NSHE Effort Strengthens Technology Support for Nevada Researchers and Students

Second research technology workshop marks milestone in NSF-funded effort to support modern research, STEM education, and workforce development 

Modern academic research increasingly depends on advanced technology, including large datasets, high-speed networks, cloud computing, sensors, and artificial intelligence. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is working across its institutions to give researchers and students the technology support they need to conduct research, gain hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) experience, and compete for future opportunities. 

That work continued through NSHE’s second Nevada Research Technology Strategy Workshop, held at the University of Nevada, Reno, and DRI. The workshop brought together faculty, students, campus leaders, IT professionals, and national research technology experts — with participation from NSHE System Administration, the University of Nevada, Reno, DRI, UNLV, TMCC, and CSN — to assess Nevada’s current research technology needs and identify ways NSHE institutions can coordinate support, share expertise, and prepare for future funding opportunities. 

The workshop is part of NV-DICE, the Nevada Vision for a co-Developed Impactful Cyberinfrastructure Ecosystem, a two-year National Science Foundation planning grant led by NSHE System Computing Services in partnership with Internet2, the nation’s backbone science network. The project focuses on Research IT, the specialized technology support that helps faculty and students manage data, use advanced computing tools, connect across secure networks, and move research projects forward. 

“Research and workforce development are central to Nevada’s future, and that work increasingly depends on access to the right technology, expertise, and support,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “This effort reflects the important role NSHE plays in helping institutions work together to support students, faculty, and the research that strengthens our state.” 

The second workshop built on the first year of NV-DICE by moving the conversation from initial planning toward shared priorities for campus and regional Research IT support.  

Dr. Scotty Strachan, Principal Research Engineer for NSHE System Computing Services and principal investigator for the NV-DICE grant, said the effort is designed to help Nevada respond to the growing technology demands of research. 

“As a research scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno for over a decade, I had to become a technology specialist myself in order to produce nationally impactful science in my field,” Strachan said. “Once I discovered how other states and institutions were solving these problems by creating professional communities of practice around Research IT support, I saw the direction that we needed to go in Nevada.” 

Through NV-DICE, NSHE institutions aim to: 

• Identify key technology needs that support faculty and student research 

• Strengthen connections among researchers, students, and IT professionals 

• Position institutions to pursue future research technology funding opportunities 

“Students and faculty should have access to the tools and support they need to participate fully in today’s research environment,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “By strengthening coordination across the system, we can help expand opportunities for students, support faculty research, and better align higher education with Nevada’s workforce and innovation needs.” 

The workshop also emphasized the importance of building a statewide Research IT support network that connects people, expertise, and resources across institutions.  

The work supports the Board of Regents’ priorities around student success, workforce development, and research that responds to Nevada’s needs. Strengthening research technology support helps students gain experience with modern STEM tools while giving faculty more support to pursue research that benefits the state. 

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.