University of Nebraska deploys $700,000 GPU system for AI research across disciplines
The University of Nebraska's Holland Computing Center has deployed PLUMAGE, a graphics processing unit-based system funded by a nearly $700,000 National Science Foundation grant. The system will serve researchers across computer science, engineering, business, architecture, and the social sciences.
PLUMAGE-Promoting Learning Using Mixed Advanced GPU Environments-adds specialized hardware to Holland's existing computing infrastructure. The new GPUs process vast numbers of calculations in parallel, enabling AI and machine learning work that would otherwise take hundreds or thousands of years to complete.
Who can use it
The system is available at no cost to University of Nebraska researchers. Collaborators and users outside the NU system can also arrange access through the Holland Computing Center website.
Adam Caprez, associate director of research development and engagement at HCC, said the center provides more than hardware. "It's also the personnel, expertise and a whole package that's available to help researchers," Caprez said.
What makes it different
PLUMAGE includes six NVIDIA H200 GPUs and 52 NVIDIA L40S GPUs. The system can route work through two different access pathways: Swan, Holland's traditional batch-scheduling cluster, or the National Research Platform, which uses a dynamic, interactive approach called Kubernetes.
This flexibility lets researchers choose the method best suited to their project. Hongfeng Yu, HCC director and professor of computing, said the design bridges local computing and the broader national cyberinfrastructure. "Modern research increasingly depends on a connected ecosystem," Yu said.
Why researchers need it now
Supercomputing was once limited to physics, chemistry, and bioinformatics. Now disciplines that previously ran work on desktop computers are discovering they need substantial computing resources for AI applications.
Caprez noted that some campus researchers remain unaware of Holland's tools despite the center's existence since 2007. The center is expanding outreach and training to help new users navigate the systems. "I know people can be intimidated when using a supercomputer," Caprez said. "But we're happy to meet with people, learn about their research, and provide any needed assistance."
For more information, interested researchers can visit the Holland Computing Center website or contact the center directly. NU researchers can also join the center's mailing list for updates on workshops and training.
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