Biography:
Emma Haruka Iwao is a Japanese computer scientist and cloud developer advocate at Google. Born and raised in Japan, she developed an early interest in pi and was inspired by Japanese mathematicians, particularly Yasumasa Kanada. Iwao pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Tsukuba, where she excelled and was awarded the Dean’s Award for Excellence in 2008. During her time at university, she dove deep into the study of high-performance computer systems, completing a master’s dissertation on the subject.
After graduating from the University of Tsukuba, Iwao gained valuable experience in various software engineering positions. She worked on site reliability for reputable companies such as Panasonic, GREE, and Red Hat. However, it was her pivotal move to Google in 2015 that took her career to new heights. Joining Google as a Cloud Developer Advocate, Iwao became an integral part of the company’s endeavors to promote and make cloud computing accessible for everyone.
With her expertise in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Iwao offers comprehensive training and support to application developers. She is passionate about creating demos and teaching materials that facilitate learning and encourage innovation in cloud computing. Her dedication to her work and her talent for making complex concepts understandable have earned her recognition and respect among her peers and the wider tech community.
In March 2019, Emma Haruka Iwao made global headlines by calculating the value of pi to an astonishing 31,415,926,535,897 digits. This achievement broke the previous world record of 22 trillion digits. Iwao’s calculation, which utilized an impressive 170 terabytes of data, took 121 days and involved the use of a multithreaded program called y-cruncher. Over 25 machines were utilized for this groundbreaking endeavor. Her accomplishment not only showcased her profound mathematical abilities but also exemplified the power of cloud computing and its applications.
Continuing to push the boundaries of what was thought possible, Iwao shattered her own record in 2022. With unwavering determination and technical prowess, she calculated pi to an astounding 100 trillion digits, solidifying her position as the world record holder once again. This incredible feat highlighted her unique contribution to the field of mathematics and solidified her status as a pioneer in the world of digital computation.
Aside from her exceptional achievements, Emma Haruka Iwao also plays an essential role in empowering women in technology. As a queer woman in the field, she serves as an inspiration and symbol of representation for underrepresented groups. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, she has become a strong advocate for equality and gender balance in the tech industry.
Emma Haruka Iwao’s groundbreaking work, dedication, and contributions to the world of computer science have earned her the admiration and respect of her peers and the profound gratitude of the global tech community. Her accomplishments continue to inspire future generations of mathematicians, scientists, and technologists to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and strive for breakthroughs that shape our world.