HPC Programming

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Science of Making Friends,”** with Marisa G. Franco, assistant clinical professor of psychology at the University of Maryland’s Honors College and author of the *New York Times* best-seller *Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends.* Friends matter. They’ve been shown to improve mental and physical health, with one study of very happy people finding that their most defining characteristic was being socially connected. Yet friendship networks have been shrinking over the last few decades as people have coped with distraction, burnout, and chaos. It doesn’t help that we live in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships. How do we make and keep friends? What’s the secret to finding “your people” in an ever-more-fragmented world? Learn what science says about making friends in this interactive talk by Dr. Marisa Franco, a psychologist who has extensively researched human connection and systemic loneliness and whose book *Platonic* has been extensively lauded as a source of great practical advice. You’re never too old to make new friendships or deepen longstanding ones. Along with giving you an understanding of the scientific study of friendship, this talk will teach you practical steps you can take to build better connections with others to be happier and more fulfilled. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Come kick back with the Black Code Collective! We'll be on the second floor by the main entrance in the mall! Ample parking in the Ballston Mall garage. Parking available on the street as well.

**Event overview:** **RSVP/ REGISTER HERE: [Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3259361/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000471156)** The era of static, on-premises infrastructure is over. As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, the strategic migration and modernization of virtual environments has become a critical imperative for achieving long-term agility, security, and cost-efficiency. The **[Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3259361/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage)** event will provide a pragmatic and forward-looking roadmap in navigating this transition. In 2026, the virtualization landscape is defined by the convergence of containers, hybrid/multi-cloud strategies, and the integration of AI-powered automation. We will move beyond the simple "lift-and-shift" to explore the modernization pathways—from replatforming databases to refactoring monolithic applications into cloud-native microservices. The event features **thought leadership talks** on the future of hybrid infrastructure and a tailored, **hands-on lab** that takes a comprehensive look at OpenShift Virtualization. Attendees will gain actionable insights on: * Strategic Planning: Defining a virtualization strategy that aligns with business outcomes and the future of hypervisor alternatives, including leveraging open-source virtualization like KubeVirt/OpenShift Virtualization to avoid vendor lock-in. * Next-Generation Infrastructure: Integrating containers (Kubernetes/OpenShift) and virtual machines (VMs) for a unified hybrid cloud platform. * Operational Excellence: Leveraging AI and automation to streamline migration, ensure day-two operational efficiency, and build real-time resilience. * Security and Compliance: Implementing advanced, built-in security features like micro-segmentation and ensuring compliance across complex, multi-cloud virtual footprints. **Choose your learning path** Participants will select between talking through guided challenges or taking a practical deep dive into OpenShift virtualization in a hands-on lab. **Hands-on lab: OpenShift Virtualization deep dive** The hands-on session will provide practical experience with the core components of OpenShift Virtualization: * Fundamentals and Deployment: Installing and configuring the OpenShift Virtualization operator. * VM Lifecycle Management: Creating, cloning, snapshotting, and managing VMs using both the web console and CLI tools. * Networking and Storage: Configuring complex VM networking (e.g., external VLANs) and provisioning storage using Kubernetes storage classes. * Migration Toolkit: Importing and migrating existing virtual machines from traditional hypervisors (like VMware or RHV) into OpenShift Virtualization. Join us to uncover the essential blueprint for a seamless, low-risk migration, and walk away with the knowledge to future-proof your virtual environment for sustained business success. *We are pleased to offer 4.6 continuing professional education (CPE) credits to those that attend the event. CPE certification at Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success is being administered by Carahsoft Technology Corp. Carahsoft is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. For more information on the CPE credit we are offering, Carahsoft’s CPE sponsor (NASBA), and the submission process, please click the link [here](https://carahevents.carahsoft.com/Event/Details/710136-CPE).*

\-\-\-\-\-\- [REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE (ON LU.MA)! ](https://luma.com/fnai8zxh)\-\-\-\-\-\- 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/fnai8zxh) \-\-\-\-\-\-

Continuing Improv 101 and welcoming any drop-ins. 2 hours of improv for a flat rate of 100$ with a showcase for your family and friends or 10$/hr. Stay for 1 hour or both! Let's 'Yes And!"

🌙✨ NetSAP (Network of South Asian Professionals) and YBP (Young Bengali Professionals) Community Iftar at Ballston Quarter Market ✨🌙 Join us for dinner or breaking fast together! 🗓Wednesday, February 25 ⏰ 5:30 PM 📍 Ballston Quarter Market (Halal options available!) Please bring your own: 🧎‍♀️ Prayer mat 🌴 Dates 💧 Water Let’s gather, share food, and build community. Everyone is welcome — friends, family, neighbors, all faiths 🤍 See you there! 🌙✨

