Research in Inverse Problems and Training in Computational Science: A Reflection on the Importance of Community

As we strive to create a more diverse and inclusive scientific community, it is worth reflecting on the importance of mentors, collaborators, role models, and friends. This is my story. From collaborators who have guided me to new and exciting research directions to mentors who have provided much-needed support and perspective, it is my “village” (i.e., the close members of my scientific community) that has been critical in shaping my professional journey. This article is a retrospective of the people and experiences that have had significant impacts on my research portfolio, on my teaching and mentoring of students, and on my involvement in the scientific community. It begins in 2006 when, as a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Emory University, I was awarded the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship.