Research Experiences for Undergraduates
in High-Performance Computing

Northeast Parallel Architectures Center at Syracuse University
Prof. Geoffrey C. Fox, Director

NOTE: The 1995 NPAC REU program is contingent on the renewal of funding for this project from the National Science Foundation. This should be decided by the end of January.

OVERVIEW: Students in all majors are invited to apply to the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program in High-Performance Computing to be conducted during Summer 1995 at the Northeast Parallel Architectures Center (NPAC) at Syracuse University. Participants in the program receive:

• training in parallel architecture computing
• supervision of an independent research project
• training and experience in technical writing and speaking
• university housing and meals
• a stipend of $2,500

ELIGIBILITY: Applications are welcome from students in all disciplines, including computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, communications, education, and economics. No previous experience in high-performance computing is required. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, who expect to graduate no earlier than December 1995. Participation in the program is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Women and members of ethnic/racial groups that traditionally have been under-represented in engineering, mathematics and the sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES: Applications should include the following:

• resume
• academic transcript
• letters of recommendation from two faculty members
• autobiographical essay, including a brief description of previous computing experience, areas of current academic interest, areas of possible research projects (if known) and tentative career plans.

DEADLINES: To guarantee full consideration, completed applications should be received by March 15, 1995. Notification of intent to apply can be sent electronically to reu-info@npac.syr.edu. Applications should be sent to:

    REU Program 1995  
    NPAC, 3-217 CST
    111 College Place  
    Syracuse University  
    Syracuse, NY 13244  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Northeast Parallel Architectures Center at Syracuse University was established in 1987 to study the application of a new generation of computing technology to problems in science and industry. Prof. Geoffrey C. Fox, a pioneer in the development and application of parallel architecture computers, joined NPAC as its Director in 1990. Prof. Fox has established an ambitious program that includes basic research, industrial applications, and educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

FACILITIES: Participants have access to all NPAC facilities, including a Connection Machine CM-5, IBM SP-2, DEC Alpha cluster, DECmpp 12000, Intel iPSC/860, nCUBE/2, and a digital multimedia lab, as well as numerous workstations.

REU PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: The NPAC Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program has two main goals:

1. to introduce promising students to opportunities for research careers in applications of high-performance computing
2. to provide a formative research experience modeled on the requirements of graduate study.

TYPICAL PROJECTS: Advisors are available to supervise student projects in a variety of areas, including parallel algorithms and languages, computational physics, computational fluid dynamics, optimization, digital multimedia, education, financial modeling, symbolic processing, scientific visualization, computer graphics and virtual reality.

CONTINUATION OF PROJECTS: Participants are encouraged to continue their projects under the supervision of faculty at NPAC and their home institution during Academic Year 1995-96. Access to NPAC machines will be provided until May 1996. Participants are encouraged to present their research results at professional conferences and in journal papers. Supplementary funding is available to cover the costs of participation in conferences for selected participants.

FUNDING: Primary funding for this program is provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation, with additional funding from the GE Foundation and Syracuse University.