Center for Computational Studies Offers Students Unique, Cross-Curricular Program Geared Toward Industry Needs

Capital University has launched the Center for Computational Studies, a hub for interdisciplinary undergraduate programs. The Center, in coordination with its Computational Science Across the Curriculum program, provides students with facilities and professional connections that are unique to any undergraduate program.

COLUMBUS (PRWEB) March 1, 2004 --Capital University has launched the Center for Computational Studies, a hub for interdisciplinary undergraduate programs. The Center, in coordination with its Computational Science Across the Curriculum program, provides students with facilities and professional connections that are unique to any undergraduate program.

Capital University has the only comprehensive computational studies undergraduate program of its kind nationwide," said Dr. Ignatios Vakalis, Executive Director of the Center and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Capital University. Capital Universitys computational studies curriculum improves on its other undergraduate programs because it effectively fuses the sciences and mathematics with computer science."

"Capital has created a unique opportunity for industry in central Ohio. The ability to work side by side with students and faculty on computational issues creates an excellent opportunity for industry to learn and apply the latest knowledge in the field," said Al Stutz, Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) Chief Technology Officer. OSC is proud to be involved in the program and assist by providing supercomputer power and capabilities to this one-of-a-kind program."

The interdisciplinary field of computational studies enhances students educational experiences in a number of departments and colleges at Capital University," Vakalis said. These include academic disciplines such as behavioral sciences, chemistry, economics, environmental science, management, and pre-engineering.

Capital Universitys Center was made possible by grants from the National Science Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute, and the W. M. Keck Foundation. Grants from these organizations have not only helped create educational materials, but have also helped construct computing laboratories, giving students access to state-of-the-art facilities and programs.

"The Computational Sciences Center is valuable to Battelle because most people who have the fundamental quantum mechanics training, for example, don't get that until graduate school," said Garry Hattery, Advanced Materials Applications Program Manager at Battelle. Capital University graduates come out with hands-on, in-the-lab experience as most graduates do, but they also have developed a fundamental understanding of computer modeling and analysis, an efficient and economical method for creating a new product or device."

Undergraduate students participating in the Computational Science Across the Curriculum program may choose to conduct research or complete an internship in a specific area of this discipline. The program allows students to make important professional connections with industry members outside of Capital University. In addition, these grants will provide scholarships for students in Capitals computational studies program and funds to help support their undergraduate research projects.

Students have had exceptional professional experiences working with organizations such as Innovative Thinking Inc., the Business Technology Center (BTC), OSC, and Battelle. During these projects and internships in computational science, students develop strong ties with scientists and practitioners in the field and use computational tools to model information and complete calculations.

The Centers goals and the opportunities it provides reflect Capital Universitys goals as a whole. Both the computational science program and the university are aimed toward enhancing the undergraduate experience by making the most of educational opportunities, both within and outside of the classroom environment. Both also work to strengthen curricula as well as enhance and strengthen the visibility of the programs and opportunities Capital University offers its students.

For more information about Capital Universitys Center for Computational Studies, or the universitys distinctive computational science program, Computational Science Across the Curriculum, contact Dr. Ignatios Vakalis at ivakalis@capital.edu or 614-236-6587.

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Contact: Ignatios Vakalis, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
Phone: 614-236-6587
E-mail: ivakalis@capital.edu