Organized by Texas Women in HPC, we are excited to be hosting a BOF at the 2026 Energy HPC & AI Conference organized by the Rice University Ken Kennedy Institute.
View session abstract here.
Panelists
- Elizabeth L’Heureux, PhD (Moderator), Principal Enterprise Technology Engineer – Head of HPC, bp
- Cristina Beldica, PhD, MBA, Vice President HPC Software Engineering, Intel Corporation
- Suzanna Gardner, MA, Sr. Research Operations Administrator, Outreach & Engagement, Purdue
- Lydia E. Kavraki, PhD , University Professor; Kenneth and Audrey Kennedy Professor of Computing; Professor of Computer Science, of Electrical & Computer Engineering, of Mechanical Engineering, and of Bioengineering; Director of the Ken Kennedy Institute, Rice University
- Juli Smith, HPC/AI Account Executive, Lenovo
- Yen Sun, PhD, Research Geophysicist, TotalEnergies
Abstract
The convergence of energy systems, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI) is creating unprecedented career opportunities while presenting unique professional challenges. This panel brings together industry and academia leaders to explore the evolving landscape of careers at this dynamic intersection.
As the global energy transition accelerates, professionals with expertise spanning energy domain knowledge, computational science, and AI/ML techniques are increasingly in demand. From optimizing renewable energy grids using machine learning to accelerating fluid dynamics and geophysics modeling with exascale computing, these interdisciplinary roles are reshaping how we approach both energy challenges and career development.
Our distinguished panelists will discuss emerging career pathways and address key opportunities including the growing demand for AI-driven energy analytics, the expansion of green HPC initiatives, and the rise of digital twins in energy infrastructure. Equally important, they will tackle significant challenges such as the skills gap between traditional energy expertise and modern computational methods, the need for continuous learning in rapidly evolving technologies, and strategies for building interdisciplinary competencies. The session will provide practical insights for early-career professionals seeking to enter this space, mid-career experts looking to pivot or expand their expertise, and organizations aiming to develop talent pipelines.