New Supercomputer Debuts
WVU has installed an IBM RS/6000 SP supercomputer to run its new data center. Based on the same technology as the IBM "Deep Blue" supercomputer that defeated chess master Garry Kasparov in May 1997, it will be twice as fast as Deep Blue—and it will be one of the largest computers in West Virginia.
The computer is a key part of WVU's Integration 2000 plan that will enhance the University's information technology efficiency and ensure Y2K compliance. With the IBM RS/6000 SP, WVU will be able to integrate data processing centers on its five campuses into one and improve the delivery of information services to students, faculty, and staff.
The computer will perform a variety of processing functions for the University, including all its Oracle-based applications. WVU formed a partnership with Oracle, the nation's largest supplier of information management software, earlier this year to provide the school's financial and human resources management database systems.
In addition, WVU plans to move its extensive on-line library catalogs to this new computer. Because the RS/6000 SP's configuration allows for easy upgrades, it will also allow WVU to support other state colleges as needed.
—Tim Terman
Weete Appointed Research Leader
Dr. John D. Weete is WVU's new associate provost for research.
Weete is a specia in the study of lipid biochemistry,
nutritionally significant fatty acids from microbial sources
and the chemistry and evolutionary implications of sterols and
fungi. He earned a Ph.D. in biology from the University of
Houston, followed by postdoctoral
study at the Baylor College of Medicine.
Weete has been on the editorial board of the Journal of Microbiological Methods and served as associate editor for the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. He has published two editions of a book an fungal lipid biochemistry, 13 book chapters, and more than 72 research articles in major scientific journals.
Weete's duties will include providing leadership for WVU's research program, which has many constituents including the University community, government agencies, business and industry, and the public. In addition, he will be involved in developing policies and procedures related to research that will lead to growth in funding and national recognition.
Last year, WVU received $71 million in sponsored research and grants, the largest amount in the school's history. The University's six primary research areas are: advanced materials, energy and environment, human development and culture, information technology, local and regional economic development, and molecular and biomedical sciences.
—Tim Terman
PROMISE Grants Spur Cooperation
The hearing impaired may be closer to actually ening to music, thanks to one of 11 proposals accepted by Governor Cecil Underwood's Program for Maximizing Initial Submittal Evaluation (PROMISE).
The proposal, "Relaxation Pad Musical Interpretation," aims to create a pad, similar to a vibrating back massage pad, that will emit sound waves the hearing impaired can feel. Thus, they can experience music through senses other than hearing. It was proposed by Paul Sines of Interactive Innovations Technology in Morgantown and College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (CEMR) Professor Biswajit Das.
PROMISE, developed by the West Virginia Science and Technology Advisory Council in fall 1997, provides grants to partnerships between faculty at West Virginia colleges and universities and small business owners and operators throughout the state. Using the grants, these teams prepare and submit proposals to the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to create marketable products. WVU professors collaborated with businesses on nine of the 11 accepted PROMISE proposals.
At least $2,000 of each $5,000 grant must be used to support faculty participation.
—Phil Caskey
Internet2 Connects Research Universities
WVU is now a member of Internet2, the "next generation" Internet that connects leading research institutions around the country.
With the growing congestion on the current Internet, many researchers have found that the system does not support their work. More than 100 top research institutions have joined together to create Internet2, which planners say will be as much as 1,000 times faster than the original.
I2 is being coordinated by the University Corp. for Advanced Internet Development, based in Washington, D.C. At each of the member universities developers and engineers are working to develop I2 applications. At the same time, each team coordinates its efforts with similar teams at other I2 universities to create standards for the new system.
Benefits will come in three stages. First, WVU immediately gains access to the I2 members-only electronic library. In the next several months, WVU's research collaboration links with other I2 members will be established. Then, perhaps as early as next year, the high-capacity I2 connection will be installed at WVU. This employs the National Science Foundation's very high-speed Backbone Network Service (vBNS).
—Tim Terman
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Installing a Superdeck bridge near Jane Lew, W.Va. |
WVU researchers are developing a fiber-reinforced polymer composite material for repair and replacement of bridges throughout the United States. The new product, called "Superdeck," has potential to greatly increase the strength and life expectancy of bridges. The University and Creative Pultrusions, Inc., are cooperating to develop and market the new "plastic bridge" product. Dr. Hota Gangarao of WVU, and Dr. Roberto Lopez-Anido, formerly of WVU, were principal investigators on the composite material research project. Creative Pultrusions provided the application of new composite engineering processes to the improvement of the Superdeck product and its cost-effectiveness. |
Another advantage is increased durability. Dr. Gangarao said Superdeck construction offers a life span of at least 50 years, compared to an average of 15 years using traditional concrete materials.
"This is part of the longtime relationship the WVU Constructed Facilities Center has had with Creative Pultrusions to launch a new product from a University laboratory into the marketplace," said William Reeves, executive director of the WVU Research Corporation, which helped to sponsor the original research project.
—Tim Terman
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