Organization: California State University, Channel Islands
Project: AI-Powered Analysis of Renewable Energy Laws
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.
What’s your field of study and how did you get into that field?
My expertise is in scientific computing. That is, I find ways to use computers to support scientific research. I first explored computer programming as an physics undergraduate in a summer program, not unlike this program! In physics graduate school, I got into setting up all the digital cameras, electronics, and data analysis programs for our experiments (involving intense lasers and particle beams). I am fortunate that my research team included not only physics experiment but also computer simulation – my experience of computer programming for experiments helped me build a bond with the computer simulation team in my research group. As I kept learning by necessity more and more about computing, to my own surprise I became an interdisciplinary expert in scientific computing!
What fascinates you about HPC?
I am fascinated by the fiber optic cables that connect all the computing elements together. I am always floored that these flimsy little fibers carry such enormous amounts of data. To me, they look like something I’d find dangling off of a toy I got for my kids at the dollar store!
What’s your current title and what do you do?
I am an Assistant Professor in Computer Science. I teach several courses in computer science, mentor students in research projects, do original research working with international scientific facilities, and organize student activities such as HPC competitions and data science events.
What energy topic is most important to you and why?
The topic of alternative energy sources appeals to me as it’s an area where I can use my interdisciplinary skills in scientific computing and physics to make a direct impact on global climate change and local pollution.