Month: March 2022

3Q with Britt Gathright

~ ESnetComms

Britt Gathright has a varied background in education, hospitality, entertainment, warehouse/logistics, and oil and gas. He has over 20 years of experience in information technology operations and project management. Gathright obtained his undergraduate degree from his home state’s flagship university, the University of Arkansas, and completed his Masters in Education at the University of Tulsa—where he also met his wife. He also holds a Masters in Management Information Systems from Oklahoma State University and is a certified project manager (PMP). Britt and his wife live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and have three adult children.

Britt Gathright

What brought you to ESnet? 

I’m at a point in my life where I’m fortunate to be able to choose where I want to be. I’d like my work to outlive me and lend my project management skills to a team that is changing the world.

Education and service to others are at my core. Both my parents are educators in Arkansas, and my wife is a high school science teacher. I have seen the impacts of the pursuit of knowledge and hope my skills can help advance and continue the science conversation. 

What is the most exciting thing going on in your field right now?

Remote work has intensified the need to meet workers where they are and identify how they best intake and process information. Crafting communication styles to support and serve project team members and stakeholders is even more critical with dispersed teams. Project Management is trending towards agile methodologies that shorten delivery cycles and work products/packages. This results in hybrid project methods that blend traditional waterfall with agile for more flexible delivery frameworks.

What book would you recommend? 

While I am normally a podcast junkie, I recently enjoyed Bad Blood about the Theranos saga. It illustrates the importance of data, results, and oversight to support product claims and not be swayed too much by charisma and charm. Adventure and political thrillers from David Baldacci and Vince Flynn are favorites too.

I’m interested in book recommendations about diversity and inclusion, so please reach out if you have suggestions!

3 Questions with Liang Zhang

~ ESnetComms

Liang comes to us from Illinois, where he worked at Fermilab for eight years as computer researcher before joining ESnet. His research interests lie in network protocols, resource management, and high performance software architectures. His previous experience involves designing and developing data movement tools including MDTM and BigData Express. He also developed network management applications using Software Defined Networking (SDN).

A photo of Liang Zhang
Liang Zhang

What brought you to ESnet?

I got to know ESnet during my years with Fermilab when I participated in collaboration projects between ESnet and Fermilab. In my impression, ESnet plays a pioneering  role in research and development in networking and is ahead of most of the field when it comes to using new technology. I’m excited to start a new adventure at ESnet and have fun working with other talented researchers and engineers to contribute important knowledge and findings to this community.

What is the most exciting thing going on in your field right now?

While it isn’t directly related to my work at ESnet, I’ve been intrigued by the revolution known as Web3 that’s rising on the horizon. I think it will change the way people deal with the Internet. I am eager to explore how Web3 might impact the infrastructure and applications.

What book would you recommend?

The Three-body Problem. It is a science fiction novel written by a Chinese writer Cixin Liu. It discusses history, physics, the universe, and human nature.. I also enjoy watching Youtube videos about Chinese and European history, technology, and crazy inventions. 

Save the date for ESnet’s first annual user meeting – Oct 12-13, 2022!

~ ESnetComms

Join us 12–13 October 2022 for ESnet’s first science user meeting!

Science is a conversation! Come join the conversation and help shape the future of scientific networking at the inaugural ESnet yearly science user meeting – Confab22.  

Pre-register Now!

What to expect at Confab22:

  • Co-design the future of data management and networking with peers across the scientific community and ESnet staff
  • Share with colleagues from other research programs and identify common needs and solutions
  • Learn about the latest networking trends and capabilities
  • Collaborate and enjoy stimulating professional discussions

More information (including the event location, our exciting agenda, and a registration link) will be released soon.

Interested in attending Confab22 (either in-person, or virtually)? Pre-register now to be notified once registration opens. .