Equipment: CC* Storage-Region: RRSNM: Regional Research Storage to Advance Cyberinfrastructure at Institutions in New Mexico

This project to New Mexico State University strengthens regional cyberinfrastructure by expanding high-performance data storage to support data-intensive and AI-enabled research and education across New Mexico and West Texas. The project enhances the New Mexico State University's high-performance computing environment with scalable, high-throughput storage that serves a broad range of disciplines, including engineering, computer science, agriculture, biology, chemistry, and astronomy. The expanded infrastructure enables researchers and students to efficiently manage, analyze, and share large datasets while reducing reliance on external or commercial cloud resources. The project supports collaboration among multiple two- and four-year institutions by providing shared access to advanced research computing and data storage resources. Coordinated governance, training, and shared operational practices lower barriers to participation in high-performance computing and research data management, particularly for institutions with limited local infrastructure. Integration with national cyberinfrastructure ecosystems and federated data-sharing frameworks further extends data accessibility and enables broader scientific collaboration. Beyond infrastructure, the project advances workforce development through hands-on research experiences, training in data management and cybersecurity, and structured mentoring for undergraduate and graduate students. Together, these activities build sustainable regional research computing capacity while strengthening research productivity, educational opportunities, and workforce preparation. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.