CELS July 2026 In-Person Week

Jul 6, 2026, 8:00 AM → Jul 10, 2026, 5:00 PM America/Chicago

We are thrilled to announce that this summer's CELS In-Person Week will be held Monday to Friday, July 6-10, 2026. All CELS staff, students, postdocs, collaborators, and contractors are highly encouraged to work onsite and participate in face-to-face collaborations, directorate-focused activities, all-hands meetings, a CELS directorate-wide luncheon, and a variety of interactive events.

While in-person attendance will allow for a more enriching experience, we understand that not everyone may be able to join onsite, so we are offering some hybrid options to accommodate for remote engagement.

Please take time to REGISTER for any meetings and/or social events you would like to attend, including the CELS directorate-wide luncheon.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Mon, July 6

1:00 PM → 2:00 PM CPS Seminar: The Physics of Feeding Galaxies: Investigating How Gas Inflows Shape Galaxy Evolution Across Mass and Cosmic Time

Speaker: Imran Sultan, Graduate Student, Northwestern University

Abstract: Galaxies form inside gaseous halos known as the circumgalactic medium (CGM), the medium through which they exchange mass, metals, and energy with the universe. A growing number of studies suggest the CGM plays a crucial but still not fully understood role in shaping the gas flows that fuel star formation, black hole growth, and galaxy evolution. In this talk, I will present results from high-resolution FIRE cosmological simulations investigating how gas accretion in the CGM shapes galaxy evolution across halo mass and cosmic time. I will first discuss the physical principles that determine the structure of the CGM gas. I will then address a key open problem concerning why thin, rotationally-supported disk galaxies become common around the Milky Way-mass scale, while lower-mass galaxies are more irregular and dispersion dominated. In contrast with a common picture in galaxy formation where thin disks are built by cold gas streams, FIRE simulations support a picture in which low-mass galaxies are fed by cold gas that does not develop disk-like rotation and quickly forms stars with dispersion-dominated kinematics. More massive galaxies that form thin Milky Way-like disks are instead fed by hot gas which develops rotational support and cools before joining the galaxy, later forming stars with thin disk-like kinematics.

Speaker: Imran Sultan (Northwestern University)

2:00 PM → 3:00 PM 💼 U.S. Immigration Fundamentals for Managers (Hybrid/Walk-ins Welcome)

Date: Monday, July 6, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Building 240, Rooms 1406-1407
Host: Michelle E. Leisten, Immigration Services Lead

Argonne's Immigration Services team invites you to be among the first to hear some new manager training content that they have been working on.

After a brief review of the team structure, we will talk about how employees get connected to our services. Then we will spend the balance of the session talking about the "why" behind common immigration-related requests and rules.

While the session is tailored for those who manage Argonne foreign national employees, anyone is welcome to attend.

3:00 PM → 4:00 PM 🕒 U.S. Immigration Services Office Hours (Walk-ins Welcome)

Date: Monday, July 6, 20206
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Building 240, Room 1404
Host: Michelle E. Leisten, Immigration Services Lead

Members from Argonne's Immigration Services team will be in #240 to offer in-person consultations.

All customers are welcome including foreign national employees, managers, leaders, or members from the HR or admin teams. 

If you are not available during this time, or prefer to talk to us privately, don't hesitate to reach out directly via [email protected] to set up a separate consultation time.

Tue, July 7

9:00 AM → 10:00 AM CELS All-Hands Meeting

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: Building 240, Room 1416, Overflow 1404-1406
Host: Rick Stevens, Associate Laboratory Director | Argonne Distinguished Fellow

AGENDA:
CELS Directorate Update and Q&A

11:00 AM → 3:00 PM CPS Hosted: AHM & Cross-Directorate Computing Exchange

11:00 AM CPS All-Hands Meeting

Speakers: Salman Habib (CPS), Timothy Williams (CPS)

11:30 AM Cross-Directorate Computing Exchange

There are several new opportunities and challenges in the area of computation in the next few years -- aside from a number of exciting "AI for science" topics, there are also important changes taking place in the broader HPC space relating to hardware, software, and science use case evolution, partially driven by AI pressures. This session will involve short presentations and discussions with researchers across Argonne science directorates with a view to identifying and developing new collaborations, as well as in taking previous joint efforts in new directions.

