Ecology

Join us before the lecture for a casual get together to mingle and chat about science! You can get excited about the lecture, talk about previous lectures, indulge in completely unrelated science, whatever tickles your fancy! We'll hang out at The Board Room for about an hour and a half then make our way to the Powell Auditorium. There's no kitchen at the Board Room, so feel free to bring any snacks or dinner with you! There are, of course, drinks available. As this is a bar, this will be a 21+ unofficial gathering.

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

LInden, VA Forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.9229&lon=-78.0881#.YzbHTiUpAlQ Join me on this moderate to moderately strenuous hike that ventures into the G.R. Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Linden, VA. We will hike on the Appalachian Trail and turn around after a break at the Manassas Gap Shelter. With a steady climb at the beginning of the hike, we'll get a good workout with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles. No WMA access permit is needed because we don't leave the AT. There is an intermittent stream crossing, typically an easy rock hop when water is present. We typically hike about 2 mph. However, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. NOTE: I will be carrying a bag to gather any litter near the shelter and its access trail, which I maintain. Join me if you wish. If there is hiker interest, I can demonstate how to hang a food bag on the shelter’s bear pole and/or answer questions about trail maintenance. **Wear BLAZE ORANGE for hunting season.** **Hike Route:** https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/manassas-gap **Group Size:** 20 hikers **Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 minutes before the hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. If you can't make the hike, please edit your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to open a spot for anotherr hiker. **Meeting Location/Parking:** The AT trailhead and parking area is located on VA725/Tucker Lane in Linden, VA. GPS: 38.91146, -78.05289 **Facilities:** No restroom is available at the trailhead; however, the Manassas Gap Shelter has an outdoor privy. **Admission:** Free **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for comments or questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson. **Cancellation**: If the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates before leaving home. **What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. Thanks! **Notes:** * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. **History of Manassas Gap Shelter:** Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1933, just north of Linden, Virginia. Like many shelters along the Trail, the Manassas Gap Shelter resided on private land for many decades. Built from chestnut logs, the shelter is a simple lean-to with three walls. Until the 1980s, there were also bunks across the back of the structure, but these were removed in the 1980s during a restoration of the shelter brought on by a severe infestation of mice and field rats. A spring is just downslope from the shelter.

Join us for a free coffee and board games at Proteus Brews on February 6th at 11:00 AM! It's a super cool space, with tons of free parking outside (the coffee is also delicious). You must RSVP in advance to get a free drink of choice. Call us at (571) 354-6626 if you want a free ride. We can’t wait to see you there! RSVP here: [https://wiseconnect.us/listings/activities/019c1f70-10a5-7000-a6a8-9c6a64264309](https://wiseconnect.us/listings/activities/019c1f70-10a5-7000-a6a8-9c6a64264309)

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Title: Biology-Inspired Neural Networks with Multi-Directional Propagation of Values and Distributions Date: Feb 8 2026 10:00 am - Noon EST Summary: While biological axons can propagate in both directions, current ANNs are focused on unidirectional propagation. Also usually they only propagate values, while uncertainty is shown also crucial for making decisions of biological organisms - suggesting to propagate also variance, probability distributions. I will talk about novel KAN-like approach to ANNs repairing these lack by using neurons containing inexpensive local joint distribution model as polynomial, allowing to freely change propagation direction by just switching indexes, also propagate entire probability distributions represented by vectors of moments. Beside backpropagation, it also allows many additional training approaches, like direct estimation, tensor decomposition, and through information bottleneck. Speaker: Dr Jarek Duda is an assistant professor at Jagiellonian University. He holds degrees in computer science (PhD), mathematics (MSc) and physics (PhD). He is mainly focused on physics foundations, information theory, statistical analysis, and is known for introduction of asymmetric numeral systems. Moderators: Dr. Pawel Gora, CEO of Quantum AI Foundation and Dr. Sebastian Zajac , member of QPoland Zoom registration form will be provided no later than 1 hour prior to the event's start time.

The [Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern Virginia](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/study-circle) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Led by participant-driven discussions, our circle is designed to foster connection and support as members share their experiences, wisdom, and insights on simplifying their lives. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern Virginia, we aim to bring together like-minded people who are passionate about mindful living and environmental care. Whether you're new to the journey of simplicity or looking to deepen your practice, we invite you to join us in this nurturing and inclusive environment.

