UNWRAP DC | An Evening of Ideas, Discovery & Connection

Big Ideas. Real Conversations.

An Evening of Ideas, Discovery & Connection

What happens when people from different fields come together to share ideas, explore new perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations?

Join us for another evening of UNWRAP DC, a free, volunteer-run gathering that brings together students, researchers, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and curious minds from across Washington, DC. UNWRAP DC is built on a simple idea: fascinating conversations shouldn't be confined to classrooms, laboratories, conferences, or professional circles.

Following our first event, which explored energy security, neuroscience, and energy storage, our October gathering brings together three speakers whose expertise spans aerospace engineering, health and science policy, neuroscience, and biomedical research. Our goal is to create a relaxed environment where ideas are accessible, curiosity is encouraged, and conversations can develop into meaningful connections. Whether you're interested in science, technology, economics, public policy, business, or simply enjoy learning something new, you're welcome to join us.

No specialized knowledge required. Just bring your curiosity!

Featured Speakers

1. Adrienne Rudolph
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Researcher
PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland
2025 Women in Defense National Scholar & Rocket City Fellow

2. Christine Smothers, PhD, RN
2026 Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellow
Gulf Research Program, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Nursing PhD, Case Western Reserve University

3. Ivana Katic, PhD
Associate Teaching Professor
McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
PhD in Organizational Theory and Management, Columbia Business School
BA in Psychology, Harvard University

4. Veronica Jijon
Associate Director for Economy, Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)
MS in Digital Economics, King’s College London
BS in Economics and International Affairs, The George Washington University

5. Harshita (Hershey) Kondeti, PhD
2026 Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellow
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Loyola University Chicago

More speakers to be announced!
Stay tuned as we add to the UNWRAP DC lineup.

What to Expect

Short, engaging talks: Each speaker delivers an approximately 10-minute presentation, followed by 10 minutes of audience questions and discussion.

Ideas across disciplines: Discover research, perspectives, and experiences from fields beyond your own.

A relaxed atmosphere: No formal lectures, technical background, or dress code required.

Meaningful connections: Meet people who enjoy exploring ideas, sharing perspectives, and learning from one another.

About UNWRAP DC

UNWRAP DC is a free, independent, community-driven initiative organized entirely by volunteers.

We bring together people from different academic, professional, and personal backgrounds for accessible presentations and thoughtful conversations spanning science, technology, economics, public policy, business, the arts, and beyond.

Rather than formal academic lectures, our events are designed to spark curiosity, encourage discussion, and create connections that continue beyond the evening.

Different backgrounds. Shared curiosity. Real conversations.

Admission & Venue

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM

First Round
1610 20th St NW Basement, Washington, DC 20009

Admission is completely free. We encourage attendees to support our hosting venue by purchasing drinks or refreshments if they wish, but no purchase is required.

Everyone is welcome!