Avetec interns show off computer systems

SPRINGFIELD — Instead of the usual internship experiences revolving around menial tasks and learning by watching, 12 interns at Avetec spent their summers immersed in researching ways to integrate varying technologies to enhance technology security.

The interns, from Clark State Community College and Central State University, shared the outcomes of their research at a presentation held at Avetec on Thursday, Aug. 12.

Interns were divided into two teams, which completed projects in high performance computing and convergence technologies.

A third team, which was made up of interns from the other two teams, was created to complete a simulation project.

Avetec, located at 4170 Allium Court in the Nextedge Applied Research and Technology Park, uses a virtual testing environment to research solutions to complex problems in industries such as aerospace.

The high performance computing team focused on developing knowledge and skills in creating clustered computing environments. The convergence technologies team created a computer system that integrated voice, video and audio onto IP-based data networks.

Clark State student Jay Jackson, a member of the HPC team, explained his team’s system as one that “brings the power of multiple processes together to function as one.”

The program is funded by a two-year $145,000 National Science Foundation grant, which was awarded to Avetec and Clark State as corporate/academic partners.

The NSF grant allowed interns to interact with university faculty and Avetec staff, said Dan Heighton, professor at Clark State.

Hardware for the program was provided by Intel Corp. and Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions. Software was provided by Microsoft Corp.

“This is how learners understand what the work really looks like,” said Stacia Edwards, director of workforce development for the Ohio Board of Regents Division of Economic Advancement.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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