Discipline: Physics
Subcategory: STEM Research
Branislav Vlahovic - North Carolina Central University
Co-Author(s): Alate Tokuta, Diane Markoff, Gordana Vlahovic, and Marvin Wu
We present the research and educational accomplishments of the Computational CREST Phase II Center at North Carolina Central University. The cornerstone of the center is the combination of unique expertise and infrastructure at NCCU, which results in strong, synergistic research. The Center consists of four interdisciplinary projects listed below and seed projects. The center involves 15 senior investigators from five NCCU STEM disciplines actively collaborating with scientists from Duke University, Jefferson and Oakridge National Laboratories, and Center for Earthquake Research and Information at University of Memphis.
The computationally driven research programs include four complementary and closely interwoven projects: (1) Development of novel nanomaterials and application of these materials in advanced optoelectronic devices; (2) Low-to-medium-energy nuclear and hypernuclear few-body physics; (3) Intelligent systems and robotics; and (4) Geophysical characterization of intraplate seismic zones. The projects are internationally recognized and have the potential to significantly impact their respective scientific fields. The computational structures developed in Phase II have already resulted in significant new contributions in all of the four areas, and have thereby positioned NCCU closer to the goal of establishing a National Center in Applied Computational Sciences. The center has broadened the educational and research capacities at NCCU, and is leading the transformation of NCCU from a teaching to a research intensive institution. This will enable the expansion of Ph.D. programs to all STEM disciplines at NCCU, thereby contributing to a more diverse scientific workforce.
The educational impact of Center activities are: a) improved matriculation, graduation and progression rates, especially among African-American students, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged students; b) improved curricula for undergraduate and graduate students in the STEM disciplines and new undergraduate and graduate computational degree programs; c) graduates trained in specialties critically needed by the industry; and d) greater awareness of applied computational sciences among middle and high school students and the general public. The HBCU computational science network established by this center will create opportunities for student participation in advanced research and facilitate collaboration among HBCU faculty and students, and with major research institutions and industry.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This work is supported by NSF HRD-1345219 award.
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,