Research Computing Support joins LTC
The Research Computing Support Group has become part of Learning Technologies (LTC) and has expanded its mission. Working with others in the LTC, enhanced services are being developed. The same highly-qualified staff members will continue to provide support to the campus.
Formerly a part of the Center for Computing and Information Technology (CCIT), the Research Group became part of the LTC when the campus IT unit reorganized. The units that comprised CCIT have combined with the LTC and the Office for Student Computing Services (OSCR) to form University Information Technology Services (UITS).
Headed by Michael Bruck, assistant director for research services, the Research Computing Support Group provides technical and scientific support to faculty, staff and graduate students of The University of Arizona involved in computational research. A sampling of our services is described below.
High Performance Computing support
The group assists researchers with their programming, code optimization, code porting, parallel programming, resource utilization and use of third-party applications. Most high performance computing takes place on the SGI Altix 4700 as well as on the research nodes of the U-System (SUN machines). In addition, a Beowulf-type of computer is available to users interested in developing or running codes for distributed memory environments. Computing support is provided for specific areas of expertise such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics, math, engineering, protein sequencing and structural analysis. A new cluster system is scheduled to be available in March 2008.
Scientific Visualization Support
Scientific visualization is concerned with techniques and applications that allow scientists to create graphical representations from the results of their computations, simulations and measurements. Its goal is to assist researchers in developing a deeper understanding of their data and to provide new insights that rely on the human’s powerful visual system. Support includes consulting and training, as well as high performance workstations with high-end graphics capabilities. The Arizona Laboratory for Immersive Visualization Environments (AZ-LIVE) is part of the visualization support where university researchers and instructors can be immersed and interact with 3D computer-generated worlds.
Statistical Consulting
Statistical consulting consists of assisting researchers in performing statistical analyses using various technologies at the university. This includes statistical programming, advice on selection of statistical packages, experimental design and assistance with data analysis including interpretation of results. Training in the use of SAS and SPSS is available through workshops and individual consultations.
State-of-the-art Access Grid
Access Grid provides a rich collaborative environment through the use of multiple large-format displays, multiple-camera capture environments and the integration of advanced interaction and visualization technologies. Meeting in a virtual venue space in real time, the Grid utilizes Internet2 to provide high-quality video, audio, human interaction and data sharing. Large-scale scientific and technical collaborations often involve multiple teams; geographically distributed and working together. This tool is available for use by the campus community. It is currently configured and available in the LTC conference area.
Access Grid uses:
- Large-scale distributed meetings
- Collaborative teamwork sessions
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Tutorials and training
Scientific Training
Scientific training includes helping researchers, either in a class environment or in one-on-one sessions, to develop computational skills that range from effective use of resources to application usage in different disciplines. Examples include the use of existing parallel applications, workshops on visualization techniques and parallel programming tutorials.
Research Software Licensing
Research software licensing handles licenses for third-party commercial applications such as Abaqus, Ansys, IMSL libraries, SAS, SPSS and many other applications that are needed by researchers to conduct their simulations in a more effective manner.
Hardware and Software Monitoring
Research computing staff team-up with Computing Infrastructure Services to report failures or malfunctioning of resources and/or applications so that quick action is taken to assure resource and/or application availability at all times.
Research Applications and Software Maintenance
This deals with testing new installed software, testing software upgrades and proposing better alternatives to accomplish tasks.
For more info
626-2621
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