University of New Orleans collects Silicon Mechanics grant for computing cluster

The University of New Orleans recently garnered a research grant for a $100,000 computing cluster from Silicon Mechanics.
The University of New Orleans recently garnered a research grant for a $100,000 computing cluster from Silicon Mechanics. | Courtesy of Shutterstock

The University of New Orleans (UNO) announced Wednesday that it has been awarded a research grant providing the institution with a computing cluster valued at $100,000.

Computing clusters are groups of computer servers and other technology that allow improved research practices to be carried out.

"The cluster will be a boon to our research," Dhruva Chakravorty, chemistry professor and lead investigator on the grant proposal, said. "We will be able to process data at rates that previously would not have been possible. It will also enable us to analyze data up to 20 times faster. We expect this cluster to help us remain competitive for federal and state grants in the years to come."

The grant is provided by Silicon Mechanics, which has offered it to universities, academic and research institutions since 2012. Silicon Mechanics Senior Director Art Mann has said the grant program was initiated to help institutions access technology of this caliber.

The University of California at Merced was also selected to receive a similar cluster.

"Knowing we are helping to advance collaboration between university departments and researchers -- and being able to look down the road at advancements and findings these institutions are targeting -- is very exciting," Mann said.