NCSA Welcomes Sophie Bui to the Center Stage!

December 4, 2023

Sophie Bui at her desk

Sophie with her husband Adam at a holiday party.

Sophie Bui has worn many hats at NCSA. She’s been a writer, a web content manager and now serves as the community manager for both Software and the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA). Her job is to bring greater awareness and community engagement to these groups. She recently worked on the fifth gathering of Parslfest, a large-scale, two-day meeting of Parsl community members supported by the National Science Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). She also currently leads the Women@NCSA group in the Center, organizing regular workshops and presentations specifically geared toward uplifting those in marginalized and underrecognized communities. Let’s turn it over to Sophie as she answers some questions and shares some photos.

What is your title and team?

Community Manager for Center for Digital Agriculture, AIFARMS, and NCSA Software/Parsl.

Where did you work before coming to NCSA?

I’ve been with NCSA for almost four years! Before that, I spent time in healthcare marketing at Christie Clinic and the restaurant/service industry at Crane Alley.

Sophie’s Crane Alley days – at a Halloween event and the annual Founders Fall Cookout event. (click to expand)

Sophie’s Crane Alley days - At the annual Founders Fall Cookout event — Sophie’s Crane Alley days – at a Halloween event and the annual Founders Fall Cookout event. (click to expand)

Why did you choose to come work for NCSA?

Since childhood, I have always loved science and technology. When the opportunity to work for NCSA arose, I was compelled to apply. It was the best place for me to combine my passions and communications expertise and be a part of something that has a global impact and changes lives.

Adam with our two dogs, Aries (on the left) and Falkor (on the right), at a park in Mississippi during a road trip.

What might people find you doing outside of work?

This depends on the season. For now, you’d find me spending time with family playing D&D and board games like Settlers of Catan. Or at home with my husband Adam and two dogs Aries and Falkor playing Diablo 4, watching Doctor Who, cooking, dabbling in crafts and candlemaking, or working on some home renovations.

Blue Volcano scented candles with dried orange peels from Sophie’s workshop. — For my fellow foodies – some homemade spinach fettuccine and meatballs, and a Southwest veggie omelet with roasted potatoes from the BuBu (Bui-Bullock) household. (click to expand)

For my fellow foodies – some homemade spinach fettuccine and meatballs, and a Southwest veggie omelet with roasted potatoes from the BuBu (Bui-Bullock) household. (click to expand)

What are a few items on your bucket list?

I’m actually working through a music bucket list with Adam. We’ve seen the Flaming Lips, Gorillaz, and Tenacious D in the last year. Next on our list are the Shins, Jai Wolf, Japanese Breakfast and more. Outside of music, I’d really like to spend more time traveling the world with family and friends and going on foodie adventures.

Photo of Jack Black and Kyle Gast at the Tenacious D concert at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City, MO. — Photos of Jack Black and Kyle Gast at the Tenacious D concert at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City, MO. (click to expand)

Photos of Jack Black and Kyle Gast at the Tenacious D concert at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City, MO. (click to expand)

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

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is that sometimes enough is enough, and that’s okay. As someone who can be a bit of an overachiever, this helps keep me grounded and ensures that I keep my work-life balance in check.

Ice Cream: chocolate or vanilla?

I like both, but I lean towards vanilla, especially with pastries.

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