Staff Profile: Jessica Huntley, Research Software Engineer

Tell us about your role?

I work as a research software engineer in STFC’s Computational Mathematics Theme, and I work with colleagues across STFC Facilities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their data fitting workflows. Alongside this, I am passionate about environmentally sustainable computing and have been working to learn more about how STFC can reduce the carbon footprint of its computing activities and am developing projects to put these ideas into action.

What did you do before working at ALC?

Before joining Computational Maths in 2023, I completed Scientific Computing’s graduate scheme, where I spent two years completing four rotations around the department. Not only did I learn lots of technical skills in this time, but I also learnt lots about the diverse range of work that’s carried out across Scientific Computing!

What do you wish you had known earlier in your career?

That it’s okay not to know everything, and how useful it can be to build a network of contacts/potential collaborators!

What advice would you give to researchers who want to work in Computational Maths?

Come and talk to us in the Computational Maths Theme! Throughout the year, we host several seminars and workshops, providing an insight into the latest research in the field. You can find out more information on our theme’s website https://www.numerical.rl.ac.uk/.

Tell us something you have learnt about a project you have worked on recently/What one thing would you like people to know about your work at ALC

Through my work on ALC projects, I’ve learnt that what can seem like quite a simple idea has the potential to have a large impact. For instance, I worked on a project where we implemented automated parameter estimation for electron ptychography reconstructions using Bayesian optimization. This was a process previously had to be carried out by experts, through a trial-and-error approach – being able to automate the process saves a lot of time makes it much easier for new users to adopt the technique.

What is your proudest career moment?

I would say speaking at my first conference – I’m someone who struggles with imposter syndrome I found standing up and speaking about my work quite a scary thought. I was really proud of myself for pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and it was so rewarding afterwards having lots of people coming to ask me questions about my work. Since then, I’ve presented several times, and now really enjoy it!

What is the best thing about your role/What is the best thing about working for ALC?

I really like being exposed to many different areas of science, and getting to find out about all the interesting work that is going on across STFC!

What do you do when you are not at work?

I enjoy running and playing korfball for the Abingdon Atoms. I’m also currently spending a lot of my spare time renovating my house!