CENTER FOR COMPUTATION & TECHNOLOGY

LSU Today By Jennifer Hughes The LSU Center for Computation & Technology, or CCT, recently announced a memorandum of understanding with San Jose, Calif., -based network infrastructure maker, Cisco Systems Inc., that could advance the study of cancer and glaucoma diagnoses through grid computing. Other projects deal with coastal erosion, hurricane prediction and understanding the universe. During a press conference, LSU and Cisco announced their intent to develop technology research opportunities related to connecting supercomputing resources across international grids. This agreement provides LSU access to Cisco’s education research programs, such as the Cisco University Research Program and the Cisco Applied Research and Development Program. These programs are dedicated to cooperatively working with researchers at leading universities and other research organizations around the globe. In addition to the planned grid computing research, Cisco and CCT researchers are currently examining additional research topics of interest to both parties. Potential research collaborations include the implementation of a Louisiana statewide network. CCT’s feedback from these projects will be critical in evaluating the long term potential for grid computing and networking research. “The M.O.U. creates the opportunity for LSU faculty, the Center for Computation and Technology, and SuperMike to be key players in Cisco's research and development initiatives, a collaboration that could lead to Cisco-supported projects on campus,” said LSU Chancellor Mark Emmert. “The significance of such projects draws intellectual capital to campus and to Baton Rouge, while funding supports personnel and research. All of this activity has positive spillover effects onto the economic vitality of the community and state.” The CCT research projects currently use the computing power of LSU’s 1024 processor supercomputer, SuperMike. SuperMike has helped researchers model various science and engineering problems at unbelievable speeds. For instance, CCT Director Ed Seidel’s astrophysics research involves solving Einstein’s equations as well as modeling black hole collisions. Other projects deal with storm damage and the local petrochemical industry. SuperMike is also used in computing projects for medicine, complex molecules and the arts. “This type of collaboration is beneficial for both organizations,” said Seidel. “We’re promoting the open exchange of ideas. It's a partnership between science and industry.” Chairman of the Board for Cisco Systems Inc. John Morgridge agrees that higher education and industry can benefit from partnerships. “The United States is uniquely blessed with research-based universities and their research and development work often forms the foundation for vibrant economic development. These institutions combine the idea of populous education for all and world-class research and that combination often produces unusual strengths,” said Morgridge. “LSU and the state of Louisiana are making the right moves to expand their research capabilities and spur economic development.” The Center for Computation & Technology at LSU is annually funded by the Louisiana Legislature’s I.T. Initiative. The center was founded in 2001 to advance education, research and economic development in Louisiana through the use of information technology.