Getting To Know Us
The people behind the supercomputers
Sophia Massie-Perez
Research Software Engineer, Advanced Computing Interfaces
Sophia designs, develops, and maintains applications and web services at TACC.
She contributed to DesignSafe’s geospatial web portal using HazMapper, a tool that brings disaster-related datasets from advanced reconnaissance instrumentation onto an interactive map. This enables researchers to visualize and collaborate on natural hazard engineering projects.
Her most recent favorite place to work remotely? Pasadena, California, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.
She enjoys learning global cooking traditions and reimagining family recipes to share with others.
Vlad Krendelev
Research Engineering Scientist, Data Management and Collections
Vlad develops cutting-edge tools and applications for data processing, management, and analysis, with a recent focus on building AI-driven systems like Retrieval Augmented Generation apps.
His very first project at TACC, a web application for the Construction Industry Institute, proved to be both technically demanding and personally rewarding. Tackling its complex backend helped him grow as a developer.
For Vlad, what makes TACC stand out isn’t just the technology, it’s the people. “After my first day, I knew I had found a place where everyone believes in science and the power of computing.”
Delores Rice
Research Associate, Education and Outreach
Delores designs and leads education and outreach initiatives that broaden participation in the field, blending program development with research that drives change.
She co-leads the U.S. NSF LCCF Internship program, which launched in October 2024.
“I’m excited to support a workforce development initiative that helps those seeking more experience in computing.”
In 2025, her favorite remote workspace was San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she presented at the American Association of Colleges and Universities conference. In her free time, Delores finds joy in gardening, jigsaw puzzles, traveling, and spending time with family.
Sophia Massie-Perez
Research Software Engineer, Advanced Computing Interfaces
Sophia designs, develops, and maintains applications and web services at TACC.
She contributed to DesignSafe’s geospatial web portal using HazMapper, a tool that brings disaster-related datasets from advanced reconnaissance instrumentation onto an interactive map. This enables researchers to visualize and collaborate on natural hazard engineering projects.
Her most recent favorite place to work remotely? Pasadena, California, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.
She enjoys learning global cooking traditions and reimagining family recipes to share with others.
Vlad Krendelev
Research Engineering Scientist, Data Management and Collections
Vlad develops cutting-edge tools and applications for data processing, management, and analysis, with a recent focus on building AI-driven systems like Retrieval Augmented Generation apps.
His very first project at TACC, a web application for the Construction Industry Institute, proved to be both technically demanding and personally rewarding. Tackling its complex backend helped him grow as a developer.
For Vlad, what makes TACC stand out isn’t just the technology, it’s the people. “After my first day, I knew I had found a place where everyone believes in science and the power of computing.”
Delores Rice
Research Associate, Education and Outreach
Delores designs and leads education and outreach initiatives that broaden participation in the field, blending program development with research that drives change.
She co-leads the U.S. NSF LCCF Internship program, which launched in October 2024.
“I’m excited to support a workforce development initiative that helps those seeking more experience in computing.”
In 2025, her favorite remote workspace was San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she presented at the American Association of Colleges and Universities conference. In her free time, Delores finds joy in gardening, jigsaw puzzles, traveling, and spending time with family.