Best Purdue College of Science Podcasts (2025)

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Is College Still Worth It? (And How It’s Rapidly Changing) 33:35

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7h ago33:35

33:35

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Butler, the senior associate commissioner and chief academic officer for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and Brent Yeagy, president and CEO of Wabash National Corp. Matt is a Purdue College of Liberal Arts alum and a higher education and workforce expert, previously serving as …

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Hard. Smart. Tough: A Conversation With Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom 35:29

14d ago35:29

35:29

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Barry Odom, Purdue University’s head football coach. Last year, Coach Odom led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to its winningest season in over 40 years, and he’s bringing that same grit to Purdue. He joins the official university podcast to reflect on his first seven months in West Lafayet…

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What It Takes To Run March Madness — and How Purdue Is Training the Next Sports Pros 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jeanne Boyd, executive director of sport management and senior advisor to the provost. Jeanne is a leader in the sports industry. As the former managing director of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, she leverages her unique experience and insights to pioneer Purdue University’s ex…

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From Purdue to the Indy 500: How Alex Turner Landed His Dream Job at Dallara 24:13

4M ago24:13

24:13

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Alex Turner, Purdue alum and design engineer at Dallara. Alex is a 2022 graduate of Purdue’s motorsports engineering program and has used his skills and experience to earn his dream job at Dallara’s U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis, just steps away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — home of…

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Purdue Daniels School of Business Professor and Bestselling Author Cara Putman on Leadership, Guiding Students and Ethics 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Cara Putman, clinical associate professor at Purdue University and director of the Daniels School of Business’ Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business. Cara is a visionary Boilermaker and leader in many fields — she graduated from college at 20 years old, earned a JD and MBA, and is an award-w…

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Purdue President Mung Chiang Talks Pharma Innovation and AI at Fast Company Panel During SXSW 24:24

4M ago24:24

24:24

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the live Brands That Matter panel spotlighted at the Fast Company Grill during the annual SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas. Purdue President Mung Chiang took the stage as a panelist for “Innovating What Matters: Driving Pharma Forward,” along with Sean Bruich, senior vice president …

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How Purdue is Using AI for Good — Computer Science Professor Alex Psomas Explains 28:24

5M ago28:24

28:24

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Alex Psomas, assistant professor of computer science in Purdue University’s College of Science. Alex is an expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence. He utilizes these tools to help solve societal issues like food insecurity by outsourcing decision-making to AI — starting right here…

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Behind the Scenes of Wrigley Field with Cubs Head Groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier 42:04

5M ago42:04

42:04

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dan Kiermaier (BS turf management and science ’12), head groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs. Dan is living out his dream career — one that would make his 10-year-old self extremely proud. Every day, he uses his Purdue degree in turf management and science to maintain the safety, playability and …

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Behind Disney’s Magic: Senior Technical Director Eric Hall on Theatre Engineering and Pyrotechnics at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’ 34:42

6M ago34:42

34:42

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Eric Hall (BS multidisciplinary engineering ’95), senior technical director at Disney Live Entertainment. Eric recently celebrated 30 years at Disney, and he’s instrumental in the safety, execution and enchantment behind iconic fireworks shows like “Epcot Forever” and “Luminous: The Symphony of …

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Purdue Professors Brandon Boor and Nusrat Jung on Their Groundbreaking Indoor Air Quality Research in First-of-Its-Kind Tiny House Lab 51:28

6M ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Brandon Boor, the Dr. Margery E. Hoffman Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, and Nusrat Jung, assistant professor of civil engineering. What’s in the air we breathe indoors? That’s what Brandon and Nusrat are researching in our buildings — at home, school, work and beyond. These two are pa…

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Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University 27:26

7M ago27:26

27:26

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Renee Thomas, Purdue University’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement. For more than 35 years, Renee has increased educational opportunities for thousands of Boilermakers. In this episode, you will: Learn how Renee has impacted students’ lives by helping them find …

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Celebrating Purdue Board of Trustees Chair Mike Berghoff’s Legacy and Impact 37:13

9M ago37:13

37:13

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mike Berghoff, chair of the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Since joining the board in 2009 and being appointed chair in 2015, Mike (BS industrial management ’85) has helped lead the university to incredible success and growth while managing significant challenges in the higher education la…

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Making a Lasting Impression: Etiquette Tips for Holiday Parties, Job Interviews and Networking From Purdue’s Westwood Event Coordinator Anthony Cawdron 56:28

