The Ralph Regula School of Computational Science is a statewide virtual school focused on the exciting new area of computational science -- the use of computer modeling and simulation to solve complex business, technical and academic research problems. Businesses recognize computational science as an essential tool for innovation and use it to develop new products. Researchers do the same to expand the frontiers of knowledge. In collaboration with the Ohio Board of Regents, OSC, Ohio Learning Network (OLN), and state colleges and universities, the Ralph Regula School ensures that Ohio has the skilled people needed to support the use of this new approach to innovation.

Ralph Regula School of Computational Science
Steering Committee Charge

August 14, 2006
The Ralph Regula School of Computational Science was officially created by the Ohio Board of Regents on December 16, 2005 in recognition of Ohio’s need for a workforce well versed in the emerging field of computational science given the importance of that field to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines and to Ohio businesses. 

The creation of the school is the culmination of many discussions with interested faculty and businesses from around the State of Ohio who recognize the increasing importance of computation as the basis for scientific discovery, innovation, and increased efficiency in engineering design and development. 

The School will be a "virtual" entity coordinated by the Ohio Supercomputer Center.  It will not offer degrees.  They will be awarded by the participating universities with the School helping to organize inter-institutional cooperative agreements, the preparation of course sharable course modules, the programs that are offered, and the policies that govern those programs.

To ensure the School's success, a steering committee has been formed to advise the director, to help set priorities on programs, and to review policies. In particular the steering committee helps ensure the successful launch of the school by:

1. Setting the priorities for the development of new programs
2. Providing oversight of the programs and projects sponsored by the School
3. Setting a strategy for the implementation of programs that will lead to a successful start-up and continued success
4. Providing linkages to the participating university and industry participants in School programs
5. Shaping the initial key policies that govern the school and its association with its constituents.

Steering Committee Members

Autumn 2007

Educating Future Generations in Computational Science

OSC has built an international reputation as an expert in the field of high performance computing and networking training. OSC's educational programs cultivate K-12 students' interest in computational science, as well as instruct Ohio academic researchers on emerging high performance computing tools. OLN helps Ohioans access higher education by building partnerships among higher education institutions, businesses and communities to promote and support e-learning in the state of Ohio. The Ralph Regula School of Computational Science continues this proud tradition by creating a pipeline of students who are both interested and knowledgeable in computational science and training existing workers to use computer modeling and simulation.

Current Projects

• Undergraduate Minor Project - OSC, Capital University, and OLN are leading a National Science Foundation-sponsored project to develop an undergraduate minor in computational science. The two-year student program improves and standardizes undergraduate computational sciences course curriculum at Ohio's two- and four-year institutions. The $250,000 is implemented in partnership with Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College, Kent State University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Central State University, Wittenberg University, and Wright State University.
• Associate Degree Project – OSC, Owens Community College, Sinclair Community College, and Stark State College are partnering to develop an associate degree program in computational science. The $695,000 NSF-funded project will develop programs that constitute the middle two years of an articulation from the high schools to the community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, including courses and materials, a model articulation agreement from high school through baccalaureate programs, professional development for faculty and a model for a shared program that can be replicated nationally.
• Ohio Project Lead the Way (PLTW) - The Ohio PLTW has developed a four-year sequence of courses. When combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, these courses will introduce students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. OSC and the Regents are working with the Ohio PLTW to develop a new course in computational science.
• Ohio Computational Science Lecture Series - This lecture series is held at various locations around the state and is carried live via Internet H.323 video and streaming video. OSC welcomes the participation of faculty, students and businesses from around the state that are interested in computational modeling and its application in research, education, and industry.

About Representative Ralph Regula

Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula has had a distinguished career in public service that spans more than four decades. In 2004, the people of Ohio's 16th Congressional District selected him to his 17th term. Prior to his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Regula was a teacher and principal in the public school system, a lawyer in his own private practice, a member of the Ohio Board of Education, and a member of the Ohio House and later the Ohio Senate. A respected policymaker, Congressman Regula has long recognized the importance of science education and supported these initiatives in Ohio.