BioInformatics

**Description:** Join us for trivia at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean, Virginia located at 1690 Anderson Rd every Tuesday evening in October. Trivia begins at 7pm, but please consider joining earlier, around 6:30, since seating’s first-come-first-served. Speaking of seating, per Lost Dog’s regulations, a team needs to have at least five members in order to participate in trivia. So please make sure you RSVP so we can secure a spot to play in trivia. The nearest metro is McLean. **Donation:** Neurodivergent District strives to compensate Neurodivergent District members that volunteer to host our events. Please consider a donation to @katewoodwardcm for hosting. Please specify "donation to trivia host" in the description of your payment. Questions? Text 202-930-2881.

Join us for our first meetup! We will have a discussion on Fiat vs Bitcoin, a little bit of learning and discussions that are important to the group. This a social group so bring your questions and curiosity, prepared to listen and share. Too often, women are left out of the conversation while they prepare to live longer, care for more people and are the heart of any community. Wouldn't it be great if we could be more educated on ways to beat inflation, have more choices, and be prepared for the changes to come? Please bring your questions, so that we can plan topics for future meet-ups.

Please do not arrange to play earlier than the scheduled start time UNLESS you are able to stay till the end of the event, we do not want people leaving early and creating uneven numbers. Hello members, Tennis has become much more popular since the pandemic started and court space has been harder to come by. Following these simple rules will help everyone get the most out of MoCo Topspinners Meetup. • If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.) • Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info. • Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem). • All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times. • Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group. • If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited. • If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event. For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing! If you would like to attend this event you must be a of minimum 3.0 level. USTA guidelines prior for signing up for the Meetup: https://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/ExperiencedGuidelines_02142011_V2pdf.pdf • What to bring Tennis Balls, Racket, and Water.

Holy Cross-Words Toastmasters Club (http://1341379.toastmastersclubs.org/) open to all. The club meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm in the Professional and Community Education Center (PCEC). The PCEC is located on the first floor of Holy Cross Hospital, 1500 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Join our Washington DC Speed Dating event and meet Lesbian, Bi, Trans & Queer singles for authentic conversation and fun connections! Tired of endless swiping and ghosting? Craving real conversations and genuine connections? Little Gay Book, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ matchmaking agency, invites you to a speed dating event specifically designed just for Lesbian, Bi, Trans, and Queer+ singles. **🎟 TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT: Pay for them by clicking [HERE](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978826625706/?discount=Meetup).** Join us on January 27 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm ET. **Schedule:** Check-in begins at 6:00 PM ET Please join no later than 6:25 PM ET The event will start promptly at 6:30 PM ET (late arrivals will not be permitted to participate in speed dating). We encourage arriving early to ensure your technology is working and you don't miss your matches. Please note: late arrivals will not be able to participate. **Venue:** **Spark Social** 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 **🌟 Why You Can't Miss It** Imagine an evening where meeting incredible people is effortless and exhilarating. Our Personalized Speed Dating event uses cutting-edge technology to match you with potential connections. Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary! **What Awaits You:** * A dynamic event filled with laughter, smiles, and captivating conversations. * Smartphone magic that tailors each match to your preferences, so you can focus on the fun. * The thrill continues after the event - you'll receive contact info for your promising matches, ensuring meaningful connections! **🥂 Two drink minimum required** Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to forge connections with the vibrant queer community who share your passions. Act quickly before the remaining spots disappear. **👇 FAQ:** **Q: How does the matching technology work?** A: Our innovative technology, created by Dr. Frankie’s 20+ years of LGBTQ+ matchmaking success, allows you to tailor your event experience. You share your preferences, including age range and where your preferred date falls on the masculine-feminine spectrum. Our algorithm pairs you with compatible individuals, creating a more personalized and intentional experience than traditional public speed dating. **Q: How can I connect with my matches after the event?** A: After the event, you'll receive the contact information for your matches, allowing you to take those promising connections to the next level. **Q: What should I do after the event ends?** A: We encourage you to stay after the event, mingle, and support the venue. It's a chance for great conversations, new friendships, and connections that go beyond the event. Your continued presence can make the experience even more memorable. **Q: Are there any specific guidelines for attendees?** A: Yes, our Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Queer Speed Dating events are open to lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, and genderqueer folks. These events are trans-welcoming, and intolerance is not permitted. **🎟 TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT: Pay for them by clicking [HERE](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978826625706/?discount=Meetup).** **Need Assistance?** 📧 Email: events@littlegaybook.com 📞 Phone: 510-254-9105 By registering, you consent to SMS updates (reply STOP to opt-out). All sales are final. No refunds. Spots are limited. Reserve your ticket now for the lowest price! 💕 PS - The number of RSVPs on Meet Up does NOT indicate the number of people attending the event. We promote our events on many channels, not just this Meet Up Group. RSVP'ing for this event on Meetup will NOT reserve a spot for you at this event. You will need to register by clicking here to purchase a ticket on Eventbrite. *By RSVPing to this event, you consent to being added to the Little Gay Book email list. This allows us to send you important updates about this event and future communications about related events and services. We take your privacy seriously and will handle your information with care in accordance with our privacy policy. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.* 💕 Visit our website to view our upcoming speed dating events: https://littlegaybook.com/speed-dating-events