9M ago56:28

56:28

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Anthony Cawdron, Westwood event coordinator and estate manager, and adjunct hospitality and tourism management faculty member. Westwood has been home to four Purdue University presidents and their families since it was donated to the university in 1971, and for the last 24 years, Anthony has bee…

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Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Innovative and Collaborative Boilermaker Research With Karen Plaut 30:15

10M ago30:15

30:15

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Karen Plaut, Purdue University’s executive vice president for research. Karen oversees Purdue’s expanding $600 million research enterprise, and under her leadership, researchers from across the university are working together to solve the world’s toughest challenges. In this third episode of our…

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IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz on the Value and Future of Public Transportation 37:56

10M ago37:56

37:56

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Pyrz, president and CEO of IndyGo. A Purdue engineering alumna, Jennifer (BS civil engineering ’95, MS civil engineering ’97) was appointed president and CEO of Indiana’s largest public transit agency in May 2024. In this episode you will: Discover the advantages Purdue students in Indi…

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‘Boilers to Mars’ Film Premiere Panel with Former NASA Astronaut Drew Feustel, Purdue Professors Briony Horgan and Marshall Porterfield, and SpaceKids Global Founders Marc and Sharon Hagle 33:42

11M ago33:42

33:42

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former NASA astronaut and Purdue University Presidential Ambassador Drew Feustel (BS solid earth sciences ’89, MS geophysics ’91), Purdue professors and NASA contributors Briony Horgan and Marshall Porterfield, and SpaceKids Global founders Marc (BS electrical engineering ’71, MS business and in…

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Get To Know George Karlaftis — Former Purdue Football Star and Two-Time Super Bowl Champion With the Kansas City Chiefs 30:23

11M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to George Karlaftis (BS selling and sales management ’21), Purdue football alum, current defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs and two-time Super Bowl champion. In this episode you will: Follow George’s journey from playing water polo in Athens, Greece, to football at West Lafayette High School …

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‘Joy of My Life’ — Celebrating Jay Gephart’s Purdue ‘All-American’ Marching Band Legacy 46:45

12M ago46:45

46:45

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jay Gephart, the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, conductor of Purdue Wind Ensemble and director of the “All-American” Marching Band. The prestigious marching band is known as the heartbeat of the university, with Jay serving as its fifth director. In this episode you will: Hear …

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Celebrating 100 Years of History at the Purdue Memorial Union 31:29

12M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Bob Mindrum, former director of the Purdue Memorial Union and author of “Purdue Memorial Union, The First 100 Years, 1924 to 2024.” The Purdue Memorial Union — a longtime centerpiece of Purdue’s campus — is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Sept. 9, 2024. In this episode you will: Learn about…

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Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Innovations With Preeti Sivasankar 26:31

1y ago26:31

26:31

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Preeti Sivasankar, Purdue University’s vice president for research innovation and professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Societal transformation begins with research, and no one knows this better than Preeti. Since joining Purdue’s faculty 19 years ago, she has co…

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Go Behind the Scenes of ‘Jeopardy!’ with Purdue’s Super-Champion Adriana Harmeyer 33:09

1y ago33:09

33:09

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Adriana Harmeyer, clinical assistant professor and archivist for university history, and “Jeopardy!” super-champion. In May and June 2024, Adriana earned super-champion status after winning 15 consecutive games of “Jeopardy!” As a longtime fan of this Emmy Award-winning game show, she was able t…

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Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Sports Engineering and Its Impact on the Olympic Games With Jan-Anders Mansson 44:15

1y ago44:15

44:15

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jan-Anders Mansson, executive director of the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center and Distinguished Professor of Materials and Chemical Engineering at Purdue. Sports engineering affects everyone, from those dedicated to getting their daily steps in to the most decorated Olympic athletes. The Purd…

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Entrepreneur Beth Bostwick Discusses Her Passion for Purdue Innovates and Her Hopes for Boilermakers in Startup Culture 59:38

1y ago59:38

59:38

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Beth Bostwick, serial entrepreneur and author. As a prominent entrepreneur and mentor within Purdue Innovates, Beth (MS human resources ’89) provides passionate insights into the world of startups and details how young entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success. In this episode you will: Ge…

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What is Far-UVC technology, and How it Can Be Used to Make our Indoor Environments Healthier? 37:21

1y ago37:21

37:21

Today we chatted with John Rajchert about the application of using far UVC technology to make indoor environments healthier. Rajchert is a native of Sydney Australia with an impressive background in electrical engineering. He has worked for years making buildings safe and efficient. Today he is a Co-founder and CEO of Lit Thinking and discusses wha…

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Dan Hasler and David Umulis Discuss Purdue’s New Indianapolis Campus 47:37

