Personal Cloud for Research and Research-Related Education
Abstract
This proposal seeks to acquire a cloud computing system that enables education and research in the areas of critical importance to the DoD. The key elements of the proposed equipment include high-performance servers and low latency, high density storage central to building a next generation cloud computing platform. The computing resources will be managed and provisioned using oVirt, an open-source distributed virtualization solution. The proposed cloud infrastructure acquisition is aligned with UniversityÕs Cyber Infrastructure Plan and integrates seamlessly with the existing infrastructure. Research-related Education: This equipment award will enable an innovative approach to training CS students Ð providing every computer science student with continuous access to cloud computing resources and training from the moment they enter their CS program Ð each CS student is granted resources for a Student Personal Cloud (SPC). Students will have continuous access to this SPC for the duration of their study. Students will use these resources for coursework, research, independent learning, and capstone projects. Students self-provision the computing resources and can install the necessary software and services. Having continuous access to a SPC allows students to explore, learn, and deepen their knowledge as they progress through their curriculum. Fluency developed through continuous access to a personal cloud is expected to have a significant impact on student performance in their upper division elective courses and research projects. This equipment award also removes a significant financial barrier to student learning and discovery by eliminating the cost of cloud computing and significantly flattening the learning curve. Capstone Projects on DoD Problems: Through a collaboration with National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), in the last 14 months, the EECS Department has worked on 15 capstone design projects involving 66 students with 12 agencies of the DoD. This equipment award will enable FAU to develop solutions with better outcomes and greater benefit to the DoD. STEM Outreach: The equipment acquisition will enable broader STEM outreach and attract more students into CS programs. A Cloud Computing bootcamp built around the proposed cloud infrastructure will enable us to engage high school students and teachers. This bootcamp will be offered at no cost each Summer to 80 students and 40 teachers from high schools in Palm Beach and Broward County School Districts. Students and teachers who successfully complete the boot camp will receive free training offered by the FAU Libraries and free cloud computing resources for the next one year. Research Relevant to the DoD: The ongoing research in the EECS department at FAU addresses problems of critical importance to the DoD such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, edge computing, and software engineering. This new infrastructure will enable collaborations among faculty and provide access to well-trained students. The high-density and high-speed infrastructure enables new research and allows faculty to develop new research collaborations with the Agencies of the DoD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210190
Entities
People
- Hari Kalva
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida Atlantic University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense