A group of ACC faculty and staff members had an opportunity to see real-world applications of technologies previously thought to exist only in science fiction at a recent presentation sponsored by the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at the University of Texas.
Six faculty and staff members attended the presentation and demonstration at the Visualization Laboratory in UT’s Applied Computational Engineering and Sciences building, a state-of-the-art facility supporting research in computer science and engineering, mathematical modeling, applied mathematics, software engineering, and computer visualization.
Information gleaned from the visit will help ACC plan and develop instructional programs to attract students and produce graduates with the advanced computing knowledge needed in today’s technology industry.
“Through opportunities like this we can learn how to best prepare students for careers in advanced computing and identify ways in which ACC might collaborate with UT to benefit our STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs,” says Dr. Richard Armenta, associate vice president of student success. Also attending from ACC were Linda Smarzik, dean of computer studies and advanced technology, David Fonken, dean of math and science, Mary Kohls, chair of computer information technology, Alberto Quinonez, chair of electronics and applied technology, and Paul Elkins, adjunct professor of electronics and applied technology.
The ACC delegation learned how TACC’s research is being applied in weather forecasting, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and the arts. The area drawing most attention, Armenta says, was the lab’s work in “cloaking” technology, which makes objects seem invisible.
“We’re fortunate to have this amazing resource so close to us,” Armenta says. “We look forward to taking our students to visit these facilities to further encourage them to pursue their academic interests as they witness this amazing technology in action.”
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