Computational Science and Engineering

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Cuba, Our Closest Enemy,”** on our country’s volatile relationship with an island nation off Florida’s coast, with William M. LeoGrande, professor of government at American University and leading expert on U.S.-Cuban relations. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-cuba](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-cuba) .] The United States and Cuba are fractious neighbors who can’t get along but can’t move away from one another. From Fidel Castro’s defiant revolution to Donald Trump’s “Donroe Doctrine” asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, U.S. relations with Cuba have been acrimonious, tumultuous, and often dangerous—marked by invasion, attempted assassinations, nuclear confrontation, and half a century of economic warfare. Gain a deeper understanding of relationships between the two countries with Dr. William LeoGrande, widely recognized as one of the nation’s foremost experts on Cuban politics and U.S. policy toward the island, having authored or edited seven books on the subject, including *Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana.* Professor LeoGrande’s talk will chronicle the trajectory of this unique relationship of “perpetual hostility,” as Henry Kissinger called it, from confrontations to secret talks aimed at reconciliation. We’ll see how America’s playground of the 1950s became a cold war ally of the Soviet Union and how Cuban refugees became a powerful force in American politics. We’ll look at how the end of the cold war changed U.S.-Cuban relations—or didn’t—and how repeated attempts at rapprochement failed to rebuild the bridges that had burned in the early days of Cuba’s revolution. Since Fidel Castro left center stage in 2006, U.S.-Cuban relations have lurched back and forth at stomach-churning velocity. Professor LeoGrande, who has advised Congress on Cuba as a member of its foreign policy staff, will explore the stories behind the headlines. You’ll learn how changes from Republican to Democratic presidents produced radical swings in relations between Washington and Havana, most dramatically between President Barack Obama’s attempt to normalize relations and Donald Trump’s threats to bankrupt or invade the island. ( Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A Cuban military truck in Havanna in 2006 (Photo by Thomassin Mickaël / Creative Commons).

Let’s reboot the DC Postgres Meetup series! This inaugural meeting will be hosted by John Porvaznik and Eddie Pickle and all are welcome. We’re actively looking for speakers, co-hosts, event spaces and other folks that want to help bring this group back to life. If you can’t make it but want to be involved in the future, please let us know. John Porvaznik will present a talk on Postgres fundamentals including shared buffers, memory usage, pages, and more. John is a long time PostgreSQL Engineer and DBA in the government space with focus on ETL / Data Ingestion, PostGIS and spatial data sets, query optimizations, Database Design // DDL, benchmarking and specifications, data health, and system healths and monitoring. This meetup will be hosted near the Snowflake office in Tysons (event space sponsored by Snowflake). We’ll have pizza and drinks for folks. 6:00 arrival and networking, 6:30 talk followed by discussion, 7:45 close. The event is at 1750 Tysons Boulevard, McClean, VA, 22102, in the 1750 Tysons Conference Center. This is Metro Accessible from the Silver Line to Tyson's Corner station. Parking at the mall next door is free or the event building has paid parking.

Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly happy hour, at Tony & Joe's Waterfront Bar in Georgetown (3000 K. St, NW). The event goes from 7:15 to around 10:00 PM. Feel free to show up at any time. French speakers of all levels- from beginners to expats- are invited. We hope to see you there!

It's Reboot Hour time — and this month we've got a little something extra up our sleeve. 🐾 Join the **eWaste Warriors** community for our monthly **Reboot Hour** at **Carpool in Arlington** — our favorite spot to unwind, connect, donate your unused electronics, and talk about what's next for electronics sustainability. This month's gathering has a bear theme — and let's just say there's a reason for that. We've been working on something quietly for a while now, and our Reboot Hour crew gets to be the first to hear about it. No big stage, no formal presentation — just good drinks, good people, and a sneak peek at what the eWaste Warriors have been building behind the scenes. 🐻 Come curious. Leave inspired. **What to expect:** 🍻 Drinks & great conversation at Carpool ♻️ eWaste device drop-off — bring old phones, tablets & laptops to donate 🐻 A little bear-themed fun — yes, there's a story there 👀 A sneak peek at something new — come find out what we've been up to 🌱 The eWaste Warriors community — DC's best crowd in sustainability Whether you're a longtime eWaste Warriors supporter, a sustainability enthusiast, or just someone who wants a great Monday night out in Arlington — this is your crowd. Dress is casual. Drinks are on you. The good vibes are on us. 🐾 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 📍 Carpool, 4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 🎟️ Free — RSVP so we know you're coming *Bear with us. You won't regret it.* **Details:** Tuesday, April 28th 5:00 – 7:00 PM (drop in anytime) Carpool — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA Right off the Ballston Metro **What to bring:** Just yourself. Old devices welcome but not required. A friend, or meet a new one! **What to expect:** Pool, pinball, shuffleboard, darts, drinks, zero pressure — and a baseball game at the end of the week.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Rockville with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Rockville, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Rockville.

