Transforming Technology Education
Angelo has spearheaded the development of new academic programs, especially in MedTech, AI, and Information Systems, preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

🌐 Building Communities and Connecting Innovators
As a co-organizer of GDG Baltimore and GDG Annapolis, Angelo is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers, and entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and innovate. Events like the StartathonAI, Chesapeake Innovation Summit, and DevFest Annapolis offer invaluable opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

💡 Entrepreneurial Leadership
Angelo led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing, and IT service management with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS, and various startups. His leadership has created high-impact solutions and successful ventures in both the US and Europe. Angelo has also founded several companies in both Europe and the US.

📊 Shaping the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Angelo’s expertise extends to program development, having created graduate and undergraduate degrees in IS/IT, as well as custom educational solutions for corporations. His experience at Tampa Bay Tech and Tampa BSides further underscores his commitment to fostering tech communities and knowledge sharing. Angelo has planted the seed and mentored several startups and has a goal to increase the pipeline of founders.

💬 Driving Strategic Growth
Known for his ability to drive strategic initiatives and data-driven organizational change, Angelo’s leadership focuses on value creation, customer-centric solutions, and continuous improvement. He consistently helps organizations harness emerging technologies to scale and succeed.

Mary Leaf, Co-organizer

Mary Leaf is the founder of MLof Strategies, where creativity meets strategy to elevate brands. Specializing in Brand Identity Design and Content Creation, she excels at developing compelling brand narratives and visual identities. Her approach integrates brand development, marketing, and artistic talent with a holistic mindset.
Mary believes a brand’s strength comes not only from its logo but from a clear, deep understanding of its core identity and the narrative it tells. By blending creative design with marketing insights and data-driven strategies—including the innovative use of AI and advanced tools—she enhances content performance and overall brand development.
Leveraging her business acumen, Mary also excels in crafting executive summaries and strategic roadmaps, providing clients with actionable steps to clarify their vision, define their unique position, and achieve sustainable growth. As a Marketing Content Creator, she utilizes SEO and data analytics to help businesses improve their online presence and engage meaningfully with their target audience.
With a background in operational optimization and project management, Mary ensures that every project is executed efficiently from concept to completion. Whether supporting startups to define their brand or helping established businesses refine their strategy, Mary is dedicated to positioning every brand for success in a rapidly evolving market.

Jesse Alton,

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-google-deepmind-ai-research-foundations-a-5-week-winter-study-group-2026-01-22/.