Bert Debusschere

Bert Debusschere

Contact

Email: bjdebus@sandia.gov
Phone: (925) 294-3833

Background

  • Staff Member at Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA
  • Post Doctoral Associate at Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
  • Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

What Matters to Me

My main research interest and expertise is in enabling predictive simulation in science and engineering, with the goal of effectively using all available knowledge in data, theory, and expert opinion to provide more confidence in answers to relevant questions in complex systems. This encompasses uncertainty quantification, Bayesian methods for parameter estimation and model selection, resilient computing, as well as stochastic multiscale coupling methods, applied to systems ranging from atomistic flow simulations, and human immune system signaling pathways, to continuum microfluidics, cyber security, quantum computing, high performance computing, and up the scale to climate models.

Besides my technical interests, I care tremendously about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in our society in general, and in the scientific community in particular. I am engaged in many efforts to provide equity in the opportunities available to anyone regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other identities. The goal is for everyone to be able to achieve their full human performance and feel empowered and welcomed to bring their best creative selves to work.

Noteworthy Tidbits

  • 2014 SNL Employee Recognition Award for Individual Exceptional Service
  • 2007 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. "For innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology, and for exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership."
  • 2007 DOE Office of Science Early Career Scientist and Engineer Award. "For introducing rigorous, mathematical methods capturing stochastic uncertainties in computational biology and providing a framework for simulation-based discovery; and for service to the Sandia Diversity Council and Foreign National Networking Group."
  • Lead developer of the UQTk open source C++/Python toolkit for uncertainty quantification.
  • Member of the SciDAC FASTMath Institute
  • Part of the design and facilitator team for Vision 2020, the Sandia Division 8000 Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Effort
  • Co-lead of the iDAPT (inclusion, Diversity, And Personal Transformation) discussion group, which facilitated in-depth conversations about how various forms of oppression in society affect our communities. (2012 – 2016)
  • Co-founded (2002) and chaired (2005-2006) the Foreign National Networking Group

Publications

For an online list of publications I (co)-authored, please see: