Artificial intelligence, data science and the emerging field of quantum computing are among the hottest research topics in computing overall. David Bader, a distinguished professor in NJIT’s Ying Wu College of Computing and director of the university’s Institute for Data Science, shared his thoughts on big-picture questions about each area. Bader is known globally for his innovative work in the history and cutting-edge of computing.
In 2023 you were recognized by the Computer History Museum for developing a Linux supercomputer using commodity hardware. Your approach is now the dominant method in high-performance computing. Was that a life-shaping lesson for you in not being afraid to try unconventional things? How do you explain this lesson to your students?
Certainly, being recognized by the Computer History Museum for my early work in developing a Linux supercomputer using commodity hardware was a pivotal moment in my career, and it underscored a fundamental lesson that has shaped not only my approach to computing but also how I mentor and teach. In the world of research and innovation, the courage to explore unconventional paths is often the key to groundbreaking discoveries. This project was a testament to that belief. At a time when the idea of assembling a supercomputer from off-the-shelf components was unconventional, I saw an opportunity to democratize access to high-performance computing. It was a venture into the unknown, leveraging the emerging potential of Linux and commodity hardware to build something that was both accessible and powerful. This experience taught me the importance of embracing risk and the value of resilience. There were technical hurdles, skepticism from peers and the daunting task of venturing beyond established norms.