In 2004, a pivotal moment for Texas’s educational and research landscape occurred when leading institutions and health science centers united around a shared goal: to foster an organization dedicated to high-performance networking. This consensus led to the creation of Learn, the Texas Learned Education and Research Network, designed to empower learning and discovery across the state.
Enabled by the Texas Legislature through Senate Bill 1771 and House Bill 7, and with the support of key state leaders, LEARN was established to build an advanced, high-speed fiber optic network. This network was envisioned to serve the critical needs of research, education, healthcare, and their non-profit partners throughout Texas, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and learning. Over the years, LEARN has evolved into a trusted and indispensable partner, empowering its members to achieve their missions through cutting-edge technology and collaborative initiatives, solidifying its role in the state’s learning ecosystem.
Robust Network Infrastructure for Enhanced Learning
LEARN’s commitment to facilitating learning and research is underpinned by its state-of-the-art network infrastructure. Spanning over 3,200 miles across Texas, LEARN’s optical fiber network is a testament to its dedication to connectivity. This extensive network connects over 300 direct and affiliate members, providing a robust platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Utilizing scalable, state-of-the-art optical fiber technology, LEARN’s network stretches from Beaumont to El Paso, and from Lubbock to Brownsville, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the state. At the heart of this infrastructure are LEARN-owned, high-performance routers strategically located at 37 Points of Presence (POPs). This robust infrastructure is designed to meet the evolving needs of its members, supporting advanced learning and research endeavors across Texas.
Member Success: Learning in Action
The impact of LEARN extends beyond infrastructure, fostering tangible success stories within its member institutions. A prime example of this is the achievement of the Texas Woman’s University (TWU). An all-female team of kinesiology students from TWU recently achieved first-place honors in the prestigious Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge. This victory underscores the spirit of innovation and learning that LEARN helps to cultivate.
The TWU team focused their research on circadian desynchronization and its effects on astronaut well-being. By investigating terrestrial solutions to sleep disruption, they innovatively adapted these for space environments. Their ingenuity culminated in the engineering of a wearable light therapy device, which secured their win in the competition. This achievement not only highlights the dedication and talent within LEARN member institutions but also demonstrates how LEARN supports the pursuit of knowledge and real-world problem-solving, driving learning and growth across Texas.
LEARN’s Vision: To be the premier connector of the technology community, empowering member institutions across Texas to learn, innovate, and collaborate for a brighter future.