11:00 AM → 12:00 PM EVS All-Hands Meeting

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Building 240, Room 1404-1407
Host: Dionysios (Dion) Antonopoulos, Interim Division Director

12:00 PM → 2:00 PM EVS Division Picnic (EVS Employees Only - RSVP)

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Building 240, Room 1404-1407 and Gazebo Area
Host: Dionysios (Dion) Antonopoulos, Interim Division Director

We’re throwing a picnic...our 3rd Annual EVS Picnic...and you’re invited!  A light lunch will be provided, but please bring your favorite appetizer, salad or dessert to share!

Come enjoy the sunshine, great company, and a well-deserved break with your colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTRATION required.

1:30 PM → 3:30 PM 🎯CELS Bean Bag Tournament (RSVP)

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location:  TCS Conference Center Parking Lot + Gazebo area for socializing, snacks/drinks.  *In the event of rain, will moved indoors: Building 240, Room 1416.
Host: Scott Ehling, Project Manager/Strategic Initiatives; Samantha Tezak, Executive Assistant; and Shannon Lindgren, Administration Multi-Functional Supervisor

🎯CELS Bags Tournament Returns!🎯

It's time once again for some friendly competition, questionable throwing strategies, and office bragging rights at the annual CELS Bags Tournament! Whether you're a corn-hole champion or just hoping your bag lands somewhere near the board, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How to Participate

REGISTER individually so we have an estimate for attendance and tournament set up. Teams will be assigned during check-in on the day of the event, helping us to keep things flexible for last-minute additions or schedule changes.

Want to play with a specific partner? Just check in together and we'll pair you up.

Not playing? Spectators and enthusiastic sideline coaching are highly encouraged.

🏆 Tournament Details

Single elimination bracket (up to 16 teams)
Divided into 4 regions:
Rusty Lusk
Lisa Durham
Devin Hodge
Steve Tuecke
Games are played to 21 points (must win by 2)

🌟Scoring

1 point - bag on the board
3 points - bag in the hole
Opposing team points cancel each round.

🥇 Awards

Prizes and eternal workplace glory await the 1st and 2nd place teams!

🍿 Bonus Features

We’ll have light snacks, drinks, and plenty of opportunities for cheering, laughing, and mildly competitive commentary.

REGISTRATION is still required, so be sure to sign up before the event. Then, just show up, check in, and get ready to toss some bags!

2:00 PM → 3:00 PM ☕ MCS Coffee Time

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location:  Building 240, Gazebo outdoor area;  *In the event of rain, Building 240, Room 1416.
Host: Valerie Taylor, Division Director | Argonne Distinguished Fellow

Join us for coffee and light snacks!

Please bring your own mug. ☕

Wed, July 8

12:00 PM → 1:30 PM 🍰 Dessert Tasting Event (Sign Up)

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Building 240, Rms. 1406-1407
Host: Karen VanMeerten, Executive Assistant

Enjoy making desserts and sharing with others? Join the fun at the Dessert Tasting on Wednesday, July 8! 

You are invited to bring a dessert of your choosing to share, or feel free to just come by and sample the tasty treats provided by your colleagues. 

If you'd like to participate as a dessert maker, or have questions, please email Karen VanMeerten ([email protected]) to let her know you're interested and she'll provide more details after receiving your message.

We hope you'll join us for a sweet and delicious lunchtime event!

12:00 PM → 1:30 PM 😋 CELS Directorate-Wide Luncheon (RSVP Mandatory by July 1)

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Building 240, Rooms 1416, 1404-1407
Host: Rick Stevens, Associate Laboratory Director | Argonne Distinguished Fellow; and the CELS Division Directors
RSVP MANDATORY by C.O.B. July 1, 2026

Take a break and enjoy a relaxed lunch with colleagues!

😋 Come for the good food from Mama D's and stay for the great conversations. We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTRATION is mandatory for catering approximation; will be served on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Thank you for understanding!

1:30 PM → 2:30 PM MCS All-Hands Meeting

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Building 240, Room 1501
Host: Valerie Taylor, Division Director | Argonne Distinguished Fellow

Thu, July 9

9:00 AM → 10:00 AM CELS Shared Services All-Hands Meeting

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: Building 240, Room 1416
Hosts: Bradley Ullrick, Directorate Operations Officer; and Julie Smagacz, Administrative and Operations Support Manager

10:00 AM → 11:00 AM 🕚 CELS Shared Services Connection Hour (RSVP)

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location:  Building 240, Rm 1416
Hosts: Bradley Ullrick, Directorate Operations Officer; and Julie Smagacz, Administrative and Operations Support Manager

Join us for an engaging hour of conversations, collaborations, and connections!

Come meet your CELS-SS operations collegaues, ask questions, and discover the many resources and services available to you and your team.

