AGP Executive Report

AI and Water: Arizona’s data-center boom is drawing scrutiny as new research highlights water used to generate the electricity AI systems consume—not just to cool servers. A Mesa town hall put the centers’ local costs and benefits, including jobs and tax revenue, on the agenda. Computing Access: ASU says it is opening access to AI supercomputing, bringing advanced computing resources to its campus community. Aging Research: An ASU-led study offers a molecular explanation for why large dogs age faster and tend to die younger than small breeds. Healthy Aging: University of Arizona researchers propose that older adults may rely more on accumulated knowledge and patterns than on retaining every detail—a shift that could help explain strengths in teaching and mentoring. Space Ambitions: Arizona is pursuing a bid to host a U.S. Space Academy, with a state steering committee formed to advance the effort.

Kitt Peak Outreach: More than 430 Tohono O’odham community members joined an Oct. 10 open night at the observatory, blending astronomy with cultural performances and highlighting its longstanding relationship with the Nation. Arizona Research: A University of Arizona team suggests healthy cognitive aging may involve relying more on accumulated knowledge than retaining every detail. Separately, an ASU-led study found a scorching exoplanet’s magnesium and silicon composition supports a key idea about how planets form. Chip Innovation: ASU is among the university partners in Applied Materials’ new $5 billion California research center, designed to speed development of next-generation semiconductors. AI and Infrastructure: ASU is opening access to AI supercomputing, as Arizona’s data-center boom raises questions about electricity and water demand.**

Migraine Research: An ASU professor and Mayo Clinic neurologist are turning research on enriched green light into a startup selling migraine-friendly lighting. Missing-Persons Science: A new ASU initiative aims to advance the science of finding and identifying missing people. AI Infrastructure: Arizona’s data-center boom is sharpening questions about resource use; Pima County is considering new rules, with a vote expected in December. Aging Brain: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging may shift the brain toward using experience to interpret new information, rather than simply reflecting decline. Space Workforce: Gov. Katie Hobbs has formed a committee to attract a proposed U.S. Space Academy to Arizona.

AI and Water: New research warns that electricity generation may consume far more water for AI than data-center cooling. For three planned Arizona centers, off-site water use could add an estimated 14 billion gallons a year, sharpening concerns as the state’s data-center pipeline grows. Healthy Aging: University of Arizona researchers propose that healthy aging may shift the brain toward using accumulated knowledge and recognizing patterns, rather than simply losing cognitive ability. Space Ambitions: Gov. Katie Hobbs has formed a committee to pursue a U.S. Space Academy in Arizona, building on the state’s aerospace industry and research base. Forensic Science: ASU is launching a Humanitarian Forensics Hub to support families of missing people and improve identification of human remains, bringing together researchers and specialists from around the world. Robotics Research: ASU students tested advanced dexterous robotic hands at Honda’s California lab through a university research program focused on bringing AI into real-world robotics.

Space Ambitions: Gov. Katie Hobbs has formed a committee of Arizona university, business and civic leaders to build the state’s bid to host the new U.S. Space Academy. Water and AI: Water is emerging as a major election issue as Phoenix-area data-center plans raise questions about their demands on scarce supplies; Pima County is weighing rules for new facilities. Aging Research: An ASU-led study of 894 dogs found stronger age-related DNA changes in larger breeds, offering a possible clue to their shorter lifespans—not proof of the cause. Archaeology From Above: NAU researchers are using drones to study Wupatki Pueblo, bringing new tools to the investigation of an ancient Arizona site. Clean Energy: A massive Arizona solar project is expected to send 90% of its output to Tesla, linking the state’s energy buildout to the growing power needs of technology.

Space Academy Bid: Gov. Katie Hobbs formed a statewide committee to make Arizona a contender for the proposed U.S. Space Academy, with NASA aiming to begin classes by 2028. Wildfire Tech: Flagstaff-based Team Snuffed won $250,000 in an international challenge for its satellite system to detect wildfires early. Arizona Astronomy: A University of Arizona-led Webb telescope study found water clouds changing over time on a cold brown dwarf 7.5 light-years away, offering clues to weather on distant worlds. Clean Energy: A major Arizona solar project is set to send 90% of its output to Tesla. Data Center Rules: Pima County heard public input on proposed data center regulations, with a final vote expected in December.

