Connecting Science and Computing: How Dr. Thomas Pengo Accelerates Research

As director of the Informatics Hub and co-director of the Research Informatics team at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, Thomas Pengo, PhD, helps bridge the gap between complex research challenges and the advanced computing tools that move science forward.

Dr. Pengo’s journey into informatics began with a formal background in computer engineering, with a growing focus over the years on microscopy image analysis, machine learning, and automation. Having lived and worked in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States, his career reflects an international perspective shaped by learning from researchers at EPFL, the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG, Barcelona), and the University of Minnesota.

"I've loved technology for as long as I can remember—ever since I started coding on my dad’s Atari ST with its whopping 1 MB of RAM," Dr. Pengo said. "It's fun that I now get to work with some of the most advanced computational tools available."

Dr. Pengo combines deep technical work, exposure to diverse research fields, and a habit of listening first. Over the years, he has learned that deeply understanding a researcher's underlying problem is always more important than jumping straight to a technological fix.

"Part of my role is hands-on problem solving, and part of it is looking ahead: thinking about where technology is heading, what researchers will need next, and how we can prepare for that," he said.

One collaboration Dr. Pengo is especially excited about supporting is the Center for Mesoscale Connectomics, alongside major national studies like the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study and Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Working with massive microscopy datasets pushes the boundaries of high-performance computing, modern data formats, and workflow automation in ways that end up benefiting research groups across the institution—and beyond.

Dr. Pengo has also contributed to community building, having served as the inaugural chair of the Bioimaging North America Image Informatics Working Group. As he continues learning about rapid developments in artificial intelligence, he remains focused on helping connect researchers with the infrastructure, tools, and expertise they need to reach their goals sooner.

Interested in working with Dr. Pengo and the Informatics Hub? Complete an engagement request form to connect with the team and explore how they can support your research.