Title: Geometric Machine Learning with Symmetries and Graphs: Applications in Molecular Problems Date: Jan 31 2026 Noon - 14:00 EST Abstract: For geometric problems, symmetry equivariant machine learning has emerged as the modus operandi. In physics, symmetry is treated as the north star, the guiding principle for problem characterization and method optimization. Geometric features are inherently compatible with continuous Lie groups (and therefore symmetries), leading to continuous parametrization and successful training methodologies. The general mapping of a classical embedding and a quantum mechanical embedding will be discussed in terms of group theoretical concepts. In the context of embeddings, graph embedding is also a powerful method for machine learning problems taking better care of inter-relations among nodal variables. Classical and quantum neural networks with different subsets of the concepts mentioned will be defined and learning attempted with. The dataset under study is geometric molecular data (from quantum mechanical models) with varying geometric complexity. Performance comparison will include accuracy metrics, generalizability metrics, and.general remarks about expressivity. Bio: Dr Saumya Biswas completed a Master's degree in electrical engineering from University of California Riverside in 2016, a PhD in Physics from University of Oregon in 2021. He has been serving as a PostDoc at University of Maryland from 2022. He is also active in the technology subspace, working with the companies Apsidal LLC and Sapienly for AI and quantum information innovations. Moderators: Dr. Sebastian Zajac, member of QPoland, Dr. Pawel Gora, CEO of Quantum AI Foundation

Title : Blockchain in the Quantum Era: Risks, Opportunities, and the Future of Secure Decentralized Systems Time: Feb 1 2026 8:30 am - 10:30 am EST Abstract: As quantum computing advances, the security foundations of blockchain systems face significant transformation. Blockchain relies heavily on classical cryptographic algorithms to ensure trust, authenticity, and immutability. However, quantum computing introduces new computational capabilities that could challenge these cryptographic primitives. This talk explores the risks posed by quantum technologies to existing blockchain systems, examines emerging post-quantum cryptographic standards, and highlights new opportunities for building more secure, scalable, and efficient decentralized infrastructures. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how blockchain can evolve in the quantum era and what steps are required to prepare for the future of secure digital ecosystems. Speaker: Prof. Snehal Laddhaa is a dynamic and results-driven professional with a strong background in Electronics and Computer Science, specializing in AI, data analysis, and IoT applications. With over 17 years of teaching experience at reputed institutions, both in India and internationally, including Australia and the UK, Ms. Laddha has made significant contributions to academia through research publications and patents. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Ramdeobaba University, Nagpur, where they lead innovative academic programs and foster student engagement. Her work spans product development, project management, and cross-functional collaboration, with notable achievements including the grant of a utility patent for "An IoT-Powered Smart Trash Bin" and 17 design patents. She has also received accolades such as the Best Paper Award at Cardiff Metropolitan University and is a certified Australian Qualified Professional Engineer. She is a reviewer of reputed international journals. Her Google Scholar profile highlights a strong publication record in embedded systems, AI, and IoT applications. This is a virtual event. Zoom registration form will be provided for registered participants in email and will be posted in the event forum by Feb 1 2026 7:30 am EST.

