Bradbury Science Museum Association upcoming events

Night with a Nerd: Advanced Visualization Systems in the ASC Era at LANL (29 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Advanced Visualization Systems in the ASC (Advanced Simulation and Computing) Era at LANL Talk by Dr. Dave Model, HPC Design Group, LANL

Dave Modl has and continues to support advanced visualization systems going back to the beginning of ASC [as ASCI] in the 1990s. Large and personal display systems supporting stereo 3D video output have been a part of this all the way through to today. The High Performance Computing [known as just Computing] Division when ASCI started was very involved with staff in X Division to create large scale support for analyzing larger and larger datasets as systems like Blue Mountain, Q, RoadRunner, et al, came on line. Users needed better visualization software and hardware to perform state-of-the-art analysis of these larger datasets. We will discuss those beginnings and the road that led to what we now do.

$10 admission; free for BSMA members (you can become a member on our Join Us page).

Wednesday, July 29 6-8pm at the Bradbury Science Museum (doors open at 6 and the talk starts at 6:30).

About the Speaker

Dr. Dave Modl has been a LANL Staff Member since 1996. Dave has worked in the Computing Division under various names over that time. Dave has been a part of the Visualization/Computer Graphics Group/Team in the Computing Division throughout his time at LANL. Dave started working with computer technology in the 1970s for the US Air Force. Dave is a UNM Lobo graduate with a CompE BS degree in 1990 and a EEMS degree in 1996. Dave has always been interested in how to create systems that allow users to visualize their work. It started at Kirtland AFB for the Air Force Weapons Laboratory in the 1980s. Once Dave signed on at LANL he was lucky enough to work with the Graphics Team that developed hardware and software systems which allowed users to see their complex data from simulations. That work has continued through to today supporting the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program where he helped support and develop display systems starting in the old ‘Ad Building’, then the CCF ‘RAVE Facility’ and the Nicholas C. Metropolis Strategic Computing Complex where the Powerwall Theater and La Cueva Grande SuperCAVE™ continues to be supported and available for users to view and analyze complex simulation results.

Film Screening: Picture a Scientist (24 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Film Screening: Picture a Scientist

Picture A Scientist is a powerful documentary that explores the systemic challenges faced by women in science and the ongoing efforts to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive research community. Directed by Ian Cheney, Sharon Shattuck and Manette Pottle, the film follows biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks and geologist Jane Willenbring as they confront discrimination ranging from blatant harassment to subtle, persistent bias. Through personal stories and perspectives from leading researchers in social science, neuroscience and psychology, the film examines the structural barriers within scientific fields and highlights pathways toward meaningful change.

Join the Bradbury Science Museum Association for a screening of Picture A Scientist on Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m at the SALA Event Center in Los Alamos, NM. This event is open to the public, and admission is by donation.

Night with a Nerd: Canfield Solitaire through a Monte Carlo Lens (29 Sep 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Canfield Solitaire through a Monte Carlo Lens Talk by Joel A. Kulesza, PhD, PE

Details coming soon…

$10 admission; free for BSMA members (you can become a member on our Join Us page).

Tuesday, September 29 6-8pm at the Bradbury Science Museum (doors open at 6 and the talk starts at 6:30).

About the Speaker

Details coming soon…