May-27-2021

May 27, 2021

As a computer engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Gina Accawi has long been the quiet and steady force behind some of the Department of Energy’s most widely used online tools and applications. She has written the code that industry throughout the United States relies on – from MEASUR, the platform allowing manufacturers to assess the efficiency of energy systems and equipment within a plant, to the Building Science Advisor, the website advising builders on how to construct energy efficient envelope systems.

Now, she’s taking those past successes and applying her computer expertise to a new role as the leader for the Digital Manufacturing and Analyses Framework Group, part of the Digital and Secure Manufacturing Section within the lab’s Manufacturing Science Division.

“This group provides the support the engineers and researchers need to build whatever tools, whatever software, whatever applications they need,” Accawi said. “I’m bringing together experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; developers and database programmers. Our team exists to support the R&D staff so that their visions are realized.”

With the implementation of 5G, data can be transferred at unprecedented speeds. Accawi’s team will be relied upon to make sure advanced manufacturing software and systems keep pace in a secure cyberspace. She will work with researchers who drive innovations in robotics and automation, machine tooling and 3D printing applications.