A message from Penny Gordon-Larsen, Vice Chancellor for Research
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to share a leadership transition at the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) that positions the institute for continued success and creates new opportunities to strengthen Carolina’s leadership in data science, AI, and interdisciplinary research.
Ashok Krishnamurthy is stepping down as director of RENCI and will create a new lab in the UNC School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS), where he will expand his research portfolio focused on advancing human health through AI and data science. To ensure continuity and build on the institute’s strong momentum, Rebecca (Becky) Boyles has been named interim director, and Chris Bizon has been appointed interim deputy director.
Becky has deep experience in biomedical research, research infrastructure, data ecosystems, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. As RENCI’s deputy director, she has helped shape many of the institute’s most significant initiatives and partnerships and has been instrumental in advancing its mission across campus and beyond.
Chris has played a key leadership role in RENCI’s analytics and data science research programs, helping develop innovative approaches that connect data, computing, and discovery. His expertise and collaborative approach will be invaluable as RENCI continues to strengthen partnerships across academia, government, industry, and community organizations.
For more than two decades, RENCI has helped drive some of Carolina’s most ambitious and impactful research efforts, connecting people, data, technology, and ideas to address complex challenges. As AI, advanced computing, and data-intensive science continue to transform research, RENCI is uniquely positioned to lead in these areas and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
I have full confidence in Becky and Chris as they guide RENCI through this transition. Together, they bring the experience, vision, and leadership needed to build on the institute’s strong foundation while advancing new opportunities that expand its impact across the university and beyond.
I also want to thank Ashok for his leadership and service to RENCI. His contributions have strengthened the institute’s role as a catalyst for collaborative science and positioned it for continued success. He will remain actively engaged with RENCI as a scholar and principal investigator, continuing the collaborative work that has defined his leadership. I am excited to see how his expanded research activities in SDIS will create new connections between RENCI, the school, and research communities across Carolina.
This transition reflects OVCR’s shared commitment to advancing data-driven discovery, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and accelerating the translation of research into real-world impact. I look forward to the important work ahead and to RENCI’s continued leadership in shaping the future of research at Carolina.
Sincerely,
Penny Gordon-Larsen
Vice Chancellor for Research