Wednesday, February 28, 2007

High-Performance Computing

Available at NMU

 

Northern’s new supercomputer lab will enable faculty and students to split large tasks into smaller pieces that can be run simultaneously on multiple processors, achieving faster results.

 

“Parallel processing is not a new concept, but we now have nine boxes, or the equivalent of 18 computers in a small space,” said Dave Powers (Mathematics and Computer Science). “That means we can run programs 18 times faster than if you used a single computer. The applications for this extend beyond math research and instruction. It can be used for any of the sciences that require high-speed computing. Simulations that used to take days could be completed in half a day with this system.” Full Story

 

NMU Officer Participates in Forensic Computer Training

 

The number of law enforcement personnel trained in forensic computer investigation has not kept pace with the rapid rise in cybercrimes – from pornography and hacking to new-fashioned fraud and identity theft. In fact, only one officer in the Upper Peninsula is qualified to process such cases. But that is about to change, thanks to a pair of grants secured by NMU Public Safety and Police Services: $51,000 from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES); and $60,000 from the U.P. Regional Homeland Security Board. Full Story

 

TCF Supports Superior Edge

TCF Bank donated $10,000 to the Superior Edge program. The money will be used to create 10 scholarships for participants in the fall 2007 semester. Pictured are (from left) Rachel Harris (Student Enrichment), President Les Wong and TCF Bank representatives Buffy Adams and Brad Christian.

Adams said TCF was planning to donate $10,000 to an NMU program at about the same time the Superior Edge was being implemented. "The timing worked out perfectly and it's an exciting program," she said. "It’s important for TCF to move out of vendor mode and into partner mode. That's why we have supported everything from educational programs to arts and sports."

Previous recipients of TCF contributions include the Student Leadership Recognition Banquet, Make a Difference Day, Winterfest, World AIDS Day and the NMU Dance Company production of The Nutcracker Fantasy.

 

After-Hours Study Lounge Opens

 

NMU students now have an after-hours study lounge on campus. It is located in the LRC commons area and stays open until 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

 

“This has been a project in the making for a few years,” said ASNMU President Erik Maillard. “An overriding complaint among students has been that the library isn’t open long enough. We initially tried to extend the library hours, but found the resources required to keep it open were high and that students didn’t necessarily need that. What they really wanted was an area with wireless Internet suitable for studying. We found a spot that works and the support for this has been overwhelming. We’ve been getting a lot of e-mails expressing thanks. With fairly limited publicity, we’re seeing good numbers already.” Full Story

Walk-Through Inspections Planned

 

Facilities and Public Safety representatives will conduct walk-through inspections on campus within the next couple of weeks, looking for violations previously cited by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

Memos will be distributed in advance to the affected departments and supervisors are invited to accompany officials during the inspection.

Full Story

       

As a former staff writer at The Denver Post, Cate Terwilliger (English) contributed to the paper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the 1999 Columbine school shootings. Full Story

 

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Updated: February 28, 2007

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