Sign up to perform here: [Link for Performance Sign Ups](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ9TNkUP7wsOuhd7AoNtYSaov47dpmQRhkKnlyMN4bHulu_g/viewform) Save the date for NetSAP Open Mic night at Solly's on Tuesday, April 28, 7-9pm! $5 donation recommended, unless you are performing - see the link for performance sign up! Get ready with your poetry, comedy, magic, and music! Can't wait to see all your talent!

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Quads games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

This is one of our regularly occurring drop-in sessions. We need a minimum of 4 players for this event to occur. Curious about Dungeons & Dragons but never played before? Learn how to play classic Dungeons & Dragons with other newbies and go on perilous adventures in a dark fairytale world called Dolmenwood. This will be a beginner-oriented introductory session involving exploration, strange monsters, clever problem-solving, and some intrigue. You do not need to know the rules ahead of time and you do not need to bring anything, as I have dice, pencils, and premade character sheets for all players. Just show up, jump in, and see if it is your thing! This will be a one-off adventure, with potential to continue on if everyone is interested. I will send the exact location to you once you are signed up.

We're back! The Cover6 Community's in-person meetup returns for round two — and if you missed the first one, this is your shot. We're keeping it intimate this time — we've got space reserved right by the bar. Perfect size for real conversations. **What to expect:** * Pure open networking — no agenda, no presentations, no slides * Three hours to connect, catch up, and build real relationships * Genuine conversations with practitioners, newcomers, students, and professionals from across the industry * Good energy, familiar faces — and plenty of new ones * Drinks right there if you want one **Who should come:** Anyone in or entering the cybersecurity space in the DMV. It doesn't matter if you've been in the industry for 20 years or you're still studying for your first cert. You belong here. Bring a friend. Seriously — the more the merrier. Tag someone who needs to be in this room. 📍 AC Hotel by Marriott Arlington National Landing 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 *(Metro accessible — Blue/Yellow Line, Crystal City Station)* 📅 Friday, May 1, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM RSVP so we know how many people to expect. See you soon! — Tyrone & the Cover6 Community team

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **"Eugenics Then and Now,”** on a dangerous movement in science and its lessons for current research, with Carlo Quintanilla, molecular biologist and health science policy analyst at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now) .] Global concerns about the return of eugenic thinking were reignited by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies, Lulu and Nana. He was quickly condemned by the scientific community and jailed for illegal medical practice, but he and others around the world continue experiments with goals echoing eugenic ambitions. As genetic technologies advance at extraordinary speed, society faces a new set of ethical questions about shaping the traits of future generations. Are we entering a new era of eugenics? If so, how should we respond? Hear such questions tackled by Carlo Quintanilla, who studied rare genetic mutations in human disease as a graduate research scientist and instructor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now works at the intersection of genomic medicine, science, and society. Dr. Quintanilla will begin by discussing the origins and history of eugenics, tracing its development in the 19th and 20th centuries as an idea, a scientific movement, and a set of policies. He’ll examine the rise of Social Darwinism in the United Kingdom, forced sterilization programs in the United States, and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich in the name of “racial hygiene.” From there, he’ll explore how our ability to shape human health and heredity have been transformed by modern reproductive and genetic technologies such as in vitro fertilization, prenatal and embryo screening, and genome editing. You’ll learn how these tools hold enormous promise when it comes to the prevention and cure of rare and debilitating genetic conditions, yet also raise profound questions related to their potential enablement of a new, technologically driven form of eugenics. Dr. Quintanilla will then delve into the ongoing debate among scientists, bioethicists, and policymakers over what should be classified as eugenics today. He’ll highlight recent controversial uses of genetic and reproductive technologies that are pushing ethical boundaries faster than society can define them, from embryo selection for traits like IQ and height to speculative military interest in genetically enhanced soldiers. These examples raise urgent questions: Where should society draw ethical boundaries? Who gets to decide? And is the term “eugenics” still useful for guiding policy and public debate? We’ll close by examining the social, political, and regulatory forces that will determine the future, considering whether they will restrain the push toward further genetic control or accelerate it. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The frontispiece of the 1883 book Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development, by pioneering eugenicist Francis Galton (Wikimedia Commons / Metropolitan Museum of Art).

# Stories That Matter Film Screening of "Deepfaking Sam Altman" Film screening, panel discussion, and Q&A **Register here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-that-matter-film-screening-of-deepfaking-sam-altman-tickets-1986940257798?aff=InviteSL#organizer-card ### Stories That Matter™ presents a special screening of the comedy documentary *Deepfaking Sam Altman,* followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with Emmy-nominated director Adam Bhala Lough and Emmy-winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne, who is also a Johns Hopkins alumnus. ### This lighthearted documentary takes a mind-bending, thought-provoking turn when confronted with the unintended consequences of AI and the ensuing ethical and legal minefield that hilariously unfolds. ### **PANELISTS INCLUDE:** • Adam Bhala Lough, director of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* • Luke Kelly-Clyne, producer of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* and head of studio for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat production company • Noel King, co-host and editorial director of Vox's *Today, Explained*, former host of NPR's flagship program, *Morning Edition*, and the popular podcast, *Up First* • Sig Libowitz, moderator and director of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Film and Media Program ### **WHEN:** Thursday, April 30 5:30 p.m. Check in 6:30 p.m. Program 8:20 p.m. Panel Discussion with Q&A 9:00 p.m. Event concludes ### **WHERE:** Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 ### **CHECK IN:** **•** A photo ID is required for entry. **•** Each attendee must have a ticket registered in their own name. If you reserved a ticket for someone else, please ensure their name and information are correctly entered. **•** A printed ticket is not needed. **•** Theater seating is first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early; overflow seating may be available. ### **ABOUT THE FILM:** The film follows Adam Bhala Lough, a father of two and a working Los Angeles filmmaker who represents the anxious everyman of the AI age. Adam has always believed in the promise of technology, until the arrival of AI threatens to upend his profession, his kids’ future, and possibly the fate of humanity itself. Adam wants to interview Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of AI. But Altman doesn’t return his calls. Or emails. Or DMs. Then a headline-grabbing Hollywood controversy sparks a new idea. Adam travels to the other side of the world, where he teams up with an Indian deepfake artist to build Sam Bot, an Altman-inspired AI trained on the voice and public appearances of the real man. Sharp, glitchy, and unexpectedly charismatic, Sam Bot becomes a creative foil and sidekick, reshaping the direction of Adam’s film and his understanding of human connection. A verité film with a sci-fi comedy twist, *Deepfaking Sam Altman* is a sharp, surprisingly moving exploration of how we navigate the chaotic new world of artificial intelligence.

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.

We invite you to an in-person session in Seattle exploring the real impact of AI on knowledge-driven industries — from shifting economics and the disruption of traditional SaaS and consulting models to where organizations can still build lasting competitive advantage. As AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini continue to redefine how work gets done, organizations face a critical question: how can they adapt, remain competitive, and create lasting value? We’ll discuss practical strategies for integrating AI while preserving human expertise, along with actionable approaches to upskilling teams for an AI-driven workplace. Drawing on real-world experience from training thousands of professionals and deploying AI solutions, this session will provide clear, applicable insights for today’s evolving landscape. Following a short presentation, the session will open into an interactive discussion where attendees can share perspectives and explore key questions around the evolving role of humans, organizational adaptation, and staying competitive in an AI-first world. **Who should attend:** • Executives and managers in SaaS, consulting, and knowledge-driven organizations • Professionals exploring AI upskilling and workforce transformation • Anyone interested in the future of AI and knowledge work 📍 **Location:** Data Science Dojo, 5010 148th Ave NE, Suite 200A, Redmond, WA, United States 🔗 **Google Maps:** [https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc](https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc) **💻 Online Access:** A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person; however, the full interactive experience is reserved for in-person participants.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 16, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.