With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities Programs, Professor Anne McCoy from the University of Washington and colleagues Thomas Dunning, Xiaosong Li, W. James Pfaendtner and Marshall Reschke have acquired a computer cluster with multicore microprocessors. The acquisition enables computational scientists and engineers to develop effective programming techniques for distributing the computational workload over multiple cores (processor units) both within a microprocessor and across microprocessors. The installed computer cluster advances the use of computational technology to study a broad range of chemistry research questions with users from across the campus from the physical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry and physics) and engineering (chemical, electrical and bioengineering). These researchers share research interests that focus on molecular and nanoscale materials, systems and processes. This computational resource is used in research and in course instruction in chemistry, applied mathematics and astronomy to train undergraduate and graduate students in up-to-date computational methods. The computer clsuter is also used in an outreach program with students at Bellevue College.
The award is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in research projects at the University of Washington such as (a) multi-dimensional molecular spectroscopy applications, (b) understanding and predicting properties of defect-containing nanomaterials, (c) understanding structure and dynamics at the bio/nano interface, (d) rationalizing the design of materials and (e) advancing a number of other projects in chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering.
