Jeff R. Wade

Bio

Jeff Wade is an IT Infrastructure & Systems Engineer supporting research computing at Stanford University. He specializes in designing, securing, and maintaining reliable, high-uptime environments for scientific research.

Current Role:

After decades in full-time IT infrastructure and systems engineering at Stanford, Jeff is currently supporting the Fermi Large Area Telescope as a part-time specialist. His transition from full-time was the result of university-wide budget reductions. His work ensures the continuity of essential research projects.

Previous Roles and Achievements:

* Developed and managed high-availability server infrastructure, including redundant systems and real-time data replication using DRBD, to protect critical research data and provide seamless failover during outages.

* Supported network, security, servers, and storage for the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC).

* Established and maintained secure data communication with the Gemini Planet Imager project, enabling real-time data retrieval from observatories in the Chilean Andes.

* Maintained dedicated fiber connections between NASA White Sands (NM) and Stanford for the Solar Observatories Group, supporting uninterrupted scientific data flows.

* Built and maintained legacy computing systems—including Cray supercomputers and the SciBase database.

* Played a key operational role for Gravity Probe B: managed the mission operations center, retrieved live spacecraft data, flew the satellite from Stanford, and mentored Air Force Academy cadets on satellite operation and mission procedures.

* Developed a simulator for the LIGO Engineering Test Facility, supporting gravitational wave research initiatives.

* Consistently recognized for a methodical, reliable approach and a commitment to data security, continuity, and collaborative problem-solving.

Jeff has been recognized with outstanding performance reviews throughout his career at Stanford. His institutional knowledge and technical expertise have supported some of Stanford’s most complex research projects, enabling scientific discovery and ensuring operational resilience for over three decades.