Data Science Institute

Data Scientist Spotlight

Jolypich Pek

2026 Summer intern

Originally from Cambodia, Joly moved to Virginia nearly 10 years ago and is currently a Ph.D. student in Statistical Science at George Mason University. Joly previously interned at the Lab in 2025 through the Defense Science and Technology Internship Program. “It was a valuable experience that allowed me to learn about the Lab, build connections, and network with scientists who share my interest in statistics. I also had the opportunity to learn about research in other fields,” she says.

This summer, Joly worked on advanced statistical models to help construct equations of state (EOS) tables for dissociating systems. Her work is part of an ACT-UP award project supporting the Strategic Deterrence mission. Joly is developing an iterative optimization algorithm and applying basis-function representations to estimate the underlying parameters needed to recover thermodynamic variables. She says of her mentors Jason Bernstein and Philip Myint, “They have been wonderful mentors who are supportive and always willing to share their knowledge. Their guidance has helped me grow as a researcher and better understand the importance of my project.” Joly says her favorite part of the internship experience has been the networking opportunities and social events hosted by the Lab. “These events have allowed me to connect with researchers and other interns while learning more about their work and experiences,” she reflects.

FLASK Copilot offers scientists new chemical recipes

What do you do when you run out of an ingredient while cooking? What if the only store that sells the ingredient is closed? Limited resources can challenge cooks and chemists alike, but when performing scientific research, the materials that scientists rely on cannot be easily acquired at a supermarket.

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore and other national security-focused institutions are primarily concerned with the availability of critical materials whose complex supply chains can face instability. If researchers cannot obtain the materials they need for their project through the usual procurement channels, they must synthesize them on their own.