His impressive career includes being the first African American to earn a doctorate in theoretical physics from Stanford University. Since then, Giles has held key roles, such as SC Conference General Chair in 2002 and serving on the Boston University Board of Trustees. He also has been recognized with honors, including the A. Nico Habermann Award; multiple teaching awards; and is an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2019). He is a driving force in promoting diversity and excellence in computing research and leads the SC23 Keynote and Invited Talks programs, exemplifying his advocacy.

Humanizing Technology

In this I Am HPC profile, Giles shares his unique perspective, providing insights into his work as a prominent physicist and computer engineer, as well as his passionate mission to humanize technology and bridge the digital divide.

Roscoe C. Giles, III

Professor, Boston University

Roscoe on LinkedIN

Q: What single event most made you realize you wanted a career in HPC/computing?

Giles: Probably not really a single event but a sequence of high points spread over time. My first introduction to a computer was an IBM 1620 when I was in high school around 1963 or 1964. We programmed it in FORTRAN II. Everything (including the two-pass compiler) was on cards. Still, it did amazing things.

Working as a graduate student around 1973, I studied string-like models and used computer simulations (this time an IBM 360/91 at SLAC) to compute their oscillation modes and produce (simple) graphics.

My turning point (from physics to computing) arose with early massively parallel computers, particularly the Connection Machine, which we had at Boston University around 1990. I loved programming it in LISP (list processing) and mapping problems onto its hypercube communication network.

Q: What do you consider your biggest contribution to the HPC/computing community?

Giles: Not so sure. I did early work on massively parallel computer simulations in QCD (quantum chromodynamics) and molecular dynamics back when 1 million particles was considered a large problem. I also helped lead education and outreach efforts for one of the NSF (National Science Foundation) supercomputing partnerships in the late ’90s.

Another set of community impacts came from my work on the DOE (Department of Energy) Advanced Scientific Computing Advisory Committee, which I served on starting at its founding in 2000 and through the start of the exascale computing initiative. I served on the Computational Science Graduate Fellowship steering committee for many years.

Finally, I chaired the SC02 conference over 20 years ago.

I would like to think that in some of these roles, I helped encourage Black and other underrepresented groups of people to engage with computing and HPC.

Q: In the past 35 years, what is the most significant overlooked breakthrough that has impacted the field in your eyes?

Giles: The vast improvement in software tools and the level of software engineering in the best of HPC systems. We are much better than we used to be in building composable, maintainable, testable software—and still probably have a long way to go :-))

Q: What would you like to see change about, within, or among the HPC/computing community?

Giles: The community needs to be more culturally diverse and embrace a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and problems. I love the theme of this year’s SC, which draws our attention to the human dimensions of our work and efforts.

Q: What would do you look forward to regarding the HPC/computing community?

Giles: As you probably have gathered, I have been around for a long time in the HPC community. I am very encouraged and proud of the current and future generations I see coming up in our community. I look forward to the ideas they will generate and the directions they will take us.

In her concurrent role as a Research Assistant Professor in the UT Department of Nuclear Engineering since January 2021, Penchoff’s focus centers on data science and high-performance computing (HPC) applications in radiochemistry. Her research spans exascale computing, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, selective binding optimization for rare earth elements (REEs) and actinides, nuclear forensics, and radiotherapeutics.

Penchoff’s career has been punctuated by impactful roles, such as the Director of the Institute for Nuclear Security Scientific Fellows Program at the UT Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy from 2018 to 2020. Here, she harnessed computational protocols to address national security needs and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.

Her expertise extends to education, with her former role as Co-Instructor of “Advanced Policy Process and Program Evaluation” at the UT Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy in 2020. Penchoff currently is a Fellow of the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, where she serves in the Center for Energy, Transportation and Environmental Policy and the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs. She has actively contributed to various professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), where she holds multiple leadership positions and chairs committees focused on computational science, data science, and AI applications in nuclear and radiochemistry.

Penchoff’s dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is evident through her roles on committees and commissions within the university. Her research contributions, encompassing computational science and modeling, and her involvement in DEI efforts have led to numerous publications and awards, including the 2023 UT Tickle College of Engineering Commitment to Inclusive Community Award.

An Influential Figure

Penchoff’s multidimensional roles in leadership, academia, research, and advocacy, including as SC23’s Plenary Productions Chair, underscore her substantial impact across scientific, educational, and professional spheres. Her commitment to advancement and collaboration marks her as an influential figure in the world of computational science and beyond. In this I AM HPC profile, Penchoff articulates a visionary aspiration of unrestricted collaboration across the scientific realm, seeking to transcend barriers and foster unity.

Deborah Penchoff

Associate Director of the Innovative Computing Laboratory and Research Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee (UT)

Deborah on LinkedIN

Q: What single event most made you realize you wanted a career in HPC/computing?

Penchoff: While in graduate school, I was working on a project focused on optimization of separations of REEs and actinides. This was critical to guarantee a national supply of REEs and to develop strategies to bind actinides for applications in national security. Throughout this project, I realized the power of HPC resources and how they could accelerate solution development for these applications. Since then, I have been passionate about developing strategies to connect HPC with research areas that can benefit from HPC’s accelerating capabilities.

Q: What do you consider your biggest contribution to the HPC/computing community?

