A Next Generation High-Performance Computing Cluster for Research and Teaching at a Primarily Undergraduate Hispanic Serving Institution
Abstract
If rewarded, the requested funds associated with this grant will be used to acquire a cutting-edge High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster for the Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM), within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). CSUF is a primarily undergraduate institution with a highly diverse student population of nearly 40,000, more than 40% of whom are Hispanic/Latinx. CCAMÕs primary mission is to facilitate cross-disciplinary research throughout CNSM by bringing together faculty from all 5 departments (biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics) whose research activities have a significant computational component. In this proposal, the PIÕs propose a detailed plan for utilizing the HPC cluster for scientific research projects that will actively engage undergraduate and masterÕs students, innovative teaching activities that employ HPC across CNSM, and outreach to faculty and students at the North Orange County and Los Angeles County Community College Districts and Anaheim Union High School District. Moreover, in coordination with the UniversityÕs Division of Information Technology (IT), the PIÕs propose a pragmatic plan for continuous maintenance of the cluster over the next 10-15 years. In direct relation to the STEM research activities deemed critical to the DoDÕs functions, the new HPC cluster will allow the researchers at the CNSM to expand their computationally-intensive activities in a diverse set of disciplines and methodologies, including understanding the impact of behavioral and mobility patterns on infectious diseases; applying computational chemistry to photochemistry and reactive intermediates; understanding and predicting the properties of nanomaterials and the role of surfaces in chemical reactions; describing the physics of soft, living, and active matter; rationally designing next-generation solid oxide fuel cells through a combination of experiment and machine learning; rationally designing composite soft matter using multiscale simulations; contributing to international efforts in gravitational wave research; performing evolutionary genetics and genomic research on marine organisms; modeling crime and other complex networks; modeling the physics of multiple droplets on vibrating surfaces; and applying statistical models to economics and cyber security. This will have two immediate outcomes: 1- it significantly broadens the role of STEM research at CSUF and in Southern California, and 2- it will further amplify the participation of the underserved and underrepresented minorities at CSUF in STEM research. The latter will provide our students with hands-on experiences with HPC and big data, allowing them to develop highly marketable skills in coding and data analysis and hence equipping them to successfully join our nationÕs skilled workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110266
Entities
People
- Sam Behseta
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense