Daniel Abdi, a CIRES research scientist at NOAA GSL, uses high-performance computing and AI to develop and improve weather prediction models. He is passionate about computational science. In his free time, Abdi develops computer games — his computer chess game was once ranked top-5 in the world. If he were an olympian, his sport of choice would be table tennis or football (not the American version).
 

What is your role at CIRES?

I am a Research Scientist III at CIRES, where I develop and improve weather prediction models using high-performance computing and artificial intelligence techniques.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am most passionate about computational science, particularly advancing weather prediction through high-performance computing and machine learning. My work spans GPU [graphics processing unit] acceleration of numerical weather prediction models, development of high-order methods, and, more recently, applying artificial intelligence to improve models such as HRRR.

Tell us about a hobby of yours.

One of my long-standing hobbies is developing computer games. My computer chess program was ranked top-5 in the world at one point.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Table tennis or football — and I mean soccer :)