Director of High Performance Computing Trey Breckenridge, Computer Science and Engineering Associate Clinical Professor Sarah Lee and Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Executive Director Clay Walden all were named to the Mississippi Business Journal’s 2019 Top in Tech List. In addition to their professional roles at MSU, all three are alumni of the university’s Bagley College of Engineering.
Trey Breckenridge
Director, High Performance Computing
Clay Walden
Director, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
As the director of high performance computing at the High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²) at Mississippi State, Breckenridge oversees one of the top high-powered academic computing centers in the country. The supercomputing systems managed by Breckenridge give numerous MSU research centers the capabilities they need to conduct high-end modeling and simulation. MSU’s newest supercomputer, Orion, is the 4th fastest academic system in the U.S., providing a competitive edge that allows university researchers to solve complex problems for public and private clients. With more than 27 years of professional experience in high performance computing and computer support, Breckenridge is a well known leader in his field.
“I am honored to be recognized with this award,” Breckenridge said. “With the high level of technical talent in Mississippi, I am humbled to be considered a part of the 2019 Top in Tech class and fortunate to work for a university that is focused on supporting and fostering technology-based research. Advancing high-technology activities in our state enhances economic development and benefits all of our citizens.”
At CAVS, Walden leads a group of more than 300 staff and researchers who work with government and industry partners to develop solutions that enhance transportation safety, improve vehicle efficiency, and increase workforce productivity. Walden has been an integral part of CAVS since its formation in 2003, primarily working at CAVS Extension in Canton before being named executive director of the research center in 2017. By conducting cutting-edge research, CAVS helps MSU and the state remain leaders in the fields of materials, propulsion, and manned and unmanned mobility. As executive director, Walden is responsible for the strategic planning that allows CAVS to continue its substantial research and economic impact on the Magnolia State.
“I am very appreciative of this award and proud of the team at CAVS that I am privileged to lead,” Walden said. “I am really excited about the advancements we are already seeing in areas like light weighting of vehicles and the navigation of off-road autonomous vehicles.”
For a complete list of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top in Tech honorees, visit
msbusiness.com/mississippis-top-tech-awards/top-tech-current-winners.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at
www.msstate.edu.