MSU well represented on MBJ 鈥楾op in Tech鈥 list
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擳hree 花秀直播 State University personnel are being recognized as 花秀直播鈥檚 leaders in technology.
Director of High Performance Computing Trey Breckenridge, Computer Science and Engineering Associate Clinical Professor Sarah Lee and Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Executive Director Clay Walden all were named to the 花秀直播 Business Journal鈥檚 2019 Top in Tech List. In addition to their professional roles at MSU, all three are alumni of the university鈥檚 Bagley College of Engineering.
As director of the High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC虏) at 花秀直播 State, Breckenridge oversees one of the top high-powered academic computing centers in the country. The supercomputing systems managed by Breckenridge give numerous MSU research centers the capabilities they need to conduct high-end modeling and simulation. MSU鈥檚 newest supercomputer, Orion, is the 4th fastest academic system in the U.S., providing a competitive edge that allows university researchers to solve complex problems for public and private clients. With more than 27 years of professional experience in high performance computing and computer support, Breckenridge is a well known leader in his field.
鈥淚 am honored to be recognized with this award,鈥 Breckenridge said.聽 鈥淲ith the high level of technical talent in 花秀直播, I am humbled to be considered a part of the 2019 Top in Tech class and fortunate to work for a university that is focused on supporting and fostering technology-based research.聽 Advancing high-technology activities in our state enhances economic development and benefits all of our citizens.鈥
Since joining the MSU faculty ranks in 2011, Lee has led several initiatives to increase diversity in the high-demand field of computer science. She came to MSU after a 19-year career at FedEx and is the assistant department head and director of undergraduate studies in the Computer Science and Engineering Department. In 2016, Lee and co-principal investigator Vemitra White were awarded a $300,000 NSF Includes Grant to engage stakeholders throughout the southern U.S. to leverage, strengthen and create awareness of existing programs and create new programs for young women in computing across 花秀直播. As a co-founder and board member for the 花秀直播 Coding Academies and director of the Golden Triangle campus (an MSU affiliate), she is working to develop educational pathways for recent high school graduates in addition to 花秀直播 citizens who want to retool for an increasingly digital economy. Among other honors, Lee was inducted into the Bagley College of Engineering鈥檚 Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2016 and was recognized with the college鈥檚 Service Award in 2014.
鈥淚 am thankful to the 花秀直播 Business Journal for recognizing the importance of broadening participation in computing to economic development efforts,鈥 Lee said. 鈥淎n innovative and diverse technical workforce is necessary to support efforts to attract industry to the state. I look forward to continuing this work to develop transformative informal and formal learning pathways for computer science and cybersecurity, working collectively with partners in higher education, K-12, industry and state government.鈥
At CAVS, Walden leads a group of more than 300 staff and researchers who work with government and industry partners to develop solutions that enhance transportation safety, improve vehicle efficiency, and increase workforce productivity. Walden has been an integral part of CAVS since its formation in 2003, primarily working at CAVS Extension in Canton before being named executive director of the research center in 2017. By conducting cutting-edge research, CAVS helps MSU and the state remain leaders in the fields of materials, propulsion, and manned and unmanned mobility. As executive director, Walden is responsible for the strategic planning that allows CAVS to continue its substantial research and economic impact on the Magnolia State.
鈥淚 am very appreciative of this award and proud of the team at CAVS that I am privileged to lead,鈥 Walden said. 鈥淚 am really excited about the advancements we are already seeing in areas like lightweighting of vehicles and the navigation of off-road autonomous vehicles.鈥
For a complete list of the 花秀直播 Business Journal鈥檚 Top in Tech honorees, visit .
MSU is 花秀直播鈥檚 leading university, available online at .