In this monthly feature, we’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest career developments for individuals in the high performance computing community. Whether it’s a promotion, new company hire, or even an accolade, we’ve got the details. Check in each month for an updated list and you may even come across someone you know, or better yet, yourself!
Francis Alexander
Francis Alexander has been named the deputy director of Brookhaven National Lab’s Computational Science Initiative where he will help to further data-driven scientific discovery. Alexander joins Brookhaven from Los Alamos National Laboratory where he spent over 20 years in a variety of different positions; his latest as the acting division leader of the Computer, Computational, and Statistical Sciences Division.
“I was drawn to Brookhaven by the exciting opportunity to strengthen the ties between computational science and the significant experimental facilities—the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, the National Synchrotron Light Source II, and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials [all DOE Office of Science User Facilities],” said Alexander. “The challenge of getting the most out of high-throughput and data-rich science experiments is extremely exciting to me. I very much look forward to working with the talented individuals at Brookhaven on a variety of projects, and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a respected institution.”
Click here to view our initial coverage of the news.
Donna Cox
Donna Cox, the director of the Advanced Visualization Laboratory (AVL) at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th annual IMERSA 2017 Summit.
IMERSA’s CEO, Dan Neafus, stated, “Donna Cox stands at the center of some of the best-known and innovative projects available in the immersive community. We all owe her and her team a great debt for their significant contributions to the world of fulldome film. This honor is truly the highest accolade we can give to someone who has had such a profound impact on our profession.”
In addition to directing the AVL, Cox is also the director of the Illinois Emerging Digital Research and Education in Arts Media Institute (eDream). More information on Cox and this achievement award can be found here.
“I feel very honored and elated to receive this award,” said Cox. “As I have been putting together my speech, it humbles me to think of all of the women who have sacrificed before, during and after my career. This award also makes me think of all those who have enabled women like me to have the opportunity to pursue educational and artistic pursuits through visualization. I am most appreciative of the teams and individuals I have collaborated with and am proud of the creative work we have been able to accomplish.”
Thom Mason
Thom Mason has stepped down as the director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to take a new position at Battelle. In his new role as the senior vice president for laboratory operations, Mason will work with Ron Townsend, the executive vice president of global laboratory operations, to lead strategic planning for lab operations that integrate with Battelle’s overall strategic plan. Mason served as the director of ORNL for ten years.
“Thom has been an exemplary scientific leader and we’re fortunate that he will continue to be engaged with Oak Ridge National Laboratory as he uses his experience and expertise to benefit DOE, Battelle, and other labs where Battelle has a management role,” said Joe DiPietro, chairman of the UT-Battelle board of governors.