**The rules are simple:** Take photographs **Each and Every Day** and post your best **ONE** (1) shot of the day - **EACH DAY** for **March**. If you happen to miss a day or two (life happens), it is **OK** to catch up and upload the photos for the days missed or just skip those days. **Please don't post over 2 to 3 at a time**. This is part of the learning process. **DO NOT POST TO THE ALBUM *UNTIL* AFTER 03/01/2026**. Please use a browser like Chrome and the Meetup.com website to post the images, as **the Meetup app does not handle albums very well**. Towards the top-left of the page is a link to **Add Photos** for uploading your photo to the album. **CONFIRM** **that your photo was Added to the correct Album.** Remember to post your **best photo (JUST ONE)** you took every day on that day! **DO NOT POST PHOTOS FROM ANY OTHER TIME!** If you have time to post an older image, you can take a new image and post it. Be creative. Please **add a caption** to know how far you are in the process. After you upload the image you took that day, find your photo at the end of the album, and edit the caption to state the day and total of days in the month like this:?/31. You can add the title of the image if you wish. A good title can make a photo! So, your photo for the **March 1st** caption would be "**1/31: My great photo!**" \*\* Adding a caption helps you keep track of where you are in the month. It does help. The purpose is to have fun and get in the habit of shooting every day. Learn to use your camera. Read your manual and test out a new feature you have never used before. Sometimes picking a theme/project can help focus (pun intended), like flowers, your pet(s), a lens you haven't used in a while, or whatever your passion is. Or try something new... The **end date is 03/31/2026**. Meetup.com does not allow events to be longer than 2 weeks. Other images that were not taken by you will be removed. Please keep the images family-friendly. You need to be a member of the Virginia Beltway Photography Group. I look forward to seeing how far people go and grow as better photographers!

Want to mess with some electronics? Or perhaps contribute to HacDC's main group project? HacDC's latest event brings hardware projects to the community. We will focus primarily on the main project (Space Blimp!) but please feel free to bring some of your own projects to show off and work on!

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. Instagram: artoflivingDMV aolf.live/secretstomeditation

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. You can check the room list by the concierge desk to confirm which room we are in. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Title : Design of a Quantum Photonic Full Adder Gate based on an 8-mode Integrated Optical Circuit Date: Feb 28 2026 Noon - 14:00 EST Abstract: Multiport interferometers designed using the Clements decomposition algorithm can be used to implement compact quantum-photonic full-adder (FA) gates on photonic integrated circuits (PICs). By expressing each element of the FA gate matrix in terms of the permanent of a non-unitary matrix, enabled through Boson sampling, the required number of MZIs in the gate can be further reduced. In this presentation, we will discuss the design of an FA gate modeled as a four-photon scattering process on an eight-mode integrated optical circuit, where the permanents of submatrices determine the output probabilities. Simulation results demonstrate a fidelity of 1 and a success probability of 2.22 × 10⁻⁴ for the FA gate. We will also examine the impact of phase-shifter and attenuator variations on fidelity and success probability using Ansys Q-Interconnect software. Finally, we will compare the performance of the proposed FA gate with a benchmark Toffoli gate designed using the same approach. Speaker: Shafiqul Hai received the B.Sc. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2007, and the M.Eng. (Thesis) and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, in 2011 and 2016, respectively. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lakehead University. His research interests include the modeling and characterization of compact nanophotonic devices and components for next-generation optical fiber and RF communication systems, as well as quantum computing on photonic integrated circuits. He is the author or coauthor of more than 12 peer-reviewed journal papers and 15 conference publications. Moderators: Dr. Pawel Gora, CEO of Quantum AI Foundation ([https://www.qaif.org/](https://www.qaif.org/)) , Dr. Sebastian Zajac , member of QPoland ([https://qworld.net/qpoland/](https://qworld.net/qpoland/)) This is an online event. Zoom registration form will be emailed to registrant and posted on the event forum by Feb 28 2026 11:00 am EST.

Join local video game developers, artists, musicians and writers to talk about the art and science of game development. Bring a device and demo your game, talk shop, find like minded folks to join forces with, have a snack or a beverage among new friends. We are an informal meetup where we share what we've been working on and socialize. Come for all or just a bit of the time!

Each week we’ll revisit the core cyberpunk classics — starting with Blade Runner (1982), then Ghost in the Shell (1995), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), Strange Days (1995), The Matrix (1999), eXistenZ (1999), and Blame! (2017).

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. 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

**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)

Meeting @ Improving's office in Downtown Columbus, near Cosi. Parking is paid, food & drink are free! This time we're hanging out after the long winter break. We are going to look at a group-member's project used to help learn the fundamentals of Go, and if time allows, we can take a look at how we like to build Go projects using AI.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit: From Intent to Implementation* Spec-driven development flips the traditional workflow on its head: instead of code being the source of truth, the specification becomes the backbone of design, collaboration, and delivery. In this session, we’ll explore how GitHub Spec-Kit enables teams to treat specifications as first-class artifacts—living documents that drive architecture, implementation, and verification. You’ll learn how Spec-Kit helps teams clearly express intent using structured, version-controlled specs that live alongside code. We’ll walk through a practical workflow that starts with defining system behavior and constraints, then progressively refines those specs into testable, automatable outcomes. Along the way, we’ll show how specs can reduce ambiguity, improve cross-functional collaboration, and make design decisions explicit before a single line of production code is written. This talk will cover: --What spec-driven development is (and what it isn’t) --How GitHub Spec-Kit fits into modern developer workflows --Using specs to align product, engineering, and AI-assisted development --Real-world examples of turning specs into implementations with confidence Whether you’re building greenfield systems, integrating AI into your stack, or trying to reduce costly rework, spec-driven development offers a scalable way to move faster without sacrificing clarity. Attendees will leave with concrete patterns and a clear mental model for adopting GitHub Spec-Kit in their own projects. **YouTube Link** TBA

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/