Ubiquitous, pervasive, embedded.
In today's
vernacular, these words are often used to describe computers and computing.
It is, in fact, hard
to imagine a world without computers, and in this issue of SIGNATURES, we
are pleased to present some of the research being conducted at Notre Dame
to enhance their role in our lives.
The article on Thinking Inside the Box focuses on high-performance
computing and the complex problems being solved for systems as small as molecules
or
as large as oceans. It also describes work on developing the next generation
of high-productivity computing systems, whether through the use of Processing-in-Memory
(PIM) architectures to achieve peta-scale speeds in a three-year, multimillion
dollar collaboration
with Cray Inc., Stanford, and CalTech, or architectures based on quantum
devices.
But the impact of computers goes well beyond high-performance computing,
and the second article on The Winds of Change provides a fascinating
account of how networked embedded systems will permeate virtually every aspect
of
our natural and man-made worlds. Application by application, a global nervous
system is emerging in which embedded processors will optimally monitor and
control many important aspects of daily life.
A third article entitled Engineering and the Bottom Line describes
a unique two-course sequence on integrated engineering and business fundamentals.
Its goal is to prepare our students for the broad range of issues they will
encounter in the corporate environment, and it has become the most popular
elective option ever offered by the College.
We hope you will find the foregoing articles of interest, along with the
additional material provided on College and department activities.
The past year has been marked by many noteworthy events. Recent multi-investigator
research initiatives are flourishing, particularly in areas such as wireless
communications, nanotechnologies, and environmental science and technology.
Newer initiatives involving bioengineering and fuel cells are also experiencing
considerable
success. Research grants reached a new high of approximately $23 million,
as did the number of Ph.D. degrees (39) awarded by the College. There were
also many examples of enhancements to the undergraduate curriculum in each
of our departments, as well as at the College level.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty in economic and political conditions,
we look to the future with optimism. The faculty remains committed to the
values of the institution and to further advancement in education, research,
and service. We will continue to move forward.
Frank P. Incropera
Matthew H. McCloskey Dean of Engineering
H.C. and E.A. Brosey Professor of Mechanical Engineering
