Dr. Pierce is a Research Scientist with the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Dr. Pierce is also a Lecturer for the Environmental Science Institute in the Jackson School of Geosciences. Today, Dr. Pierce leads an NSF-funded effort to apply artificial intelligence and knowledge-centered computing to solve complex Earth resource problems. In the classroom, she teaches students to use integrated approaches to data science and the design of cybertools to support decision making for policy and management. A trained groundwater scientist has prior experience in various sectors, such as in the US National Laboratory System and the international mining industry as the Environmental Manager for one of the world's largest metals mines. Recent projects at The Unviersity of Texas at Austin include the creation of a scientific platform for sharing data, algorithms, and educational modules with funding from the Fulbright Nexus program and the Longhorn Innovation Fund for Technology. She's received awards from the local to the international level for innovation and engagement.