Coe College receives $225,000 NASA grant to enhance computing capabilities
Coe College is the recipient of a $225,000 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This significant funding will be used to acquire state-of-the-art computing resources, further solidifying Coe's position as a leader in STEM education, hands-on learning and student research.
The grant, which was led by Fran Allison and Francis Halpin Professor of Physics Dr. Mario Affatigato ’89, in collaboration with professors of physics Uger Akgun and Firdevs Duru, will fund the purchase of a high-performance computing cluster featuring 1024 CPU cores and 8 NVIDIA RTX 600 ADA GPUs, an advanced cooling system to support the new computing infrastructure and specialized software including COMSOL Multiphysics with a plasma module.
"This NASA grant is a testament to Coe's commitment to cutting-edge education and research," said Affatigato. "The new computing resources will significantly enhance our capabilities in physics, data analytics and engineering, providing our students and faculty with tools to excel."
The advanced computing cluster will enable Coe College research participants to tackle complex simulations and data analysis tasks across scientific disciplines. It will support ongoing research in areas such as plasma physics, computational chemistry and astrophysics, while also opening new avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration. Specifically, the equipment will help model the ionosphere of Mars, which will help Coe faculty and students develop the optimal glass for spacecraft missions.
This grant builds upon Coe College's strong foundation in science, mathematics and engineering fields, complementing investments in curriculum development — including the addition of an engineering physics major this past spring.
“Thank you to Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and her team for advocating for Coe College in this grant application process. It’s reassuring to know the resources and expertise we have on campus are valued at the national level,” said Coe College President David Hayes ’93.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson added, “I am proud to have secured funding for Coe College to acquire new equipment to expand their Astrophysics Research Project and further enhance programs for their students. The next generation of cutting-edge research and development is happening right here. I will always fight to bring federal dollars back to Iowa.”
Earlier this summer, Coe’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates site was officially renewed for three years with an award of $464,737 funded by the National Science Foundation. Over the past decade, the Coe College Physics Department has received nearly $5 million in external funding for equipment and research, underscoring the college's dedication to student research and preparation for the technology-driven careers of the future. All Coe physics majors complete at least one graduate-level research project before graduating, and for more than 30 years, 100% of physics graduates accepted to graduate school have received a full scholarship for advanced studies.