Growing Exponentially: Supercomputing Challenge
Growing Exponentially: Supercomputing Challenge
April 26, 2022. Supercomputing Students from across New Mexico recently completed their computational science projects through the Supercomputing Challenge, tackling a wide range of real-world issues including Alzheimer’s disease, datacasting, fire science, and environmental challenges. Their hard work and achievements were celebrated during the 32nd Annual Supercomputing Challenge Expo, held April 25–26.
For the third consecutive year, the Expo was conducted on a virtual platform and featured student final presentations, project judging, and an awards ceremony. The event provided students with the opportunity to showcase the results of months of research, programming, problem-solving, and collaboration.
The Supercomputing Challenge is a year-long academic program that engages middle and high school students in computational science and engineering projects. Participants work in teams to identify a problem, conduct research, develop computer models or simulations, and present their findings. Throughout the process, students are supported by a dedicated network of volunteer mentors, including scientists, computer programmers, professors, and industry professionals. Many former participants and alumni also return to serve as volunteers, helping guide the next generation of Challenge students.
The program is supported by a broad coalition of partners from across New Mexico, including the New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, PNM, the Air Force Research Laboratory, WestWind, and colleges and universities throughout the state. Together, these organizations help provide students with access to expertise, resources, and educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.
“I am always impressed with the students in our state,” said David Kratzer, Executive Director of the Supercomputing Challenge. “We are so proud to be able to show their abilities.”
Participation in the Supercomputing Challenge helps students develop skills that extend far beyond computer programming. Over the course of the academic year, students learn how to conduct research, analyze data, manage long-term projects, meet deadlines, and communicate complex ideas. They also gain valuable experience working as part of a team while developing persistence and problem-solving skills that are essential in any career field.
Often described as an academic marathon, the Supercomputing Challenge requires dedication, creativity, and perseverance. By the time students reach the Expo, they have spent months refining their ideas and overcoming challenges to complete their projects. Their accomplishments demonstrate not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate their findings clearly.
The 32nd Annual Expo once again highlighted the talent, innovation, and determination of New Mexico’s students, showcasing the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and technology leaders.
Scholarships worth $19,2000 were awarded to participating students planning to enroll in New Mexico Tech, the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Many other awards were distributed ranging from $50 per team member for finishing the academic marathon to team prizes of up to $1000 for 1st and additional prizes for other categories such as teamwork, technical writing, programming ability, and community impact.
The Supercomputing Challenge is open to all New Mexico middle and high school students, including home-schooled students. Students work in teams and follow their own interests to choose a topic to computationally model. New students interested in becoming involved can make plans to start the next academic year, by contacting consult@supercomputingchallenge.org
The top three finalist projects are:
First place
Los Alamos High School, Developing a Control Algorithm and Simulation for Vector Controlled Rockets. Team members include: Daniel Kim, Andres Iturregui
Second place
New Mexico School for the Arts, Modeling Smoke Plume Dynamics from Imagery. Team members include: Django Beaudoin, Elisea Jackson, Madelyn Kingston, Lexington Smith. Teacher sponsor: Acacia McCombs
Third place
La Cueva High School, DNA Methylation with Machine Learning: Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease and Novel Gene Therapeutics. Team members include: Aditya Koushik, Abitpal Gyawali. Teacher sponsor: Yolanda Lozano.
View all the final reports and videos at: supercomputingchallenge.org
The Supercomputing Challenge is sponsored by the New Mexico Consortium.