COMPUTER SCIENCE – DISTINGUISHED COLLOQUIUM

DATE: Friday, April 23, 2021 @11:00 AM CDT

SPEAKER: Dr. Rupak Biswas, Director, Exploration Technology Directorate, NASA Ames Research Center

TITLE: Advanced Computing for NASA Science and Engineering

Zoom URL: https://umsystem.zoom.us/s/157469758

ABSTRACT: High-fidelity modeling, simulation, and analysis, enabled by supercomputing, are critical to NASA’s missions in space exploration, aeronautics research, and scientific discovery. While such advancements used to rely primarily on theoretical studies and physical experiments, high-end computational science today is an equal contributor to such achievements. In addition, computational modeling and simulation serves as a predictive tool that is not otherwise available. As a result, the use of high-performance computing is now integral to the space agency’s work in all mission areas. However, the success of many NASA missions depends on solving complex computing challenges, some of which are intractable on traditional supercomputers. This is where quantum computing could play an unprecedented role by harnessing effects such as tunneling, superposition, and entanglement. This talk is an overview of how a spectrum of advanced computing capabilities is leveraged for NASA’s mission success.

Bio: Dr. Rupak Biswas is the Director of Exploration Technology at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., and has held this Senior Executive Service (SES) position since January 2016. He is in charge of planning, directing, and coordinating the technology development and operational activities of the organization that comprises of advanced supercomputing, human systems integration, intelligent adaptive systems, and entry systems technology. The directorate consists of approximately 950 employees with an annual budget of $230 million and includes two of NASA’s critical and consolidated infrastructures: arc jet testing facility and supercomputing facility. Dr. Biswas received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rensselaer in 1991 and has been at NASA ever since. During this time, he has received several NASA awards, including the Exceptional Achievement Medal and the Outstanding Leadership Medal (twice). He is an internationally recognized expert in high performance computing and has published more than 170 technical papers, received many Best Paper awards, edited several journal special issues, serves on the IEEE/ACM Supercomputing Conference Steering Committee, and given numerous lectures around the world.