Through my years in academia, I saw something troubling: many talented software developers were leaving research for industry because there were no clear career paths for them. These were people who were passionate about science and programming, but without recognition or job stability, they had little choice but to move on. That’s when I realized something had to change.
In 2018, I was invited—along with four others from the U.S.—to an international RSE leaders' meeting in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK’s Research Software Engineer Association had started in 2013 and had successfully gained recognition for RSEs. We saw firsthand how a strong community could change the landscape for research software engineers. That meeting was a turning point. We knew RSEs in the U.S. needed a community, a voice, and a future. So, we took action. US-RSE was born, powered by volunteers who believed in something bigger. And let me tell you—seeing it grow into a thriving organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
It’s not just about building an organization—it’s about making sure RSEs finally get the recognition, support, and careers they deserve. And I couldn’t be more excited to be part of that movement.
If you love technology, problem-solving, and making an impact, there are so many incredible career paths you can take in the world of supercomputing, research software engineering and AI. Whether it’s coding, science, engineering, or building communities, there’s space for you in this world! I'm excited to be on this learning journey with you.
