Research Computing: Computers Accelerating Discovery

Climate change, infectious diseases, and shrinking energy resources are just some of the challenges facing the world community. To find solutions to these challenges, talented young people from disciplines as diverse as science, engineering, the humanities, and business will need to work together using a variety of methodologies and tools. What is one of the most powerful tools out there? The field of research computing. Students who join the Research Computing track this summer will learn firsthand about the amazing power computing tools possess to solve the world’s most intractable problems. To understand the field of research computing, students are introduced to High Performance Computing (HPC) and then have the opportunity to build and operate their own “super computers,” if on a somewhat more modest scale. Working in teams, students run simulations that model hurricanes, molecular proteins, viral pandemics, and even social networks. Students are also introduced to 3D visualizations and computer animation and visual effects, as well as mobile device apps, making the course applicable to the ways computers affect our everyday lives. A guided field trip to a data center and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Lab will round out the course, introducing students to the ways innovations in the field of research computing are applied on a national scale. Students with a background in computing are certainly encouraged to apply, but a background in computing is not expected or even required. Students who join Research Computing will constantly be encouraged to explore how research computing might be applied in their field of interest. Whether you aspire to be a doctor or lawyer, engineer or scientist, entrepreneur or philosopher, by promoting the understanding of computer-related discoveries, this course will give you the background you need to successfully apply computer research to whatever career path you choose.