Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every sector of society — from agriculture and manufacturing to transportation, energy, and healthcare. At Iowa State University, we are embracing this transformation through a Translational AI approach that integrates cutting-edge research with real-world applications across diverse domains, or what we call AI+X. In this talk, I will highlight how Iowa State researchers are working at the intersection of AI and critical application areas, translating their innovations into practice. I will also discuss our comprehensive AI training initiatives designed to reach learners across the spectrum — from AI-novices to AI-aware practitioners to AI-experts — ensuring broad and inclusive access to AI education. Finally, I will share our efforts in developing a strong AI+X student pipeline and fostering an academia-industry nexus to build the next-generation AI workforce for the Midwest and beyond.
Director of Translational AI Center, Iowa State University
6/5/25 MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:Soumik Sarkar is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science at Iowa State University. He is the Director of the Translational AI Center at Iowa State University and the Associate Director of the NSF/USDA-NIFA AI Institute for Resilient... Read More →
Tuesday June 3, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT 220/230 Scheman Building1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
The Globus platform is used in diverse scenarios to build solutions that increase shared instrument throughput and researcher productivity, and ensure these expensive devices remain highly utilized. We will demonstrate—live, using a real instrument!—how you can use Globus to build a scalable solution for automating instrument data management and computation, from the time the first byte of data is captured, to distribution and publication of final data and findings. We will then present a very high level overview of the enabling services and provide pointers for starting to build similar solutions at your institution. This presentation is geared towards research computing and data administrators and facilitators, as well as technical staff and research software engineers.
Discover how the University of Nebraska has leveled up its Vulnerability Disclosure Program through gamification. This presentation will showcase the collaborative efforts between the university and independent security researchers to enhance security posture and acknowledge the contributions of experienced researchers. Attendees will gain insights into NU’s innovative program model, built on the DHS CISA template, and learn effective strategies for engaging in remediation.
Director, Security Engineering, University of Nebraska
Phil Redfern is the Director of Security Engineering at the University of Nebraska. Throughout his career, Phil has led various enterprise IT initiatives and projects, successfully integrating risk-based cybersecurity throughout the university system. Highlights include a unified... Read More →
Tuesday June 3, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT 250 Scheman Building1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
In this session, we will discuss computational resources available for AI Research and Education, including the NAIRR Pilot and NSF ACCESS. These programs serve researchers and educators across the US, at no cost to them or their research grants. In the second part of the presentation we will share experience requesting and using allocations from each program.
Manager High Performance Computing, Iowa State University - Research IT
Marina Kraeva has over 30 years of experience in High Performance Computing (HPC) being involved in multiple projects on functional and performance testing of various OpenMP compilers, MPI libraries, SHMEM libraries, parallel debuggers and performance tools, and in the development... Read More →
Leveraging FCC Rural Health Care Fund reimbursement for REN membership savings. Eligible higher ED, community colleges, medical institutions, can receive up to 65% reimbursement for eligible REN membership costs.
How to start a regional HPC in your state. Starting with a planning grant, a workshop, and a few willing participants, we were able to prepare for the next NSF CC* solicitation and build a successful proposal in the 90 day submission window. The group has gone on to establish a state-wide consortium to guide and encourage the adoption of the HPC in faculty and student research as well as the use of the HPC resource in undergraduate classroom instruction.
As time allows, we will discuss the re-chartering of the ShowMeCI CyberInfrastructure support and advocacy group in Missouri.
Data sharing and data publication are common phrases tossed around in conversations about research data, funder requirements, publishing, and cyberinfrastructure. But what do these terms mean?
While used interchangeably, there are differences. This session will explain how each requires different infrastructure and support and how time and standardization are key factors that separate them. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss common challenges and possible collaborations around distributing research data and will leave with a common understanding of how these processes differ.
Manager High Performance Computing, Iowa State University - Research IT
Marina Kraeva has over 30 years of experience in High Performance Computing (HPC) being involved in multiple projects on functional and performance testing of various OpenMP compilers, MPI libraries, SHMEM libraries, parallel debuggers and performance tools, and in the development... Read More →
Sr. Manager of Research Technology, Iowa State University - Information Technology Services
I've been working professionally in the IT field since 1995. I started out as the Project Vincent System Manager here at Iowa State University. After several years of being "The UNIX guy" here at ISU and at a couple of telecommunications companies in eastern Iowa I had migrated... Read More →
Tuesday June 3, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT 250 Scheman Building1805 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
This session is a panel made up of representatives from the various state networks that comprise the Great Plains Network. The panel will consider and comment on questions regarding how current networking technology, broadband expansion efforts, and security services are impacting their individual state networks and members.
Recently joined GPN after working on NTIA, HUD, and HRSA grants in Texas. Now constructing a home near UAMS, UALR, and Philander Smith University in Little Rock.
A veteran of technology leadership in finance, business, and operations, Chris brings over 20 years of technology management and leadership to his role as the Executive Director – President of KANREN. Immediately prior to his KanREN role , Chris was the IT Chief Operations Officer... Read More →
Assistant Vice President, Infrastructure Services, University of Nebraska
Andrew is the Assistant VP for Infrastructure Service at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a regional and national leader in Internet2's InCommon and eduRoam programs. During his tenure at UNO, Andrew has lead numerous projects that have significantly changed the face of technology... Read More →
Elon has spent his entire career in education IT, with seven years in K-12 and thirteen years in higher education as both a technical practitioner and in technology leadership roles. He believes there is no greater way to impact the future of Arkansas and the quality of where he lives... Read More →
This session is a panel of representatives from the various HPC centers that comprise the Great Plains Network. The panel will answer questions regarding the State of the HPC Centers around the region.
Recently joined GPN after working on NTIA, HUD, and HRSA grants in Texas. Now constructing a home near UAMS, UALR, and Philander Smith University in Little Rock.
Associate Director IT Research Support Solutions, University of Missouri
As the University of Missouri's Director of Research Support Solutions, with a 25+ year background in IT and research, Matthew leads the IT RSS team to enable productive research. Christina Roberts is a research facilitator on the RSS team supporting the HPC and now QIC environments... Read More →
Manager High Performance Computing, Iowa State University - Research IT
Marina Kraeva has over 30 years of experience in High Performance Computing (HPC) being involved in multiple projects on functional and performance testing of various OpenMP compilers, MPI libraries, SHMEM libraries, parallel debuggers and performance tools, and in the development... Read More →
