CARC team provides research computing support across UNM Arts and Sciences

By Mariah Rosales · November 13, 2026

The UNM Center for Advanced Research Computing (CARC) provides support for researchers using high-performance computing resources, but the work of the center also extends to research servers and other technical systems across the College of Arts & Sciences. James “JJ” Crowley, Sumaya Houssini Mohamed, and Henry Fricke work with researchers and departments to help maintain these systems. The team currently supports the Science and Mathematics Learning Center and the departments of Biology, Physics and Astronomy, and Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Many of the servers used by these departments are Linux-based and have different requirements depending on the research being completed. The team helps set up new servers, install software, upgrade operating systems, replace equipment, and troubleshoot problems. They also assist researchers with issues that require support from UNM Information Technologies, which can involve determining what is needed, communicating with UNM IT, and working with everyone involved until the issue is resolved.

Crowley helps oversee the team’s work and guides members through the different technical needs that come with supporting researchers across several departments. Mohamed and Fricke also work directly with these systems and assist with installations, upgrades, troubleshooting, and other ongoing needs. Another part of the team’s work is helping researchers connect with the high-performance computing resources available through CARC. Some researchers begin their work using a standalone server but eventually need access to more computing power. The team can help them learn more about CARC resources and determine what may work for their research.

The team is currently assisting UNM IT and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics with a transition away from aging infrastructure that has been used for web and file hosting. CARC is helping coordinate the migration and working with the department and UNM IT as services and information are moved to newer systems. They are also working on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 compliance for CARC. CMMC includes cybersecurity requirements for protecting federal contract information, and the team is reviewing CARC’s current practices and helping complete the work needed to meet the Level 1 requirements.

The team has included several student employees and other staff members over the years, including former members Mohamed and Arian Milicija. Mohamed first joined CARC as an undergraduate computer science student, installing software, writing scripts, creating documentation, and assisting with other technical projects around campus. She also competed as a member of UNM’s Roadrunners student cluster competition team. In August, Mohamed was promoted to HPC Specialist, where she will continue working with CARC systems, researchers, and staff while building on the experience she gained as a student employee.

The support provided by Crowley, Mohamed, Fricke, and other current and former members of the team helps researchers maintain the systems they use, resolve technical problems, and connect with additional CARC resources when they need them.