Augusta State University has been awarded a $69,300 grant by Simio, a developer of 3D object-oriented simulation software. ASU is now one of only 100 universities worldwide to join Simio’s academic program, which offers the software to schools at no charge.

“To expand and improve our decision sciences offerings in the Hull College of Business, we need to put the best tools in the hands of students and faculty,” says Todd Schultz, associate dean of the college. “Simio allows us to deliver professional quality and state-of-the-practice simulation-based curriculum.”

Simio Academic Edition is fully capable software with no model size limits and includes discrete and continuous modeling, object library development, and 3D animation. The company’s software will support development of simulation-based courses as part of a joint program between the university’s Hull College of Business and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

ASU’s Hull College of Business is recognized as a leading school in the region for its Information and Decision Sciences curriculum.

“The faculty at Augusta State University is committed to providing the best environment for their students to learn simulation,” says Dennis Pegden, founder and CEO of Simio. “We are honored to provide them with the best software available to teach their students.”

ASU students will be able to model systems using intelligent objects and the software’s direct connection to Google’s 3D Warehouse–two features unique to Simio.

“This grant enables us to offer our students a better and more realistic learning experience about the power of business simulation,” says James Grayson, associate professor in the Hull College.   “This will enhance the education of our students so that as they move into full-time work experiences they will have an understanding, perspective, and a set of skills that will equip them to better help companies to succeed in a very challenging business environment.”

The intelligent objects are built by modelers and then may be reused in multiple modeling projects. These objects can be stored in libraries and easily shared. Simio’s connection to Google’s 3D Warehouse gives access to a free online library of thousands of graphic objects–providing students with the ability to solve real-world problems in visually-rich environments.

For more information, call Tunisia Williams, assistant director in ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications, at 706-737-1877.

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