Proposal

Narrative

The growing volume of data generated in research, coupled with increasingly complex questions, continues to drive the rise of computational and data science technologies. Equipping our students with cutting-edge skills in computational modeling and AI analysis is essential for their competitiveness in both academia and industry. Therefore, following our successful implementation of multi-functional computational labs at the Jupiter Brain Institute and Boca campus we want to equip students with tools to connect these campuses, such as cameras, microphones, smart boards, and UPS systems. This additional equipment will facilitate: 1. Enhanced instructional capabilities: We will elevate learning environments, enabling seamless in-person and remote work. This infrastructure will be vital for courses such as AI Applications in Biology (IDS 4139), Brain Modeling and Simulation (BSC 6936/4930), Computer Graphics for Biologists (BSC 6455), Image and Video Processing and Vision in Marine Environment (OCE 5266), among others. Students won’t need to travel. This infrastructure aligns with the strategic goal of enhancing access to cutting-edge educational tools and reducing the commuting burden for students. 2. Support for research productivity and collaboration: The labs will become key resources for hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students working on Masters, Ph.D., or Honors theses. These students will benefit from better tools for data presentation and analysis. The UPS systems will ensure operation during power interruptions, safeguarding progress on critical projects. In summary, this investment in lab infrastructure will provide students across multiple departments, particularly those in Neuroscience, Bio-/Biomedical Sciences, access to state-of-the-art computers. These improvements will generate new opportunities for GTAs and strengthen alignment with FAU's strategic pillars by preparing students for leadership in data-driven and interdisciplinary fields.

Facilities

The Biological Sciences Computer Labs in Boca (SC 177 and SC 176) have each been upgraded with high-performance computers that support high-volume data processing tasks. In 2023, we installed 24 high-end Linux/Windows Precision 7865 Tower computers distributed between the Boca and Jupiter campuses. These machines are equipped with 16-core processors, 16GB NVIDIA CUDA GPU cores, and were specifically designed to handle parallel and serial computations necessary for both CPU- and GPU-based applications in computational biology and neuroscience. Twelve of these systems are connected to Jupiter’s High-Performance Cluster (HPC) "KoKo" via fiber optic cables (100Gb/s) for rapid data transfer and large-scale processing. The remaining systems are accessible via the 10Gb/s link between Boca and Jupiter, allowing remote access for seamless, high-volume data operations. While this infrastructure has enabled significant computational capabilities, additional equipment is necessary to fully use the new resources and create a multifunctional environment that supports hybrid learning and data-intensive research projects. To enhance the learning experience and collaborative research across campuses, we now aim to acquire additional components such as cameras and microphones, smart boards, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. The Jupiter Brain Institute has already designated space for this equipment, and the necessary fiber-optic ports are available to link these new resources directly to the HPC cluster for high-throughput computations. By adding these essential components, we aim to create a fully integrated computational lab environment where both students and researchers can engage with the latest AI and data science tools, and simultaneously contribute to ongoing large-scale scientific inquiries.

Hardware Requirements

This proposal seeks to acquire 4 high-end cameras, 2 high-end microphones, 2 smart boards, and 20 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to enhance the existing computational infrastructure. These components will enable hybrid learning across campuses, support real-time data visualization and interactive instruction, and ensure continuity of data processing during power interruptions. This additional equipment is essential for optimizing the performance of our labs and advancing both instructional and research capabilities.

Software Requirements

This proposal seeks to acquire additional software for research and educational purposes: Biorender licenses https://www.biorender.com/pricing - Team or enterprise. Graphpad prism https://www.graphpad.com/how-to-buy/ - Academic or enterprise. Endnote https://endnote.com/buy/ - Full license 1x purchase for several computers.

Personnel Costs

n/a

Other Costs

n/a

Timeline

The goal is to install and integrate the requested equipment (cameras, microphones, smart boards, and UPS systems) and software during the Spring 2025 semester. This will happen while the labs are used for other purposes, but it will allow the enhanced labs to be fully operational by Summer 2025, supporting both existing and newly developed computer courses. We plan to offer 2-4 lab sections in Boca (34-68 students per semester) and 1-2 sections in Jupiter (24-48 students per semester). The number of lab sections and the distribution of seats between undergraduate and graduate students can be adjusted as needed. These courses will continue to be offered in both Fall and Spring semesters. Some examples are: Practical Cell Neuroscience, PCB 6417C & PCB 4843C, Instructor Godenschwege. AI Applications in Biology, IDS 4139, Instructor Pena Computer Graphics for Biologists, BSC 6455, Instructor Kajiura Image and Video Processing and Vision in Marine Environment, OCE 5266, Instructor Kajiura Experimental Design and Biometry, PCB 6456, Instructor McCoy Brain Modeling and Simulation, BSC 6936/4930, Instructor Pena Microbial Community Analysis, BSC 4930, Instructor Fernandes Computational Biochemistry & Drug design, in development, Instructor Fenollar Ferrer

Sustainability

The newly installed computers, as well as the requested hardware, are designed to last for many years, providing robust connectivity and computational capacity. The hardware will meet current needs without requiring replacement unless there are significant technological advances. If replacement becomes necessary in the future, the equipment can be repurposed in other labs or classes, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective plan for technology relocation. As interest in AI continues to grow, we anticipate an increased demand for simulations and greater memory requirements. The computers are connected to the Jupiter High-Performance Cluster (HPC), which is capable of ongoing upgrades independently of this project. This ensures that as computational demands increase, our infrastructure will remain scalable. As an example, when AI Applications in Biology (IDS 4139) was first offered, it attracted 80 students (graduate and undergraduate), highlighting the growing interest in AI-driven research and learning. In terms of software, many of the tools provided through this lab setup are available for three years or via one-time purchases. These licenses will allow students, many of whom do not typically have access to such software, to use professional tools for their Masters, PhD, and Honors theses. Additionally, we plan to regularly review software needs, ensuring that any necessary updates or replacements are made on a sustainable cycle. Moreover, many essential tools, such as ChatGPT, Segment Anything, Python tools for simulation-based inference, and PyTorch or TensorFlow, are available as free or open-source versions, which helps reduce long-term costs while still providing cutting-edge resources. This combination of durable hardware, scalable infrastructure, and cost-effective software ensures that the labs will continue to support a wide array of computational courses and research projects for years to come, aligning with the evolving technological landscape.

Resource Matching

Much of the necessary equipment for this project has already been acquired during the previous TechFee phase. This includes high-end computers installed in both the Jupiter and Boca campuses. The labs are already equipped with essential infrastructure such as chairs, desks, podiums, fiber optics, and Ethernet ports, and have sufficient space to accommodate all the current and future hardware. In addition, some of this equipment was reallocated through interdepartmental reorganization, a strategy we will continue to employ to maximize the efficient use of resources across the university. A significant UPS upgrade is already being prepared at the Jupiter campus to further enhance system reliability and ensure continuous operation in case of power outages. This will work as a second layer to what is being proposed in this TechFee. Moreover, students will be able to connect their own devices to the lab’s systems, allowing for multiple users on the same high-performance infrastructure. This will enable more tasks to be completed concurrently without requiring additional hardware. Similarly, video conferencing capabilities will allow students to follow along from various rooms, ensuring broader access without straining existing resources. By leveraging these already available resources, we ensure that the requested equipment complements and maximizes the use of the existing infrastructure, enhancing the efficiency and reach of AI-enabled learning across both campuses

Implementing Organization

Biological Sciences Department, in collaboration with the Jupiter Brain Institute.