Enhancing computational skill development in biomedical education and research through acquisition of a high-performance computing engine

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded $224,992 to the Dominguez Hills Foundation California State University on September 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a PowerWulf ZXR1 high-performance computing engine for California State University, Dominguez Hills.

The HPC system will serve as a centralized shared resource supporting research across nine faculty members in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The engine will integrate hands-on computational training into five core courses: Computational Biophysics, Advanced Applications in Chemistry, Computing for Mathematics, Special Topics in Machine Learning and Deep Learning, and Mathematics for Life Scientists. Over 50 students annually will develop practical skills in artificial intelligence-driven protein design, molecular dynamics, quantum and semi-empirical chemistry, genomics, mathematical modeling, and deep-learning bioinformatics. The system will be housed in the CSUDH Data Center in Long Beach, California, managed by the IT department and administered by Dr. Adekunle Aina.

The period of performance runs through July 31, 2027.

Abstract

Funds are requested for the acquisition of a powerwulf™ ZXR1 high-performance computing (HPC) engine to enhance computational skill development in biomedical education and research at california state university, dominguez hills. This centralized shared resource will support the research of nine major users across five departments, including DRS. Adekunle aina and horace crogman (physics), DR. Sonal singhal (biology), DRS. Kari pederson and kenneth rodriguez (chemistry), DRS. YI wang, alexander chen, and cynthia sánchez tapia (mathematics), and DR. Sahar hooshmand (computer science). This shared resource will also help integrate hands-on training into five core courses across four departments: BPH406 computational biophysics; CHE420 advanced applications in chemistry; mat 295 computing for mathematics; CSC 495/595 special topics machine learning and deep learning; and mat 171 mathematics for life scientists. In today's data-driven biomedical landscape, mastery of high-performance computing, large-scale simulation, and reproducible pipelines is essential. The powerwulf™ ZXR1 HPC engine will enable access to training in modern computational methods for biomedical research and education, empowering over 50 students annually to develop practical skills in artificial intelligence-driven protein design, molecular dynamics, quantum and semi-empirical chemistry, genomics, mathematical modeling, and deep-learning bioinformatics. These competencies not only accelerate research discoveries but also prepare graduates for the growing workforce demands in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and data science. The powerwulf™ ZXR1 HPC engine will be housed in the CSU dominguez hills data center, managed by the csudh IT department and administered day-to-day by DR. Adekunle aina. An advisory committee will ensure broad access, while structured coursework and regular workshops will sustain and expand interdisciplinary collaborations, driving innovation and excellence in biomedical research and education.