About Us
At the Research Software Facility, we partner with researchers and organizations to develop powerful, tailored software solutions that drive discovery, streamline workflows, and turn complex data into real-world impact. Our expertise spans diverse fields, helping scientists and innovators unlock new possibilities through technology.
Our Start
We began as a small team of software developers supporting Dr. Keith Paustian’s lab, primarily focusing on the COMET suite of tools. Our flagship project, COMET-Farm, is a user-friendly decision-support tool that helps farmers and ranchers estimate their greenhouse gas emissions and explore sustainable land management strategies.
At its core, COMET-Farm leverages DayCent®, a widely recognized biogeochemical model that simulates key processes affecting carbon and nitrogen cycling in plant-soil systems, including plant growth, soil organic matter dynamics, and nitrogen losses. The tool follows guidelines from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and USDA Methods For Entity-Scale Inventory to provide science-based, high-quality emissions estimates that meet international standards for greenhouse gas accounting.
Tom Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture, congratulating Dr. Paustian and the COMET-Team for their work on COMET-Farm and COMET-Planner.
Our Present
As we collaborate with scientists and researchers on COMET-Farm, we recognize the growing need for custom-built software across the university. While continuing to enhance the COMET tools, we have expanded to support a variety of projects within the College of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources, and beyond. Over the years, we have collaborated with various branches of the university, including the Vice President for Research’s office, the College of Engineering, and the Computer Science Department.
Through these collaborations, we have gained hands-on experience with a wide range of software needs and technologies, making us well-equipped to support research and innovation across the university.
Our Future
We are committed to being the go-to partner for research-driven innovation, delivering cutting-edge, tailored software solutions that empower breakthrough discoveries. By continuing to expand our expertise and collaborations, we aim to accelerate research, simplify complex challenges, and make a lasting impact at Colorado State University and beyond.