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

This month, we're discussing API design and single-header libraries. How should we structure and program libraries to impose as few usage constraints as possible? We’ll look at [the STB libraries](https://github.com/nothings/stb) and other examples as case studies. We're still at the West End Library - see the location in the sidebar for details. **Agenda:** \- 2pm \- 3pm: Library discussion \- 3pm \- 4pm: Open\-ended discussions\, presentations\, etc\. \- 4pm \- whenever: We'll go get food nearby\! **What we do** Presentations on lower-level, foundational programming topics, ethical software, knowledge sharing, mentoring, and discussion. **Who we are:** We are all about handmade software. Rather than focus on frameworks, heavy abstractions, and buzzwords - we typically create projects or research topics that build an understanding of foundational computing concepts, essential data structures, and hardware/software interaction. **What to bring?** Bring a laptop, project, or just a curious mind. If you're not sure you're ready to contribute, don't worry: we're all here to share our passions and hone our craft. **If you arrive late:** Please enter the room quietly as to not disrupt anyone that is presenting. You can take any empty seat.

Biodanza is now in Washington DC Weekly Wednesday evenings Come dance with us! **Worried?** **Anxious?** **Nervous?** Step away from the stress and into your body. Biodanza is a joyful, heart-opening movement practice that reconnects you to what’s real: your breath, your body, your emotions — and each other. With music, guided movement, and simple human connection, Biodanza awakens vitality, lifts your mood, and reminds you of the joy of being alive. **What to Expect:** ✨ Uplifting music & guided movement ✨ Connection without words ✨ A welcoming, inclusive group ✨ No dance experience required **Reserve your spot or ask a question:** at [www.biodanzausa.com](http://www.biodanzausa.com) on the “Classes” page Wednesdays Weekly 7-9pm Venue: Peastreet yoga in Dupont area close to metro

Join the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH as we kick off the new year. We will be discussing upcoming meetings, chapter challenges, as well as showing a few hands-on techniques. This also provides an opportunity for our members and followers to let us know what type of meetings they would like to see in 2026. The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting. The Zoom client may need to be downloaded to connect to the meeting. Safelinks Protection, used by some email applications, may alter the link. Please contact us if you have issues accessing the meeting. Please join us on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 7pm to 9pm EST online to learn more about what the new year holds. **\*\* Disclaimer**: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH. *** **Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:** [http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/](http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/) [http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/](http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/) [https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph](https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph)

\-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LU.MA)!](https://luma.com/hx866jo3) \-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an evening of collaborative problem-solving as we work on a variety of civic tech projects together. Project needs vary but often include brainstorming, researching, writing, coding, or analyzing data. Check out [our website](https://www.civictechdc.org/projects) for a list of projects which may make an appearance! Meet other civic tech enthusiasts. Learn new skills. Contribute to a project to improve a local civic issue. **All are welcome and collaboration is encouraged.** Laptops are recommended but not required. **Where do I register?** To better serve our growing community, we’re transitioning our event registrations to Luma! **We still love Meetup** Meetup has been an incredible platform for us to build and connect with our community. We’ll continue sharing upcoming events there so that new people can find us, but Luma will be our primary registration platform moving forward. **Why we're making the switch** Meetup’s registration system has some limitations, and we need more flexibility to manage sign-ups and engagement. \-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LU.MA)!](https://luma.com/hx866jo3) \-\-\-\-\-\-

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group × DevOps Columbus** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS, Columbus HashiCorp User Group, and DevOps Columbus meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/

**Understanding the Columbus Housing Market: Let’s Talk Downsizing for Seniors** Understanding the Market to Make Your Best Move Yet Thinking about downsizing or helping a parent prepare for a move? Join us for a friendly, educational seminar designed specifically for seniors in Central Ohio. We’ll break down what’s happening in today’s Columbus housing market, explore timing and planning for downsizing, and discuss easy ways to prepare a longtime home for sale—without overwhelm. You’ll also learn about low‑maintenance housing options, financial considerations, and simple steps to make your next move smooth and stress‑free. This is a relaxed, no‑pressure event where you can ask questions and get practical advice tailored to seniors and their families. Hosted by: Katie McCartney, Broker & Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES)

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm