Interim co-directors appointed for the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center

Jackson Cothren and Douglas Spearot have been appointed as interim co-directors of the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center. Both Cothren and Spearot have been active researchers using the cyberinfrastructure (supercomputing) resources available in the center. They will share the director role previously held by Amy Apon. Apon left the university this month for an administrative position at Clemson University. The interim appointments will be for one year while a search is conducted for a new center director.

Jack Cothren is an associate professor of geosciences in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts of Sciences. He is also director of the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies. Cothren's current research interests include various aspects of digital photogrammetry including sensor modeling, DEM extraction, feature extraction and matching for orientation, integration of LIDAR point-clouds, reliability analysis of adjustment models and integration with enterprise-scale geospatial information systems.

Douglas Spearot is an associate professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscale material behavior and the multiscale relationship between material nanostructure and material properties. He is developing a computational model that will help scientists and engineers understand the fundamental nanoscale mechanisms associated with development and evolution of thin film microstructures during vapor deposition.

The Arkansas High Performance Computing Center reports to the vice provost for research and economic development. In early 2011, the center activated Razor, a new supercomputer acquired through funding from the National Science Foundation. Razor joins the Star of Arkansas supercomputer that the center has operated since 2009.