My passion for computer science began in high school when I discovered programming. Fascinated by how code could create powerful tools, I pursued a formal apprenticeship in software development, leading to a career as a system administrator, developer, and head of a systems programming group. After a decade in industry, I wanted to explore computer science further and transitioned into academia while earning an advanced degree. I discovered bioinformatics, where computing meets biology to tackle challenges like drug discovery and disease eradication. My PhD focused on science gateways for molecular simulations, and my interests expanded into workflows, distributed computing, and supercomputing. At the SDSC, I focus on making complex computing infrastructure more accessible. Supercomputers are powerful but often difficult to use, especially for non-experts. That’s why I develop portals and dashboards—tools that simplify access to these resources, helping researchers and students focus on discovery instead of technical challenges. My work bridges the gap between cutting-edge computing and the scientists who rely on it to solve real-world problems.
Right now, I’m working with a team on an exciting project: the NAIRR pilot portal. NAIRR stands for the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, a U.S. initiative to broaden access to AI for researchers, educators, and students. AI is transforming science, healthcare, and countless other fields, but many people don’t have access to the computing power and data needed to explore its potential. I love working on projects like this because they make cutting-edge technology more inclusive and accessible.
