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Internet2 is proud to announce its extensive involvement in the upcoming Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing (PEARC25) conference, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting and advancing the research and education community. Registration is now open for the conference, which takes place July 20-24, 2025, in Columbus, OH.
Leadership at the Helm
Two Internet2 leaders from the research engagement team are serving as general co-chairs for PEARC25: Dana Brunson, executive director for research engagement, and Daphne McCanse, strategic research communications consultant. Their leadership underscores Internet2’s dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation in advanced research computing.
“The dedication shown by Dana and Daphne as general co-chairs exemplifies Internet2’s commitment to advancing research and education through collaboration,” said James Deaton, vice president of network services at Internet2. “Their leadership of PEARC25 strengthens the vital connection between advanced technology resources and the research computing community. This conference serves as an important platform where technology providers and researchers can work together to develop solutions that empower scientific discovery across disciplines and institutions.”
PEARC25 welcomes professionals and students from emerging programs to established research centers, and everywhere in between.
“Research computing and data – or RCD – continues to transform higher education research, and PEARC has become the premier forum where this community comes together. This year’s theme, ‘The Power of Collaboration,’ perfectly aligns with Internet2’s mission. By working together across institutions and disciplines, we multiply our impact and create solutions that benefit the entire research and education ecosystem. We’re excited to help foster these collaborative connections that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of our community.”
Dana Brunson, Executive Director for Research Engagement at Internet2
Gold Sponsorship and Exhibition
As a Gold sponsor of PEARC25, Internet2 is demonstrating its strong support for this important community event. Working in partnership with the Campus Research Computing Consortium (CaRCC), Internet2 continues to advance research computing initiatives across institutions. Attendees will find Internet2 representatives at our exhibit booth, where we’ll showcase our latest services and initiatives supporting research computing, including our Cloud Learning and Skills Sessions (CLASS) and the range of resources and consulting services offered by Internet2’s research engagement team.
Knowledge Sharing Through Presentations and Special Events
Internet2 staff members will contribute significantly to the PEARC25 program through workshops, papers, posters, and community events. These presentations and activities highlight Internet2’s commitment to advancing research computing and data capabilities across the community.
These include:
- Workshop: “Building and Selling a Strategic Plan for your Research Computing and Data Program,” organized by Patrick Schmitz, Dana Brunson, Lauren Michael, John Hicks, and Timothy Middelkoop
- 2025 RCD Nexus Day organized by Dana Brunson, Karen Garrett, John Hicks, Daphne McCanse, Lauren Michael, Timothy Middelkoop, and Patrick Schmitz
- Networking Event: “Coffee with CaRCC,” organized by Daphne McCanse, Karen Garrett, and Dana Brunson
- Community Session: “CaRCC Town Hall” with Dana Brunson, Thomas Cheatham, Robert M Freeman Jr, Daphne McCanse, Lauren Michael, and Patrick Schmitz
- Meeting: CaRCC Transitional Board meeting
- Birds of a Feather Session: “CCIFTD: Certified Cyberinfrastructure Facilitator Training & Development” with Henry Neeman, Dana Brunson, and Julie Wernert
- Birds of a Feather Session: “Amplifying RCD Impact Through Strategic Communications and Outreach” with Daphne McCanse and Eric Adams
- Short Paper: “A Collaborative Catalog for Research Computing and Data Professional Development,” co-authored by Elizabett Hillery, Scott Delinger, James Leous, Lauren Michael, Timothy Middelkoop, David Reddy, Mary Ellen Sloane, and Michael D. Weiner
- Short Paper: “AI Project Facilitation Guidance for Research Computing and Data (RCD) Professionals,” co-authored by Anna Alber, Laura Briggs, Paul Brunk, Manasvita Joshi, Atish Kamble, Amira Kefi, Timothy Middelkoop, Semir Sarajlic, Ana Marija Sokovic, Jeffrey Valdez, and Ying Zhang
- Poster: “A Visualization of Patterns and Themes in RCD Professional Career Paths,” by Patrick Schmitz and Samuel Porter
Leading RCD Nexus Day
Internet2 is pleased to share that our research engagement team members John Hicks, Lauren Michael, and Patrick Schmitz will be leading RCD Nexus Day, a co-located event at PEARC25. This special event provides a focused opportunity for research computing professionals to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and develop strategies for advancing research computing and data support across institutions.
The RCD Nexus Day will feature facilitated discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the research computing community and foster collaboration between institutions of all sizes and types. This year’s topics include a Future Creating Workshop for RCD Professionals, and a workshop on Refreshing and Refining the Campus Research Computing Consortium (CaRCC) Capabilities Model Questions.
Building Community Connections
Beyond formal presentations and exhibits, Internet2 representatives and attendees from Internet2 member organizations will participate in meetups and networking events throughout the conference. These interactions provide valuable opportunities to gather feedback from the community, identify emerging needs, and foster collaborations that drive innovation.
“Both PEARC and Internet2 have always been about creating community,” noted McCanse. “As co-chairs, we’ve worked to create spaces for meaningful exchange and connection, knowing that some of the most valuable outcomes of the conference emerge from these informal interactions.”