The Alabama Cyber ​​Institute, based at the University of Alabama, has announced a new strategic vision and leadership direction.

Recent Investments High Performance Computing and Data Centers It provides infrastructure and equipment to further ACI's mission of supporting leading university research institutes in the areas of water, transportation, life research and materials, with plans to expand into new areas of focus in the future.

The HPC Center will be housed at ACI and will bring together faculty and students with a focus on cutting-edge computation-related research.

Dr. Allen Parrish, who until recently served as interim vice president for research and economic development, has been appointed executive director of ACI. During his time as interim vice president, Dr. Parrish provided valuable insight into developing a sustainable financial model for the HPC Center.

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“The appointment of Dr. Parrish to lead ACI demonstrates the University's continuing commitment to providing the world-class facilities and infrastructure needed to address societal grand challenges through higher education and to develop the next generation of workforce in this critical field our nation needs,” said Dr. Brian W. Buduris, vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development.

“Dr. Parrish's leadership experience and expertise are well-suited to rapidly advance ACI's mission.”

Parrish is a professor of computer science and senior workforce development adviser at the Alabama Transportation Institute, where he previously served as the institute's executive director.

“Developing an innovative high-performance computing facility as part of ACI is a major step forward,” Parrish said. “It will be transformative in convening companies with UA professors and students to foster collaboration on computing projects and applied research that are critical to the future of our state and nation.”

He also served as director of the Cyber ​​Science Department at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2016 to 2018. Parrish's appointment is effective April 1.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.