The Power of Engagement: A Journey in Computational Biology and Advocacy

In 2010, at The International Conference for High-Performance Computing (HPC), Networking, Storage, and Analysis conference (SC10), I began my journey with the Building Engagement (BE) community, an initiative designed to foster innovation in computing-related research. As a graduate student newly immersed in the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and life sciences, I was eager to explore how computation could address pressing biological challenges. The BE community provided me with critical resources, mentorship, and a supportive network, enabling me to overcome barriers and navigate my research journey in computational drug discovery and biomedical informatics. This talk reflects on the evolution of my career, from graduate studies to my current role in cancer research, and highlights how BE initiatives have shaped my trajectory. By sharing my experiences, I aim to inspire others to engage with outreach programs and advocate for innovative HPC for all.