Abstract: When LEARN (Lonestar Education and Research Network) received an NSF Campus Cyberinfrastructure (CC*) Regional Connectivity for Small Institutions of Higher Education grant in 2019 (Award #19-25553), they were the first Research & Education Network (REN) to be awarded a grant in this category. With the COVID-19 pandemic radically altering the ways higher education institutions operated, LEARN had to quickly adapt in order to meet the objectives of the grant. In this presentation, Mary Goldie and Amy Schultz will outline lessons learned as they connected six small Texas colleges and universities to their network, and the challenges of engaging campuses in a mostly virtual landscape.

Bio: Mary Goldie is the Manager of Administration Membership and Outreach at LEARN: Lonestar Education and Research Network. Goldie received her Bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky and her Master’s degree in Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths-University of London. Prior to joining LEARN in 2020, Goldie worked in higher education and nonprofit roles, focusing on research and personnel management. She is a member of both the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society and the Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society.

Bio: Amy Schultz is the Chief Relationship & Engagement Officer at LEARN: Lonestar Education and Research Network. Schultz received her Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and her Master’s degree in Learning Technologies at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Prior to joining LEARN in 2018, Schultz held roles at several higher education institutions in Texas, where she was responsible for outreach, advancement, and IT project management. Schultz is a Co-PI on two NSF CC* grants, the most recent awarded in September 2021.

Abstract: Another NSF group – NSF-ATE and CORD collaborated on a project that looked for the gaps in Training Technicians for the Future of Work. This presentation will start with an explanation of that project and the results that focused on digital literacy/business operations, data collection and data analytics. Three representatives from different industries – PetroChem, Construction, and Maritime Services/Logistics - will then share their involvement in the project and validate the findings. In conclusion, participants will learn how this project has been expanded in the Gulf Coast Region to facilitate filling the gaps in training as noted in the project.

Abstract: Professor Rajiv Malkan, Lone Star College, will share how he has incorporated data analytics projects in his it classes. These projects have proven to be beneficial to Lone Star College in their strategic planning and enrollment analytics.

Abstract: For those new to HPC, these are common questions. At their core, High Performance Computing systems are aggregated clusters of individual computers that work together to solve problems larger than a typical individual computer could easily solve. With the availability of lower cost computer hardware and network connectivity, HPC is becoming a viable tool for business and education. This session describes a project that is using HPC technology to develop advanced automation for supply chain management tailored for small business. Presented by the Center of Innovation and Technology, College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University, topics covered will include a high-level overview of HPC and Edge computing, how SHSU is including this technology in campus partnerships, and potential uses cases for colleges, schools and most importantly students.

Bio: Chuck comes to Sam Houston State University having held both academic and administrative positions with colleges and universities in various parts of North America. He serves SHSU as the Director of Enterprise Application Support within the Division of Information Technology and Faculty of Management Information Systems within the College of Business Administration. As an administrator, Chuck has held positions such as Vice- Chancellor for Network Operations, Chief Information Officer, Dean of Instructional Technology, Director of Academic Computing Services, and Director of Distance Education. As a faculty member, Chuck has taught a variety of technology-based courses for schools of education and business and has had teaching relationships with Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University and California State University, among others. In the private sector, Chuck developed an engineering consulting firm, a wireless communication company and a company that built a series of high-end, purpose-built personal computers. Over his career He has designed and built multiple data processing facilities, along with the related service support functions. Chuck holds a doctorate in instructional technology with concentrations in process and software design, Internet-based technologies, and distance education. His post-doctoral study in management information systems includes concentrations in system design, data analysis and information security and assurance.

Abstract: San Jacinto College and its partners, Alamo Colleges, Austin Community College, Dallas College, Cerner, Lockheed Martin, and IBM – were awarded a $12M Department of Labor grant to support and expand apprenticeships in the IT industry. Dr. Janell Hills, Sr. Project Director of the TXIT grant project will share the lessons learned inclusive of successes and challenges through the implementation, development, and administration of the TXIT grant.