Penchoff: I think my biggest contribution so far has been to develop protocols to facilitate HPC-driven tools to address needs in radiochemistry.I think my biggest contribution so far has been to develop protocols to facilitate HPC-driven tools to address needs in radiochemistry.

Q: In the past 35 years, what is the most significant overlooked breakthrough that has impacted the field in your eyes?

Penchoff: I have been in this field for a little bit over a decade. I can’t say at this point what may be an overlooked breakthrough from the past 35 years. I certainly look forward to future multidisciplinary advances in the field.

Q: What would you like to see change about, within, or among the HPC/computing community?

Penchoff:  I would like computer scientists and domain scientists to see themselves as part of a large team striving to develop solutions for needs critical in society with local, regional, national, and global scope. Historically, fields developed in defined areas of research, and great advances have been achieved thanks to efforts in each community. Moving forward, I would like for scientists to be part of a larger team with less defined boundaries to create an environment in which everyone can feel that they belong. This would allow everyone to contribute their best efforts to develop solutions that require multidisciplinary expertise.

Defying the odds

In the heart of one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country, young Hakeem Oluseyi’s world was a confined space, but his imagination soared to the stars. While other kids roamed the streets, he was inside, poring over encyclopedias and glued to PBS nature shows. A love for science and a fascination with the cosmos were kindled within him, sparked by the likes of Albert Einstein, who became his hero.

Oluseyi’s early life was far from easy. Growing up with little supervision at home, attending a school with the lowest ratings in the state, and facing the allure of the wrong crowd were all hurdles he had to navigate. Even when he finally made it to Stanford University, he found himself failing physics exams, a subject about which he was deeply passionate. But Hakeem possessed a resilience that defied the odds.

Today, Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi stands as a world-renowned astrophysicist, a former Space Science Education Lead at NASA, and an inspiration to countless individuals worldwide. His story is one of defying the odds, pursuing impossible dreams, and refusing to heed the discouragement of naysayers.

With humor, candor, and a spirit that ignites hope, Oluseyi captivates audiences with his groundbreaking scientific research. Yet, it’s his personal journey that truly moves hearts. He shows the world that no matter how daunting the circumstances, one can rise above them, grasp the stars, and extend a hand to lift others up along the way.

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi’s keynote, “Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars,” is a testament to the power of determination, inspiration, and the boundless potential within us all.

More About Dr. Oluseyi

SC23 Keynote

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Colorado Convention Center

Keynote Speaker Spotlight

This year, Oluseyi will join the storied list of visionary thought leaders who have provided the memorable keynote address at the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis.

Oluseyi’s Keynote is on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:30 am MST, and is open to all registered SC23 attendees and exhibitors.

Keynote Oluseyi Hakeem

Overcoming adversity

Growing up in turbulent neighborhoods and switching schools frequently, Oluseyi found solace in science and literature. His fascination with Einstein’s theory of Relativity led him to teach himself the principles of science. This love for science propelled him to earn three degrees, including a doctorate from Stanford University.

A Pioneering Career

Oluseyi’s accolades and accomplishments reflect exceptional contributions to the fields of astrophysics, education, and scientific communication. Serving as an Astrophysicist and Space Science Education Lead at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, he navigated the realms of both cutting-edge research and educational outreach. He has been a  strategic advisor for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and investments in citizen science. As a professor of Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology, he imparted his passion for learning to countless students.

A Trailblazing Communicator

Oluseyi’s impact extends beyond academia. He has co-hosted popular science shows on Science Channel and Discovery International, including Outrageous Acts of Science, How the Universe Works, and Space’s Deepest Secrets. His ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging, accessible manner has earned him numerous awards and accolades. His 2021 memoir, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars, offered even deeper insights into his remarkable life.

advancing astrophysics & Education

Oluseyi’s scientific research is as diverse as it is groundbreaking. Employing innovative techniques and technologies, he has contributed to fields ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to semiconductor manufacturing and ion propulsion. His work involves “hacking stars” to develop new technologies and enhance understanding of the universe. Additionally, his contributions to science education have yielded effective techniques for teaching mathematics and physics to learners of all ages.

Inspiraton & Recognition

Oluseyi’s motivational messages resonate with individuals across cultures and backgrounds. Through his diverse experiences, he has encouraged audiences to embrace their aspirations with unwavering determination. Notably, he has received numerous honors, including recognition from the National Space Club, MIT Faculty Fellowship, and induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Vision for the Future

Oluseyi’s vision extends beyond his individual accomplishments. As President of the National Society of Black Physicists, he advocates for diversity and equity in STEM fields, amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and paving the way for a more inclusive scientific community.

In a world where science, education, and inspiration intersect, Oluseyi stands apart. His transformative journey, from humble beginnings to international acclaim, has long captivated audiences as he seeks to ignite a passion for learning and achievement. As the SC23 keynote speaker, he will not only share his story but empower others to pursue their dreams—no matter how unlikely they may seem. Oluseyi’s presence on the global stage—and soon to be at SC23 in Denver—is one of many extraordinary I AM HPC stories. In this case, Oluseyi is a beacon, encouraging individuals to reach for the stars and overcome any obstacles in their path.

Join Us for the SC23 Keynote

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Colorado Convention Center