This interactive, expo-style, all-in-one-place event brings you together with contacts and representatives from 

Administrative Support,
Information Technology,
Safety and Ergonomics,
Finance and Proposals,
Human Resources,
Building Management, 
Events and Tours,
Communications,
and Special Projects.

Don't miss this great opportunity to learn and explore how our expert teams can support your work!

REGISTRATION is required.

10:00 AM → 11:00 AM 🚒 Argonne Fire Department - CPR/AED and Fire Extinguisher Demonstration

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location:  Building 240, Rm 1405
Hosts: Dana Silvestri, ESH Specialist, and the Argonne Fire Department 

Stop by to meet the Argonne Fire Department!

The ADF is hosting a CPR/AED and fire extinguisher demonstration. They will be onsite to answer your questions and provide additional information on all their services.

No registration required. Walk-ins welcome!

11:30 AM → 1:00 PM 👟CELS Run & Walk - 5K/3K Event (RSVP)

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Building 240, Rm: 1416, Gazebo
Host: Scott Ehling, Project Manager/Strategic Initiatives; and Samantha Tezak, Executive Assistant

Lace up and get ready to move at our Run & Walk 5K/3K—an event for everyone!

Whether you’re running to set a personal best, or walking alone or with friends, this event is all about community, movement, and fun. Choose the distance that fits you best and join us for a morning filled with energy, encouragement, and celebration. 

Let’s hit the path together and make it a day to remember!

REGISTRATION required.

11:30 AM → 12:00 PM 🤖 These ARE the Droids We're Looking For: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Race to Build C-3POs for Science

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Immediately followed by the AVG-Club Video Game Free Play!
Location: Building 240, Rms. 1406-1407
Hosts: Matthew Tuftedal, Atmospheric Measurement Science Specialist; Rory Butler, Roboticist; and Gillian King-Cargile, CELS Integrated Communications Manager

Join Matthew, Rory, and Gillian for an interactive and fun conversation about robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous discovery and the droids of Star Wars.

They'll talk favorite droids, explore how modern research is bringing once-fictional concepts closer to reality...and will bring some Star Wars games to play!

No registration needed.

12:00 PM → 1:00 PM 🕹️AVG-Club Video Game Free Play!

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Immediately following the "These ARE the Droids.." presentation.
Location: Building 240, Rms 1406-1407
Hosts: The Argonne Video Game Club
Kyle Chamberlin, President; Monica Orozco White, Vice President; and Kerri Banks, Secretary/Treasurer

Free play, no quarters needed!  

Whether you’re a casual player or love to compete, whether you haven't picked up a controller in a long time, or ever...we have something for you! Stop by to connect and socialize while trying out the latest video games, along with vintage classics played on their original consoles.

All are welcome—no registration needed. Simply drop in, grab a seat, and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!

1:00 PM → 2:30 PM ALCF All-Hands Meeting

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Building 240, Room 1406
Host: Michael Papka, Deputy Associate Laboratory Director | Director, ALCF | Argonne Distinguished Fellow

2:30 PM → 3:30 PM 🍦Cone-versations with DDs and Leadership (Students Only - RSVP)

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location:  Building 240, Rm 1416
Host: CELS Division Directors (DDs)

🍨 Calling all students! Take some time out for a refreshing treat!🍦

Stop by anytime during the hour for some great cone-versations with your Division Directors (DDs) and leadership in a relaxed, informal setting. Come mingle, ask questions, and get to know the leaders who can help shape your academic experience. We hope to see you there!

REGISTRATION required.

5:00 PM → 7:00 PM 🍕 MCS Bike, Pizza & Brew Evening at Imperial Oak Brewing (RSVP)

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Meet at Imperial Oak Brewing, 501 Willow Blvd, #100, Willow Springs, IL 60480
Hosts: Valerie Taylor, Division Director | Argonne Distinguished Fellow; and Robert Ross & Sven Leyffer, Deputy Division Directors | Senior Computer Scientists | Argonne Distinguished Fellows

Biking will now be an option! If you need to borrow a bike, please connect with Sven (first-come/first-served)

Sven will lead those who would like to ride to Imperial Oak (weather permitting)

Bikers will meet in front of TCS at the bike rack and depart at 4:45pm

Join us for a fun and relaxed evening at Imperial Oak Brewing!

Enjoy great brews and fresh pizza from Pizza 750, which will be ready by 6:00 PM.

Please REGISTER so we can order enough pizza and give the brewery a heads-up.

Let’s wrap up the day with some food, fun, and good company!