Jim Wilgenbusch

Jim Wilgenbusch serves as an Associate Professor and the Director of Research Computing at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the institution's computational research infrastructure. With a keen interest in molecular dynamics simulations, climate adaptation, and genomics, Jim is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into academic research. In 2021, Jim was instrumental in the introduction of the Agate supercomputer at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute. This state-of-the-art system, boasting a theoretical performance of 7 petaflops, is designed to significantly bolster the high-performance computing capabilities available to researchers at the university. Under Jim's leadership, the Agate cluster aims to support data-intensive research endeavors, thereby minimizing obstacles and accelerating research processes across various disciplines. Jim's work is characterized by a commitment to facilitating groundbreaking research through enhanced computational power and storage capacity. The Agate supercomputer is expected to be a game-changer for faculty members, enabling advancements in fields such as genomics, climate adaptation, molecular dynamics simulations, and energy-efficient chemical separations. His efforts have been met with enthusiasm from colleagues across different colleges, who are eager to leverage the new system's capabilities to push the boundaries of their respective fields. Throughout his career, Jim has been dedicated to fostering an environment where innovative research can thrive. His leadership in the deployment of the Agate cluster underscores his commitment to providing researchers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven world. By championing the integration of advanced computational resources, Jim continues to contribute to the university's mission of driving scientific discovery and technological innovation. Jim's research interests align seamlessly with the capabilities of the Agate supercomputer, positioning him as a key figure in the university's efforts to harness the power of high-performance computing for transformative research outcomes. His vision for the future of research computing at the University of Minnesota is one where obstacles are minimized, and opportunities for discovery are maximized, paving the way for new insights and breakthroughs in a variety of scientific domains.