Learning and Computation Center focuses on research projects, outreach and education By Romina Kim Senior Staff Writer At the next Texas legislative session, the University of Houston will be requesting $5.3 million in funds for the Texas Learning and Computation Center. TLC2 is a multidisciplinary center that uses computing approaches and methods to enhance education using networking tools, said UH Vice President for Research Arthur Vailas. "This is the digital age. We are bringing computers into many things," Vailas said. "Scientific literacy is one of the highest national priorities for students, parents, everyone, in order to be competitive." "TLC2 is the key to that goal of enhancing the understanding of scientific phenomena and literacy," he said. TLC2 was established in September 1999 out of the need to outfit the University with modern technologies to educate students to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Funds for the center will be requested for the next biennium, 2002-03. The money would be used to support faculty and staff, as well as operations and infrastructure of the center. The mission of TLC2 coincides with the goal of the University to reach out to the community and with the development of human work forces and information technology, Vailas said. "The common elements are the focus on research projects, outreach and education," he said. TLC2 works to develop computational science through the use of computer methods to solve problems. In the area of research, TLC2 is promoting molecular analysis using computer technology, Vailas said. "As a science, there is an emphasis on the human genome," he said. By studying the products of genes and their molecular structure, TLC2 hopes to build libraries for teaching and research initiatives, Vailas said. New education initiatives are also in the works for TLC2. The center is working on the development of tools and programs to improve distance education and the delivery of electronic classrooms by creating more modern networking environments, he said. The outreach section of TLC2 works under the leadership of Vice President for Information Technology Charles Shomper by supporting business communities and the development of the work force, Vailas said. One of the many programs TLC2 is working on is the Houston Air Quality Initiative. A team of scientists will study the special conditions existing in the Houston-Galveston area to reduce the chemical mechanisms that cause the air quality to deteriorate. "Whether on research or not, (everyone) needs the resources. TLC2 brings all this into the community," Vailas said. Since 22 percent of the work force of the state of Texas is gathered in the Houston metropolitan area, the economic future of the state is closely tied to the city. "Houston is rapidly growing in medicine, science and the computer industry," Vailas said. "TLC2 plays a role in the development of Houston's work force." The University will be receiving $3.68 million from NASA to build the infrastructure on campus for TLC2, Vailas said. "NASA takes pride in contributing to research and education," he said. Send comments to dcnews@pop.uh.edu