OverLeaf

Overleaf is an online writing and publishing platform that supports collaborative document creation using LaTeX and rich text editing. It is commonly used for academic, scientific, and technical writing, allowing multiple contributors to work on documents simultaneously through a web browser.

Overleaf simplifies the process of creating, editing, reviewing, and publishing documents that require advanced formatting, references, equations, figures, and citations.

Key Uses

  • Write research papers, journal articles, and technical documents
  • Collaborate with co-authors on shared documents
  • Create theses, dissertations, and academic reports
  • Develop documents containing mathematical notation and scientific formatting
  • Manage references, citations, and bibliographies
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication and submission

Features

  • Online LaTeX and rich text editing
  • Real-time collaboration and document sharing
  • Automatic document compilation and preview
  • Citation and bibliography management
  • Version history and change tracking
  • Templates for academic, scientific, and professional documents
  • Access through a web browser without local software installation

Common Applications

  • Research publications
  • Grant proposals
  • Theses and dissertations
  • Technical documentation
  • Scientific manuscripts
  • Course materials and academic assignments

AutoDesk (AutoCAD)

Autodesk provides design, engineering, and creative software used for modeling, drafting, visualization, and digital content creation. Its applications support a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, product design, and media production.

Key Uses

  • Create 2D drawings and technical documentation
  • Develop 3D models and product designs
  • Design buildings, infrastructure, and construction projects
  • Produce visualizations, renderings, and simulations
  • Create digital animations and media content

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering analysis platform used to create, modify, and evaluate product designs. It enables users to develop 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings while supporting engineering, manufacturing, and design workflows.

SOLIDWORKS uses a parametric modeling approach, allowing users to define relationships between design elements and efficiently update models as designs change.

Key Uses

  • Create 3D parts and assemblies
  • Develop engineering and product designs
  • Generate technical drawings and documentation
  • Evaluate and analyze product performance
  • Prepare designs for manufacturing and production
  • Support engineering, research, and educational projects

Features

  • 3D parametric modeling
  • Assembly design and management
  • Engineering drawing and documentation tools
  • Design validation and analysis capabilities
  • Visualization and rendering tools
  • Manufacturing and production support
  • Collaboration and data management integration

Common Applications

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Product design and development
  • Manufacturing and fabrication
  • Engineering analysis
  • Industrial design
  • Academic instruction and research

MATLAB

MATLAB is a technical computing platform used for data analysis, mathematical modeling, simulation, visualization, and application development. It combines a programming environment with tools for working with data, creating models, and solving engineering, scientific, and research problems.

MATLAB is widely used in teaching, research, and development across disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, finance, life sciences, computer science, and medical research.

Key Uses

  • Analyze and visualize data
  • Develop mathematical and computational models
  • Create simulations and predictive models
  • Process signals, images, and other research data
  • Design and test control systems
  • Develop algorithms and technical applications
  • Support engineering, scientific, and research workflows

Features

  • High-level programming environment
  • Data analysis and visualization tools
  • Modeling and simulation capabilities
  • Signal and image processing tools
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence toolboxes
  • Engineering and control system design tools
  • Integrated development and debugging environment

Common Applications

  • Engineering and scientific computing
  • Signal and image processing
  • Control system design
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Financial modeling
  • Medical and biomedical research
  • Academic instruction and research

Amira Software

Amira Software helps researchers visualize, process, and analyze complex life science and biomedical imaging data. It supports a wide range of imaging modalities, including optical and electron microscopy, CT, MRI, and other research imaging techniques.

Researchers can use Amira to work with 2D, 3D, and time-series image data, enabling the exploration and analysis of biological structures, tissues, and imaging datasets across multiple scales.

Key Uses

  • Visualize and analyze biomedical imaging data
  • Process 2D, 3D, and multi-channel image datasets
  • Support microscopy, CT, MRI, and other imaging workflows
  • Conduct image analysis for structural biology, neuroscience, tissue imaging, and bioengineering research
  • Generate visualizations to better understand and communicate research findings

ChemDraw

ChemDraw is a chemical structure drawing and scientific visualization application used to create, edit, and share chemistry-related diagrams, reactions, and research materials. It provides tools for producing publication-quality chemical structures and supports a variety of workflows in research, teaching, and scientific communication.

Key Uses

  • Create chemical structures and reaction schemes
  • Develop figures for publications, presentations, and laboratory materials
  • Generate scientific diagrams and molecular illustrations
  • Prepare chemistry-focused teaching and learning materials
  • Integrate chemical drawings into Microsoft Office documents

Features

  • Chemical structure drawing and editing tools
  • Chemical safety and warning information
  • Structure templates and drawing libraries
  • Stereochemistry and atom numbering support
  • Multiple bond, arrow, and reaction design options
  • Multi-page document support
  • Periodic table and character reference tools
  • Customizable drawing and annotation tools
  • Full-color graphics and enhanced display options
  • Microsoft Office integration

LabVIEW

LabVIEW is a graphical programming platform used for data acquisition, instrument control, test automation, measurement, and engineering applications. Its visual, block-diagram-based development environment allows users to build applications for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data without relying solely on traditional text-based programming.

LabVIEW supports a wide range of research, teaching, and engineering workflows, from laboratory experiments to embedded system development.

Key Uses

  • Collect and analyze data from instruments and sensors
  • Develop test and measurement applications
  • Automate laboratory and research workflows
  • Monitor and control hardware and equipment
  • Create engineering and scientific data visualizations
  • Develop embedded and real-time applications

Features

  • Graphical programming environment
  • Data acquisition and instrument control tools
  • Data analysis and visualization capabilities
  • Test automation and measurement support
  • Hardware integration with laboratory and research equipment
  • Support for embedded and real-time system development

Available To

The University’s LabVIEW license is available for teaching and academic research purposes.

Common Applications

  • Engineering and laboratory instruction
  • Scientific research
  • Instrumentation and control systems
  • Test automation
  • Data acquisition and analysis
  • Embedded system development