New HPC course bridges the gap between students and local tech industry

By Mariah Rosales

The Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC) is pleased to highlight our High-Performance Computing (HPC) course led by University of New Mexico Research Assistant Professor Matthew Fricke. This unique course (CS491/591) has provided undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on technical training while fostering connections between students and the local tech workforce.

Backed by a $1 million grant from the Department of Education, the course aims to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the fields of computational science and advanced computing. Through a combination of practical experience and career-focused sessions, students will develop essential skills and gain insight into potential career pathways in labs, private industry, and research institutions.

A key feature of the course is the opportunity for students to work directly with their own miniature computing clusters, built using repurposed CARC hardware nodes. This hands-on experience allows students to learn essential system administration skills on Linux systems, including job scheduling, software installation, and system setup.

"Our goal is to provide students with not only technical expertise but also a clear understanding of the professional landscape," says Fricke. "By connecting students with experts from local labs and the tech sector, we aim to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world application."

In addition to technical training, the course includes a special career-building session where students will engage with professionals from national labs, private industry, and academic research. This session is designed to give students a comprehensive view of the current job market and help them navigate potential career opportunities.

The HPC course reflects CARC’s ongoing commitment to strategic workforce development and community engagement. By equipping students with both technical and professional skills, the course aims to prepare the next generation of computational scientists and system administrators.

For more information on CS491/591, please email Matthew Fricke mfricke@unm.edu.