nanoHUB

nanoHUB (nanoHUB.org) is an open platform that provides online access to simulation tools, data, and educational materials with support from the US National Science Foundation. Researchers and educators can publish their simulation or modeling tools as well as educational material in nanoHUB and make them available to anyone with an internet connection. There is no need to download or install any software.

Building on nanoHUB’s services, an ongoing effort led by Purdue researchers seeks to contribute to the MGI’s  goal to “educate, train, and connect the materials R&D workforce” via online, hands-on learning modules. The material is designed to introduce students to key concepts in data science in the context of materials applications. Modules are self-contained and include an online lecture, a step-by-step tutorial for the hands-on activities, and a homework assignment. Among other skills, students learn how to query open repositories and obtain tens of thousands of data entries in seconds, how to build and train neural networks, and how to use active learning for decision-making and design of experiments.

The modules were designed to address the knowledge and skills identified in a recent study commissioned by TMS on MGI workforce (DOI: 10.7449/mgiworkforce_1). The material is organized into the three main categories identified in the study, see Figure, and are designed to be easy to incorporate into existing courses