NCSA Welcomes Pengyin Shan to the Center Stage!

Photo captions provided by Pengyin. All photos, credit to Pengyin Shan. Click on a photo to see a larger version.

In developer circles, Pengyin Shan is what they call a unicorn, or full-stack, web developer. They’re called unicorns because they can handle anything related to website development, including front-end design and back-end coding. Her versatile skills have already made her an integral part of the Software unit at NCSA, and we can’t wait to see what else she’ll accomplish while at the Center. Without further ado, take it away, Pengyin!

What is your title and team? 

I am a research software engineer (RSE) from the Visual Analytics team at Software Directory. I have been a member of NCSA for two years now. 

What brought you to NCSA? 

As a software engineer who has worked across various departments in higher education institutions, NCSA stands out as a pioneer in innovation, extending far beyond its roots in high-performance computing. During my role as a data management software engineer at the Research Data Alliance of Canada, I was particularly impressed by NCSA’s presentations and contributions to the Research Data Alliance (RSA). Joining NCSA represents an opportunity to become part of a vibrant ecosystem where groundbreaking work in digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge fields continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in computing. 

Tell us about something cool you’re working on. 

I’m working on exciting projects that combine geospatial visualization with smart search capabilities. I’m developing web platforms that help researchers explore complex datasets through interactive maps powered by custom search engines and LLM, making data discovery and policy-making feel like an intuitive journey rather than a maze. Beyond coding, I’m deeply involved in the research software community, especially US-RSE, and it’s like being a DJ for the greatest tech meetup – but instead of mixing tracks, we’re mixing brilliant minds and ideas.

What might people find you doing outside of work? 

Jogging at dusk is the perfect time to get some exercise and soak in the magic of sunset – plus, it comes with a bonus wildlife show! Every run feels like a mini adventure, and my trail encounters read like a quirky nature documentary: deer, fox, owl, a surprisingly large turtle, a Florida gator (because Florida), a snake (again, Florida keeping things spicy) and a Canadian coyote where we had this hilarious moment of mutual “Oh, hello there!” before we both played it cool and went our separate ways.

What are a few items on your bucket list? 

As a child, I wondered if the stories I read held real-world magic, like the giant fish in The Old Man and the Sea. Twenty years later, standing in Hemingway’s Key West home, those childhood questions came alive, and now I’m on a literary adventure trail – tracking down Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, seeking solitude at Walden Pond and planning to crack mysteries on Baker Street with Sherlock Holmes!

Tell us about a unique talent that you have. 

I’m a pretty good pathfinder on foot, even with my myopia or in the dark. Maybe it comes from my habit of night jogging. That same instinct kicks in indoors too – whether it’s finding the perfect spot for my winter garden or tracking down where I left my snacks.

What are you bingeing right now? 

I recently kicked off my winter gardening adventure, and after a few attempts, my green onions have absolutely stolen the show. They’re vibrant, tough, and absolutely perfect for sprucing up meals during these chilly winter months. I’m definitely planning to move them to the balcony when spring rolls around.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

The best advice I learned during my MBA in Canada was simple but game-changing: ‘Make your own luck.’ This philosophy resonated so deeply that I now create ‘luck cards’ for my Software Directory teammates to draw at our New Year’s party, spreading the message that while we can wish for luck, creating it through action is even more powerful!