SSE Information Technology Team
SSE Information Technology Team
The SSE IT Team consists of three staff members dedicated to supporting the specialized technology needs of SSE faculty, staff, researchers, and students.
While Tulane University maintains a centralized Information Technology organization and Help Desk that provides many campus-wide services, the SSE IT Team serves a different role. We focus on the unique requirements of research, engineering, scientific computing, specialized hardware, and technology projects that often fall outside the scope of standard enterprise IT support.
Our goal is to help members of the SSE community remain productive, secure, and compliant while pursuing teaching, research, and administrative objectives.
We frequently act as a bridge between the needs of researchers and the policies, procedures, and security requirements established by Tulane Information Technology. When specialized technology solutions are required, we can help identify appropriate options and guide faculty and staff through the associated review and approval processes.
Meet the Team
We strive to make our availability as convenient for you as possible. Feel free to call, stop by, email, or even drop into the Zoom chat room! Current Tulane affiliates are encouraged to schedule meetings with us via the Outlook calendar.
Director of Information Technology
John oversees technology services and strategic planning for the School of Science and Engineering. He serves as the primary liaison between SSE and Tulane Information Technology, helping faculty, staff, and researchers navigate technology initiatives, compliance requirements, and specialized computing needs.
Phone: 504-865-5853
Email: johns@tulane.edu
Office: Boggs 236
Zoom Room: tulane.zoom.us/my/sullivan504
Assistant Director of Information Technology
Mark provides technical leadership and support for a wide range of SSE technology services. His responsibilities include systems support, troubleshooting, technology deployment, and assisting faculty and staff with specialized computing requirements.
Phone: 504-862-3457
Email: mbrown2@tulane.edu
Office: Gibson 420
Assistant Director of Information Technology
Paul supports SSE technology operations and works closely with faculty, staff, and researchers to address technical challenges, coordinate services, and assist with specialized technology projects and initiatives.
Phone: 504-862-3335
Email: ptran@tulane.edu
Office: 3024 Stern
Research Computing and Linux
Many research activities within SSE depend on Linux-based systems, specialized software, and computing environments that differ substantially from standard university workstations.
Although Linux systems are not directly supported by Tulane's central IT organization, they remain an important part of the research ecosystem. The SSE IT Team can help faculty and researchers understand applicable policies, security requirements, and available resources. We also serve as a liaison between Linux users and Tulane IT when coordination is necessary.
At the same time, Linux users retain primary responsibility for the administration, maintenance, and security of their systems. The SSE IT Team does not function as a dedicated systems administration service for individual research groups.
What We Do
• Guidance on computer purchases and technology roadmapping
• Specialized workstation and research computing recommendations
• Coordination with Tulane IT regarding security and compliance requirements
• Assistance navigating technology review and approval processes
• OpenScholar website setup and guidance
• Support for academic and professional conferences with adequate advance notice
• Hardware evaluation and troubleshooting
• Large-format printing (research posters)
• Referrals to appropriate Tulane IT resources and services
• Technology lifecycle planning and strategies to maximize the useful life of computing equipment while maintaining policy compliance
• Coordination with Tulane IT Business Relationship Management and other university technology groups when required
What We Do Not Do
• Reset passwords or manage accounts/userIDs that are assigned by Tulane IT
• Repair university network infrastructure
• Provide direct support for centrally managed Tulane applications
• Serve as dedicated system administrators for individual faculty labs or research groups
• Perform routine website content maintenance on behalf of departments
• Assume responsibilities assigned to other administrative or support units
• Process facilities or building maintenance requests
• Approve exceptions to university technology or data security policies
• Circumvent university requirements regarding data protection, privacy, or information security
Where to Start
For most routine technology issues, users should begin by contacting the Tulane IT Help Desk.
Contact the SSE IT Team when:
• Research requirements create unique technology challenges
• You are planning specialized computer purchases
• You need guidance regarding technology compliance requirements
• You are unsure which Tulane IT resource is appropriate
• A research, laboratory, or engineering project requires specialized computing support
• You need assistance coordinating with multiple university technology groups