Research System Engineer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

Exploring the Landscape of Midwest Research Computing and Data Consortium

This is a series where we’re diving into the world of the Midwest Research Computing and Data Consortium, exploring its members, the challenges, and future prospects. We had the opportunity to speak with Jess Haney, Research System Engineer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), who shared her insights on the field. Edited excerpts below:

From Chemistry to Systems Engineering

My academic background in Chemistry, particularly in Theoretical Physical Chemistry, was my gateway into the world of systems engineering and cloud computing. Computational chemistry introduced me to job schedulers, sparking my fascination with utilizing computing power for research. This transition from a focus on chemistry to a love for computer interaction paved the way for my current role, where I leverage my understanding of research computation to aid diverse research domains.

Key Projects and Balancing Technical and Collaborative Aspects

In my role at NCSA, I’ve found that navigating technical complexities while effectively communicating with researchers plays to my strengths. The Illinois Computes Research Notebooks project, aimed at providing Jupyter Notebooks to underrepresented researchers, exemplifies our efforts to make research computing accessible. Serendipitously enough, my background in tutoring and assistantships has been invaluable in understanding how people learn and communicating complex technical concepts effectively.

Transitioning Legacy Infrastructure and Systems Administration

My experiences at Wolfram Research and AHEAD, transitioning legacy infrastructure to cloud services and managing large-scale systems, have been instrumental in preparing me for the challenges in my current role. These roles provided me with a comprehensive view of systems administration while collaborating with tech giants, as well as the importance of operational efficiencies through automation and DevOps practices.

Influence on Current Work and the Future of Cloud Computing

These diverse experiences underscore the importance of automation and scalable infrastructure in academic research. The future of cloud computing in this area is about creating technically robust yet accessible environments that foster collaboration. My aim at NCSA is to build ecosystems that empower researchers to expedite their work, regardless of their technical know-how.

Advice for Aspiring Cloud Computing and Research Professionals

For those interested in cloud computing and research, stemming from non-traditional paths, my advice is to follow your interests and embrace a willingness to learn. A specific degree isn’t as crucial as the desire to engage, learn, and solve problems. Curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown are key to a fulfilling career that transcends traditional boundaries.