Wildfire Tech: Flagstaff’s Team Snuffed won $250,000 and second place in a global wildfire challenge with a plan to use 90 satellites to detect fires sooner. Space Ambition: Arizona has formed a public-private steering committee to make its case to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy. Research Scrutiny: Arizona State is one of nine universities subpoenaed in a federal probe of J-1 visas used by researchers; no findings or charges have been announced. Clean Energy: A major Arizona solar project is planned to send 90% of its output to Tesla. Archaeology: NAU researchers used drones, thermal imaging and laser scans to create a digital record of Wukoki Pueblo, documenting the historic site without disturbing it. Brain Science: University of Arizona researchers argue that healthy aging may shift the brain toward broader meaning and accumulated knowledge, rather than simply bring decline.

University Research: Arizona State is among nine universities under federal investigation over J-1 visas; ASU says its hiring complies with the law and supports its large science and technology workforce. Health Science: A Tucson collaboration between the University of Arizona and Critical Path Institute will study why Parkinson’s disease affects women differently, using cell models in a two-year project. Clean Energy: A major Arizona solar project is set to send 90% of its output to Tesla, adding to the state’s growing role in clean power. Space Science: University of Arizona astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to track changing water clouds on a nearby brown dwarf, revealing weather patterns on a distant world. Workforce and Industry: Arizona launched a bid to host a U.S. Space Academy, while ASU’s partnership with TSMC continues to build semiconductor career pathways.

Humanitarian Forensics: ASU is launching a hub to improve how missing people are found and unidentified people are identified, bringing researchers, practitioners and families together at an Oct. 16–17 conference. STEM Workforce: West-MEC’s Avondale academy gives high schoolers hands-on training in welding, electrical work, diesel technology and air conditioning. Space and Innovation: Arizona is organizing a bid to host a U.S. Space Academy, while Tech Parks Arizona earned recognition as a top innovation district. Data Center Rules: Pima County heard public input on proposed data center regulations, with a final vote expected in December as AI’s power needs grow. Desert Science: Kitt Peak Observatory renamed a science center to honor Tohono O’odham land and language; University of Arizona researchers are also seeking ways to protect lettuce from Fusarium wilt. Sleep Research: Scientists including University of Arizona researchers say staying up late may affect the brain, increasing impulsivity and negative emotions.

Space Academy Bid: Arizona has formed a steering committee to pursue the proposed U.S. Space Academy, bringing together university, aerospace and industry leaders to build the state’s case. Chip Supply: GlobalFoundries’ $2 billion deal to make silicon interposers for TSMC in New York fills one gap in U.S. AI-chip production; TSMC and Amkor packaging facilities planned for Arizona could add a crucial next step around 2028–29. Clean Energy: Construction is underway on a 450-megawatt solar-and-battery project near Lake Havasu City, with Tesla contracted to buy about 90% of its expected output. Data Centers: Pima County is drafting new rules for data centers, including standards for noise, water and energy, after pausing development in unincorporated areas; a final vote is expected in December. Innovation Districts: University of Arizona’s Tech Parks Arizona was named one of six top-performing innovation districts nationally, with more than 100 companies based there. Observatory: Kitt Peak National Observatory honored Tohono O’odham land and language by renaming a science center.

Space Ambitions: Arizona has formed a steering committee to compete to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy, bringing together state leaders, universities and aerospace partners. Lunar Science: NASA selected the GIMLI mission, which includes Arizona State University, to investigate whether a lunar pit opens into a lava tube—a possible shelter for future astronauts. Research and Culture: Kitt Peak National Observatory honored Tohono O’odham ties to the mountain by renaming a science center. Solar Manufacturing: First Solar is suing JA Solar and a Corning subsidiary, alleging infringement of a patent for TOPCon solar-cell manufacturing; Corning operates a module plant in Arizona. University Research: ASU says it follows U.S. law after federal officials accused it and eight other universities of misusing research visas. The probe puts international talent and research staffing in the spotlight.

