Coe College to purchase advanced computing system with NASA grant

Coe College has received a grant from NASA to purchase advanced computing technology for STEM research, including modeling a region of Mars’ ionosphere. (Photo by NASA; ESA; the Hubble Heritage Team, STScI/AURA; J. Bell. ASU; and M. Wolff, Space Science Institute on background via Canva)

Coe College will use a $225,000 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, to advance its computing technology for research in astrophysics and other sciences.

According to a news release, the Cedar Rapids college will purchase a “high-performance computing cluster” that will allow researchers across different disciplines, including plasma physics and computational therapy, to conduct complicated simulations and analyze data.

One project the new system will aid in is modeling a certain region of Mars’ atmosphere, called its ionosphere, in order to create the best glass for spacecraft heading to the planet.

“This NASA grant is a testament to Coe’s commitment to cutting-edge education and research,” said grant co-lead and physics professor Mario Affatigato in the release. “The new computing resources will significantly enhance our capabilities in physics, data analytics and engineering, providing our students and faculty with tools to excel.”

The computing system will have 1024 central processing unit cores, eight advanced graphics processing units, a new cooling system and software for multiphysics simulation, according to the release, including a plasma module.

Having this equipment will open new doors for interdisciplinary collaboration, the release stated, as well as work as a complement to STEM areas of study like the college’s engineering physics major, launched in the spring.

Coe College President David Hayes thanked U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in the release for advocating for the college as it sought the grant. Hinson submitted Coe College’s funding request to receive federal Community Project Funding for fiscal year 2024, according to the representative’s website.

“I am proud to have secured funding for Coe College to acquire new equipment to expand their Astrophysics Research Project and further enhance programs for their students,” Hinson said in the release. “The next generation of cutting-edge research and development is happening right here.”