By Charles Roberts

The High Performance Computing center (HIPERC) is a group formed on campus in the fall of 2001 in hopes of advancing research through computer technologies.

HIPERC works to help advance technology in the worlds of business and finance, biology and bioinformatics, engineering, physical sciences and geography. Students from all different majors work in the Science Building (Room 219) lab to further their research and theories amongst their respective fields of study. Computer advancements have enabled students to break down their research to a whole new level.

The group promotes learning, application and advancement of high performance computing for faculty, students, and external agencies. Members learn computing skills that are in high demand.

“I am here breaking down the cell nucleus. I am taking many different angles on my research in hopes of advancing technology,” said Brendan Klick, mathematics major and HIPERC system administrator.

Students and faculty alike are working with many different local organizations and universities including Niagara University, Erie Community College and Genesee Community College.

Support from NASA has helped HIPERC immensely. NASA has donated approximately $450,000 worth of used equipment. Presently, two computer clusters, in physics and mathematics, are in operation. Ingram-Micro has also provided much support so far this year.

The group has also established an affiliation with the Computational Science Research Center at San Diego State University. It is presently seeking an affiliation with the Hauptman-Woodward Research Center in Buffalo.

“We are taking theories and research from all different fields to advance the use of scientific computing on campus,” said Joaquin Carbonara, associate professor of match and HIPERC member.

Among many other fields of study, the group is currently working on dissecting individual hand writing. The statistics are about 70 percent accurate in determining the gender of the writer.

“The advancements grow daily,” Carbonara added.

HIPERC.ORG will bring you the latest information on the high-performance group. However, for immediate questions, call 878-3835.