ASU Visa Probe: Federal officials named Arizona State among nine universities under investigation over alleged misuse of J-1 visas in research programs. ASU says it complies with U.S. law and hires talent to support its scientific and technical work. Dog Aging: An ASU-led study published in Science offers a molecular explanation for why large dogs age faster and face more age-related disease, with potential relevance to human health. Heat-Smart Design: A Phoenix conference explored how architecture and passive-building strategies can reduce heat impacts. Semiconductor Careers: An ASU-TSMC program is linking students with chip-industry training and jobs in Arizona. Clean Energy: ContourGlobal has started construction on an Arizona solar-and-storage project. Copper Mining: Florence Copper officially launched the first new U.S. copper mining operation since 2008, following years of local disputes over groundwater risks.

Cancer Care: City of Hope Arizona leader Laurie Sicaeros is planning expansion through 2030, aiming to close care gaps and get newly diagnosed patients appointments within three to five days. Chipmaking: Intel’s role in Elon Musk’s Terafab remains intact, with its 14A process central to the plan and TSMC potentially leasing space rather than taking over. Campus Scrutiny: ASU is among nine universities the administration says it is investigating over alleged J-1 visa misuse; the claims have not been established. Arizona Research: An ASU-linked study suggests rogue “jumping” DNA sequences may help explain why giant dog breeds age faster, finding they lose gene-silencing switches more rapidly than small breeds. Workforce Pipeline: ASU-TSMC training and a new Mesa aerospace center are preparing students for Arizona’s semiconductor and aerospace jobs. Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than one million people.

Semiconductor Workforce: An ASU–TSMC training program is preparing students for equipment technician jobs, with more than 100 positions expected at TSMC’s north Phoenix facilities by year’s end. Supplier Gudeng has also begun operations at its Arizona plant. Clean Energy: Construction is underway on Project Sterling, a Mohave County solar-and-battery facility designed to deliver power for up to 16 hours a day. Arizona Research: University of Arizona researchers are seeking new ways to protect lettuce from Fusarium wilt, while a new partnership will study cellular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease in women. Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people. Technology and Growth: Shumate Engineering secured a patent for data-center cooling technology as Arizona expands aerospace and defense training with a new $6.4 million facility.

Semiconductors & Taiwan: Taiwan opened a representative office in Phoenix as its tech companies deepen Arizona ties. TSMC’s planned investment in the state has reached $265 billion, and talks with Arizona leaders covered investment, talent and industrial cooperation. Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on Arizona’s court system exposed personal information belonging to more than 1 million people. Water Research: Arizona is appraising five projects to bring new water to the state, but none is under construction and long-term funding remains a hurdle. Space Science: Researchers used Arizona’s Kitt Peak and University of Arizona telescope data in a survey that identified 70 new gravitational lenses, which can help scientists study dark matter and galaxy evolution. University Research: University of Arizona researchers are searching for ways to protect lettuce from Fusarium wilt, while the university’s C-Path is partnering on research into Parkinson’s disease in women.

Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on the Arizona Supreme Court exposed personal data for about 1.3 million people tied to unpaid fees, fines, restitution, orders of protection, and foster-care reports; officials say it started after a court employee clicked a malicious email link and that court operations weren’t delayed. Elections & Education: Mail ballots are going out and early voting begins Oct. 7 as voters weigh school board races, including three Higley Unified seats, plus a U.S. House District 1 contest between Amish Shah and Jay Feely. Arizona–Taiwan Tech Ties: Taiwan opened a Phoenix representative office (TECO) as Arizona and Taiwan leaders highlighted semiconductor and investment cooperation. Health & Research: A JAMA Network Open trial found an EHR-based non-drug perioperative pain program cut postoperative opioid exposure by ~10% in Arizona-involved sites. Conservation & STEM: Los Angeles Zoo reported the first Project Obscurus litters for the rare New Mexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake, with six neonates born as candidates for future releases in Arizona or New Mexico. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Marana completed a Twin Peaks Road/Rattlesnake Pass upgrade with widened lanes, drainage fixes, a multiuse path, and new signals.