***Colvin Run 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance.*** **"DANCE CANCELED"** 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance, February 7, 2026 As much as I look forward to and enjoy the First Saturday Ballroom Dances at Colvin Run, with safety being my primary concern, I felt it is better to error on the side of caution. The weather forecast is for temperatures between 10 & 12 degrees and with northwest winds predicted at 15-25 mph the wind chill temperatures could be near 0 degrees. **IN THE MEANTIME, WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!** ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! Our Third Saturday Ballroom dance is only two weeks away. Let's look forward to a "Welcome Back" to Colvin Run Dance Hall on Saturday February 21st. REMEMBER! AT COLVIN RUN, "IT'S ALWAYS FUN, FUN, FUN, FOR EVERYONE" WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME AND EVERYONE IS GLAD YOU CAME Our Calendar: Information for all events held at Colvin Run Dance Hall Our website: [http://www.colvinrun.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.colvinrun.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkFpUk5PUWtxU1U5cTM2T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5dthhX6QR_1A3TVldACsB1QUqahp2y14NB7h1E_a2uuaH_M2VUN7CYGDM9Qw_aem_GQ1JEwjti-ZryTonY8JuyA&h=AT02veZaaUHAy-E5xtdmZcXB2DzEOP6FpIQWfh1WCTHzcTzaWTLl3bc6wpZhvCgAcJ764kyG1lDNIZz9yHtHdwCG7WZoikf6pe4L2AB1MXWBOMaPdT3abS_RH1FdC_cDqKccM0xw1_u6Hg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3rWEPhZMQuFp1xMYBZ4jFgoCl2IQJJAMWVwK-x6VMruRbPb43f_Lzqj9wSDUyeSxU0k7ol9Pd4Ny9VnpezYkT5Ght1MdZRCHb_pEaFUMELVH0RynS_BclhDS8kAR7SYvhvYbVt2HndcZqzr9fQYBnOcyXGlD1cx1VLPtniDg) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/colvinrundancehall](https://www.facebook.com/ColvinRunDanceHall?__cft__[0]=AZZXqL7fNSFK--s5GFtUAmgxIAvvDIh6Fd-KxgvDiycUpyzmvRqtdpF-VNWm_hQ8g7CM_kLpTxOpIEk_pnFmyRO5g49XR2gG0Px8d5B9w6c0RxY3bULpooofin1sRh5QmSKGrPsvBEFsGfAuWSO2T1ey&__tn__=-]K-R) Meet Up: [http://www.meetup.com/colvinrun-org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.meetup.com%2Fcolvinrun-org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkFpUk5PUWtxU1U5cTM2T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5jHke7PCqB6kYkXOJVvpa8fRW6jKPFRTGum_xjJd3-TMP4f9BZL-GHd41ZNg_aem_NlWYfwd48oK2-eptpIkhKA&h=AT0KS6nEacAHu-Ckva-2G72fiF5AYnoDvPa7o5WJpbHmoyzUjb8sGQQAjzj6CxmILE8HoVFuFb31cGw4YA3SsfNbbQOcm25v55aeYLfjjWvUWvX9z1kCrhOPFVGwl0esaHQNgLsL41dOdg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3rWEPhZMQuFp1xMYBZ4jFgoCl2IQJJAMWVwK-x6VMruRbPb43f_Lzqj9wSDUyeSxU0k7ol9Pd4Ny9VnpezYkT5Ght1MdZRCHb_pEaFUMELVH0RynS_BclhDS8kAR7SYvhvYbVt2HndcZqzr9fQYBnOcyXGlD1cx1VLPtniDg) Contact: Conrad.Heer@ColvinRun.org, or 703-795-2003

Join PSW Science® on February 6 at 8 PM as we welcome Stephen Eckel, Group Leader at Fundamental Thermodynamics Group, Sensor Sciences Division NIST. During the question and answer period, in-person attendees and live stream viewers may ask the speaker questions, and in-person attendees may also engage with the speaker during the post-lecture reception. Refreshments are served. For more information on this meeting, please visit: https://pswscience.org/meeting/2530/ The meeting will be held in the John Wesley Powell Auditorium, adjacent to the Cosmos Club. The Powell Auditorium is located at 2170 Florida Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008. Use of the Cosmos Club is restricted to the Powell Auditorium, the entryway to the auditorium, and the restrooms immediately outside the auditorium. Please note there is no onsite parking available. PSW Science, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest scientific societies in Washington D.C. Now, over 150 years later, we celebrate the Society's rich history and contributions to scientific discovery and cross-disciplinary collaboration. For information on how to become a member of PSW Science and membership benefits, please visit https://pswscience.org/join/

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Join fellow Queer birders on February 22nd for birding at Pickerington Ponds Metropark. No expertise required!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!