Computer Scientist
Workflow Systems Group
Data and AI Systems Section
CSM Division

About Me

I am a Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where I work within the Workflow Systems Group. My research focuses on bridging the gap between traditional High-Performance Computing and emerging data-driven disciplines.

Currently, I lead two Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives focused on AI-driven workflows:

  • The Data Understanding thrust (co-lead) in the RAPIDS SciDAC project
  • The Self-improving AI Models thrust in the Genesis project (Transformational AI Models Consortium)

and I am on the leadership team for the UT-ORII initiative, on the ORNL hiring board and mentoring research focused on the development of surrogate models for fusion.

My technical expertise includes data and workflow management, specifically for workflows combining HPC and AI, performance optimization, resiliency, and the design of runtime systems (scheduling, I/O middleware, and fault tolerance).

Before joining ORNL, I was a Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University. I hold a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, supported by the Blue Waters project at NCSA.

I am currently seeking motivated summer interns or postdoctoral researchers interested in the HPC/Big-Data/ML convergence. Funding is available for candidates eager to work on high-impact projects at the intersection of large-scale systems and AI-driven scientific workflows. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of performance optimization and data science, please reach out with your CV and a brief statement of interest.

Resume (PDF)

Last updated: August, 2025

Bio: Dr. Ana Gainaru is a Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Computer Science and Mathematics Division. Her research addresses performance optimization, data management, and the advancement of AI-driven workflows for large-scale scientific applications. She currently leads research thrusts for the RAPIDS SciDAC project and the Transformational AI Models Consortium in the Genesis project. Additionally, she serves on the leadership team for the UT-ORII initiative, where she sits on the ORNL hiring board and mentors research focused on the development of surrogate models for fusion.