In today’s digital world, computational science is emerging as an efficient and productive technological method.
This applied science uses computer models to understand complex systems with massive amounts of data and different types of technical problems.
“Computational science makes the use of computers easier by developing computational models,” said Jose Castillo, SDSU mathematics and statistics professor and director of the SDSU Computational Science Research Center (CSRC).
“By (developing these models) on the computer, you can actually optimize the technology that you are trying to develop,” Castillo added.
To assist SDSU computational science students in networking with technology industry representatives, the CSRC and the SDSU Applied Computational Science and Engineering Student Support (ACSESS) program are hosting the eighth annual Computational Science Curriculum Development Forum.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m., Friday, March 11, at the SDSU Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required by Wednesday, March 9.
2011 Computational Science Curriculum Development Forum
The forum begins with a buffet lunch, followed by a panel discussion featuring educators and industry representatives, including:
- Stanley Maloy, dean, SDSU College of Science
- Gail K. Naughton, dean, SDSU College of Business Administration
- Brons Larson, Fugue Science Group LLC
- Victor Pereyra, Weidlinger Associates
- Gary B. Fogel, CEO, Natural Selection Inc.
- Terie Scerbo, Academic Relations/Learning and Development, QUALCOMM Inc.
- Bob Kain, vice president, engineering, Illumina Inc.
The panel will discuss the SDSU computational science interdisciplinary graduate programs and curricula, and how they can be improved. It will also help prepare program students for careers in high-technology upon receiving their degrees.
The event will conclude with a competition where students can present abstracts and posters containing solutions to companies’ computational science problems.
The complete forum schedule can be found here.
The SDSU Computational Science Research Center
The CSRC was established in the SDSU College of Sciences by Castillo in 1999 as a replacement for the Interdisciplinary Research Center. Today, it continues to promote and advance computational science through research, educational programs, industrial interaction, outreach and partnerships.
“We are basically the target of companies that have needs of computational science expertise,” Castillo said.
“We develop computer models to help (companies) understand the processes that (they) plan to manufacture,” he added.
Among these educational programs are two interdisciplinary master's degree programs and one Ph.D program, which is ranked 15th in the U.S., according to Castillo. Students can specialize in any of the applied sciences, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
About ACSESS
A part of ACSESS is designed to provide aspiring engineers, scientists and researchers with an opportunity to work in the technology industry after they graduate.
ACSESS also develops and maintains partnerships with companies in the industry. Currently, the program is partnered with the:
- Sandia National Laboratory
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laborator
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
ACSESS membership includes:
- Computational science consulting
- Access to the program’s facility, staff, meetings and events
- Assistance with computational science-related problems
To join ACSESS, e-mail Jose Castillo at castillo@myth.sdsu.edu. To learn more about becoming a member, click here.