SC25 Celebrates Black History Month

Roy Clay Sr.

Roy Clay Sr., also known as the “Father of Silicon Valley,” was a trailblazer who broke barriers in the tech world. In 1951, he became the first African American to graduate from St. Louis University with a degree in mathematics, despite there being no formal computer science programs at the time.

After struggling to find work due to racial barriers, Clay’s determination led him to the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, where he helped develop software for the U.S. Department of Energy. In 1965, he joined Hewlett-Packard (HP), where he played a key role in the creation of HP’s first computer and led the company’s rise in the tech industry. Clay also founded Rod-L Electronics, a company specializing in electrical safety test equipment.

In 2003, Clay was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Council’s Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in technology.

Melba Roy Mouton

Melba Roy Mouton, born in Virginia, earned a degree in mathematics from Southern University before pursuing graduate studies at Howard University. She began her groundbreaking career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA.

At NASA, Mouton played a pivotal role as both a mathematician and programmer, analyzing data from wind tunnels and other aeronautical tests to improve aircraft and spacecraft development. She contributed to the creation of the FORTRAN programming language and designed software for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, which successfully sent humans to the moon.

Mouton’s career at NASA was marked by numerous leadership roles, including becoming the first African American woman to serve as a supervisor. Throughout her career, she mentored and inspired women and minorities to pursue careers in computing and engineering. Mouton’s influence extended beyond NASA, as she was actively involved in professional organizations and served on advisory boards, leaving a lasting impact on the field of aerospace computing.

Roscoe Giles

My interest in HPC was ignited when, as a theoretical physicist in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I wanted to help improve our understanding of quark confinement in elementary particle interactions. HPC, and especially massively parallel processing (MPP), offered new opportunities to explore the implications of quantum field theory models.   

I became an evangelist for MPP and computational science. At Boston University (BU) I helped start the interdisciplinary Center for Computational Science (CCS). We partnered with the NSF-sponsored supercomputer centers to advance computational science research and education under multiple awards and collaborations. I served as deputy director of the BU-CCS for about 20 years and as a national leader of the NSF-sponsored PACI program’s Education and Outreach effort.

I have been connecting with the HPC community through the SC conference since I first attended SC91. I first served on the conference committee as Education Co-Chair for SC97 and peaked my engagement as General Chair of SC02. The experience of leading SC02 was invaluable in helping me develop skills to lead other volunteer community efforts involving science and computing. 

I have been a member of the DOE Advanced Scientific Computing Advisory Committee (ASCAC) starting at its inception in 2000. I chaired ASCAC from 2008-2015, which encompassed the start of the exascale computing initiative whose ongoing successes we have all been recently celebrating. 

I have often found myself as either the only or one of very few Black people “in the room.” My father was the first Black official U.S. court reporter in Northern Illinois; my grandfather was the first Black graduate of Cornell Medical School. Part of being in such positions is both some need to “prove” yourself and, more importantly, to do what you can to help bring others along and break down racial barriers and discrimination. I have tried to do this whenever I found myself in such situations.

Leslie Leonard

My introduction to the world of computer science was a serendipitous moment during my high school freshman year. After an exhilarating day at school, I returned home to find a job announcement for a full-time computer scientist position at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center strategically placed on my kitchen table. This thoughtful placement was the work of my father, a current retiree from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who instilled in me from the age of 15 the belief that I could pursue a career as a computer scientist.

With this encouragement, I embarked on an adventurous journey into the realm of computer science. Quickly realizing the absence of clear pathways into this field, I relied on consistency and persistence to navigate the uncharted terrain. My inquisitive nature led me to ask questions and absorb knowledge. The turning point in my educational journey occurred while pursuing my master’s degree, when I was introduced to research in the field of mobile ad hoc networks. This experience marked a crucial phase in my development, broadening my understanding of the field and shaping the trajectory of my career.

Reflecting on my professional life, I liken it to a braided river, characterized by numerous twists and turns that I learned to embrace. My diverse career path extends from software engineering and project management to cybersecurity and HPC workforce development. At each juncture, I crafted my trajectory to align with my evolving interests and skills.

Acknowledging the instrumental role of the Department of Defense High Performance Computing Modernization Program, I’ve had the privilege of leading efforts to expand opportunities for students and faculty. Through impactful initiatives, such as summer research experiences, we aim to provide increased exposure to high-end computing and foster the next generation of innovators in this dynamic field.

Dr. Andrekka “AJ” Lanier, ACSW, MPA

As an organizational development consultant at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), I bring a wealth of experience spanning multiple roles across the country, including
facilitator, behavioral consultant, and director of social services. With a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California, I combine
academic expertise with real-world impact. One of my most significant contributions was serving as a sSubject matter expert (SME) and core team leader for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Strategic Outlook Initiative Study, shaping strategic initiatives and driving impactful change.

My influence in the supercomputing community extends through leadership in major industry conferences. I have led workshops at SC23 and SC24 and am contributing to inclusivity efforts as a committee member for SC25. As an adjunct professor specializing in leadership, guidance, and counseling, I teach emotionally intelligent leadership, psychological safety, and effective communication. Mentorship is a cornerstone of my contributions, coaching early-career professionals and budding doctoral students to ensure the next generation of leaders is well equipped to advance the industry.

As an Autism Warrior Mom and a proud member of the Trojan family, I embody resilience, advocacy, and excellence. My journey highlights the critical role of diverse leadership in supercomputing, ensuring the field continues to grow in inclusivity, innovation, and impact. I hope my story serves as an inspiration for aspiring HPC professionals, demonstrating the power of strategic leadership and the importance of fostering an inclusive scientific community.

Dylan Jacob

Dylan Jacob is a trailblazer in the world of high-performance networking, making waves at the Department of Energy’s Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), where, as the interim group lead of the Optical Network and Core Routing teams, he plays a key role in advancing the next generation of scientific research infrastructure. Known for his deep expertise in networking technology, Jacob is not only a technical leader but also a passionate advocate for cultural stewardship in the tech world.

With a career dedicated to pushing boundaries, Jacob has been instrumental in expanding ESnet’s global reach, connecting researchers to critical resources that enable groundbreaking discoveries. But his contributions go beyond just engineering innovation. As an advocate for Black professionals in STEM, Jacob actively mentors the next generation, ensuring that the field remains open to diverse voices and experiences.

In 2026, Dylan Jacob will serve as the SC26 SCinet Chair, the first African American to hold this prestigious role since SCinet began in 1991. For Jacob, success is about more than just achieving technical excellence—it’s about lifting others up along the way. During Black History Month, we celebrate Dylan Jacob’s unwavering commitment to empowering young Black minds, guiding them to a future where they too can make a lasting impact in technology.

In a world where representation matters, Jacob’s work serves as a beacon of what’s possible when talent, perseverance, and passion converge. He’s not just building networks—he’s building opportunities, inspiring others to break barriers and take their place at the table.

The SC Conference series is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, regardless of background. Our conference brings together a diverse range of professionals and students from various nationalities, ethnicities, genders and technical disciplines, sparking new ideas and connections.

Through our dedicated programs and initiatives, we aim to educate the HPC community on the invaluable benefits of a diverse workforce. Learn more about SC25’s commitment to community engagement.