Amanda Lee

Institution/Organization: San Diego State University/University of California, Irvine

Department: Computational Science Research Center

Academic Status: Doctoral Student

Biography:

I am a Ph.D. student in the Computational Science Joint Doctoral program between San Diego State University and the University of California, Irvine. I received my B.S. in Applied Mathematics from San Diego State University, where I developed mathematical and computational models to describe cystic fibrosis disease behavior. My graduate research interests lie primarily in the area of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods that leverage extremely heterogeneous datasets. Currently, I am focused on developing a 3D deep neural network that predicts chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity from CT lung images. My interest in high-performance computing stems from my strong background in applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science. This semester, I am taking a course in parallel programming and I am highly interested in applying this knowledge to a project this summer. Additionally, I am interested in contributing to projects in application development (e.g., co-design, data analytics and optimization, Earth and space science) or hardware and integration (e.g., software productivity and sustainability), especially those with applications to the fields of biology, medicine, or sustainable energy.

Motivation:

My career exploration activities have led me to believe that a career in a national lab would be the most fulfilling. After earning my Ph.D., my goal is to conduct research at a national lab such as the Oak Ridge National Laboratory or the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. As a scientist in a national lab, I will be able to conduct high-impact research, work and collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds, interact and collaborate with academia, and have ample opportunities for mentoring and training students from all backgrounds and levels. Participating in the Sustainable Research Pathways for High-Performance Computing would connect me with researchers and provide me the opportunity to participate in summer research, as well as potentially gain experience working with a national lab. In doing so, this program would be the perfect catalyst for my growth as a researcher, a professional, and an agent of change in the scientific community.