Making AI easy to use for academics

AI tools for academics at Rutgers

An easy-to-use guide for working with AI and running code on GPUs through Amarel, Rutgers' high-performance computing system, with no prior programming knowledge.

Choose a workspace Set up Amarel workflow

AI Workspaces

These are the main entry points. Use ChatGPT for browser-based work, Codex or Claude Code when an agent should operate inside a project folder, and the tutorial when you want a guided introduction.

ChatGPT in the browser

Best for drafting, explaining, planning, data analysis, course materials, and lightweight code help.

Open ChatGPT

OpenAI Codex CLI

Install a local coding agent that can inspect a repository, edit files, run commands, and help manage research software.

Download Codex

Claude Code

Install Anthropic's terminal coding agent for code review, project navigation, refactoring, and automation tasks.

Download Claude Code

Codex tutorial

Watch a guided walkthrough before asking a coding agent to change files, run commands, or connect to Amarel.

Claude Code tutorial

Watch an introduction to Claude Code before using it to inspect projects, edit code, and run terminal workflows.

Tool Directory

Browse by academic task. The cards stay short on purpose: pick a category, scan the tools, then open the one that fits the work in front of you.

Amarel Agent Workflow

Follow the instructions below to let your coding agent access GPUs and run code on Amarel for you.

1. Give the agent the brief

Download the markdown instructions and attach or paste them into the coding agent session.

2. Confirm Rutgers details

The agent should ask for NetID, project name, CPU or GPU needs, runtime, memory, and output location.

3. Run through Slurm

The agent should keep heavy compute off the login node, use scratch storage, and pull results back locally.

Off campus? Connect to the Rutgers VPN first using Cisco AnyConnect or Cisco Secure Client, then let the agent try Amarel. Rutgers VPN setup at vpn.rutgers.edu.

ssh amarel 'hostname'

Download Amarel Agent Brief Read the brief

FAQ

Which button should I use first? Use ChatGPT for ordinary browser work. Use Codex or Claude Code when you want an agent to work inside files, code, terminals, or remote workflows.

Can this help someone with little programming experience? Yes. Ask the agent to show the plan, exact commands, expected outputs, and rollback path before it runs anything.

Do I need special access for Amarel? Yes. Get access here.

What is the safety rule? Review code and commands before running them, especially on shared systems, unpublished data, student data, or grant-funded research outputs.