1y ago47:37

47:37

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dan Hasler, chief operating officer, and David Umulis, senior vice provost and chief academic officer, of Purdue University in Indianapolis. As Purdue’s first comprehensive urban campus, Purdue in Indianapolis will bring exciting opportunities for students, faculty and the whole Boilermaker comm…

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Dean, Mentor, Boilermaker: Celebrating Willie Reed and His Lasting Legacy on the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine 35:43

1y ago35:43

35:43

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Willie Reed, dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Join us as we celebrate Reed’s legacy as he prepares to step down after 17 years as dean. When you listen to this episode, you can expect to: Learn more about Dean Reed’s incredible journey of persistence — from being taugh…

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The Future of Purdue Airport’s Commercial Flight Service and the History Behind Purdue Aviation 1:01:43

1+ y ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re discussing the return of commercial flights to the Purdue University Airport and highlighting the university’s renowned history in aviation. Listen as Adam Baxmeyer (BS aviation administration ’02; MPA ’22, Purdue Global), director of the Purdue University Airport, and Rob Wynkoop, vice president of Auxili…

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The Making of the Indy 500: Meet the Boilermakers Behind the Scenes of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ 44:53

1+ y ago44:53

44:53

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to three Boilermakers who work behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to execute “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — the Indianapolis 500. Listen as David Letherman (BS management ’15), senior manager of event personnel; Meredith Walker (BS management, marketing ’11), senior manager …

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Understanding Quantum Physics 33:18

1+ y ago33:18

33:18

We wanted to know a few things about Quantum materials. Who better to ask than Erica W. Carlson, Ph.D., a Professor of Physics at Purdue University. Prof. Carlson holds a BS in Physics from the California Institute of Technology (1994), as well as a Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA (2000). A theoretical physicist at the Purdue Quantum Science and Enginee…

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Astronaut Panel from the Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS, Presented by Purdue University 33:18

1+ y ago33:18

33:18

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to five members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts: Sirisha Bandla (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’11), Drew Feustel (BS solid earth sciences ’89, MS geophysics ’91), Beth Moses (BS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’92, MS aeronautics and astronautics ’94), Mark Polansky (BS…

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What is the Mars Perseverance Rover Doing Now? 23:52

1+ y ago23:52

23:52

Briony Horgan, Associate Professor of Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, is working to determine whether we are alone in the Universe, or if life once existed on other planets such as Mars. She explains what the Perseverance Rover is doing on Mars, (like looking for ancient microbial life!), and talks about the samples and data that Persevera…

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Kokomo Winery Owner Erik Miller on His Entrepreneurship Journey and How He Honors His Boilermaker Roots in Sonoma County 45:44

1+ y ago45:44

45:44

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Erik Miller, owner and winemaker of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Winery. Listen as Erik (BS organizational leadership ’99) shares the journey of working his way up from a wine harvest intern to conceptualizing and later founding his own winery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonom…

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AI Bias and Ethical Concerns 35:18

1+ y ago35:18

35:18

Dr. Lindsay Weinberg is a clinical assistant professor in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, and the Director of the Tech Justice Lab. Her research and teaching are at the intersection of science and technology studies, media studies, and feminist studies, with an emphasis on the social and ethical impacts of digital technology…

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PGA Tour Player Adam Schenk Reflects on Purdue Golf Career, Playing Professionally and His First Invite to the Masters 34:03

1+ y ago34:03

34:03

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to PGA Tour golfer Adam Schenk. Adam is a Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business alum and former first-team All-Big Ten Purdue men’s golfer, who has spent nearly a decade dedicated to his full-time career on the golf course. During this time, he secured his PGA Tour card and rapidly ascended t…

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Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey on Her Boilermaker Journey and Leading a 105-Year-Old Company Toward a Greener Future 22:45

1+ y ago22:45

22:45

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc. Jennifer discusses her experience as a Purdue mechanical engineering student and how that led her to four internships with Cummins during her Boilermaker journey. Her story is unique because not many people can say they interned for a company and la…

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How Machine Learning and A.I. Models Work 30:42

1+ y ago30:42

30:42

From “writing code” without knowing code to training models, Professor Tianyi Zhang discusses how Machine Learning and A.I. models work and what they are. He is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University researching Human and Computer Interaction.By Purdue University

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March Madness: Carolyn Peck, Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs Reflect on the 25th Anniversary of Purdue Winning the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship 1:13:54

1+ y ago1:13:54

1:13:54

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former head coach Carolyn Peck and co-captains Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs as they reflect on the Purdue women’s basketball team’s 1999 NCAA National Championship. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this legendary win and listen as Coach Peck, Stephanie and Ukari share more about this histori…

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Who should study Cybersecurity? 33:50

1+ y ago33:50

33:50

In an era of increasing cyber threats, Eugene H. Spafford forges our future in the area of cybersecurity. Dr. Spafford is a Professor of Computer Science in Purdue University’s College of Science. He explains ethical hacking, social engineering, and the role of cybersecurity professionals in our lives.…

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Purdue for Life’s Matt Folk on the Boilermaker Spirit and Community 31:51

1+ y ago31:51

31:51

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Folk, president and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation. In this new “Boilermaker Bites” series, Matt joins podcast host Kate Young at 8Eleven Modern Bistro in the Purdue Memorial Union. Over a delicious meal of pasta with grilled scallops, Matt digs into Purdue for Life’s goal of helping…

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Understanding nuclear power. 31:34

1+ y ago31:34

31:34

From how nuclear power works to safety in the industry, Dr. Hitesh Bindra explains nuclear energy. Hitesh is an Associate Professor at Purdue University’s School of Nuclear Engineering.By Purdue University

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Ford Motor Co. HR Director Rochelle Dorn-Hayes on the Importance of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Rochelle Dorn-Hayes, human resources director at Ford Motor Co. Tune in as Rochelle shares more about her time at Purdue, where she earned her MBA from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. She carries with her the lessons learned from her beloved mentor, Dr. Cornell A. Bell, and the …

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All Hail to 100 Episodes 50:38

1+ y ago50:38

50:38

In this special 100th episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating and reflecting on our past episodes, which highlight Boilermakers who, through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap. Over the last three years, our podcast team has featured more than 160 Boilermaker guests, produced over 50 hours…

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Understanding AI and Computer Vision with Raymond Yeh 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

Raymond Yeh is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. His research is at the intersection of machine learning and computer vision. Specifically, his research focuses on developing algorithms to learn effective and explainable models ranging across several domains including audio, vision, language, and mu…

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A New Dean for a New Era: Getting To Know Purdue’s Daniels School of Business Dean Jim Bullard 34:59

1+ y ago34:59

34:59

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jim Bullard, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. Listen as Dean Bullard discusses his career journey from his time navigating obstacles like the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to accepting h…

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Being Curious Leads a Computer Scientist to Automated Algorithm Analysis 37:08

1+ y ago37:08

37:08

Andres Bejarano began his career wanting to make video games. Today Andres is a computer scientist who is an Assistant Professor of Practice. He researches making natural looking A.I. images and teaches classes at Purdue University. Automated Algorithm Analysis serves as a powerful tool that enhances the efficiency of computer programs, benefiting …

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Greatest Hits of 2023: Celebrating Purdue Research Solving the World's Toughest Challenges 39:36

1+ y ago39:36

39:36

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating Boilermakers who provide practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Part 2 of our “Greatest Hits of 2023” shines a light on the incredible research advancements from Purdue Boilermakers as we reflect on all four of our 2023 Research Series episodes. Listen as we highlight special m…

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Fostering Collaborations: Institutes Driving Interdisciplinary Solutions for a Sustainable Future 42:22

1+ y ago42:22

42:22

We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Matt Huber, the Director of the Institute for a Sustainable Future. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of this influential institute, exploring its crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate the landscape of academia, our conversation takes an intriguing turn toward understand…

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Greatest Hits of 2023: Celebrating Boilermaker Persistence 45:34

1+ y ago45:34

45:34

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re starting to ring in the new year with some of our most popular episodes from 2023. Part 1 of our two-part “Greatest Hits of 2023” episode shines a light on the incredible stories and achievements of Boilermakers from across different disciplines. Tune in as we share highlights from episodes featuring Purdu…

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Harnessing the Power of Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Stormwater Management 43:33

2y ago43:33

43:33

Nicole Chavas (President + Chief Operating Officer) and Lucy Kopchak (Associate Engineer) join us to discuss green infrastructure and sustainable engineering. Due to climate change, cities are seeing an increase in stronger storms with heavier rainfalls. Traditional infrastructure (gray infrastructure) is not equipped to handle significant increase…

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Sangtae Kim on Leading the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering and the Importance of Purdue’s ‘Excellence at Scale’ 30:56

2y ago30:56

30:56

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Sangtae Kim, the Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering and Distinguished Professor. Sangtae dives into his family background — including what it was like growing up in a family of educators, his career at Eli Lilly and what brought him back to academia to lead Purdue University’…

Purdue College Of Science Podcasts