This Is Purdue

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Kasie Roberson, clinical associate professor in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department in Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and head of the Leadership Coaching Institute in the Center for Working Well. As a nationally recognized educator and communication and AI expert, Kasie guides undergraduate and graduate students and professionals in topics like critical thinking, emotional intelligence and best practices for using AI as an effective communication tool. In this episode, you will: Learn more about Kasie’s people-first approach to effective communication and using AI as a tool, including five skills that will set you up for success in the real world Gain insights into recent data on the realities of Gen Z’s use of and relationship with generative AI and how it’s informed Kasie’s research and teaching Hear about Kasie’s exciting and inspiring fireside chat at the inaugural Sunniefest in Dallas and her three-tiered approach for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to navigate AI while maintaining their authenticity and voice Discover how adults, including parents and educators, can positively shape younger generations’ experiences with AI, from playing with fun brainstorming prompts to navigating important ethical issues Find out about Kasie’s innovative work at the Center for Working Well and the Leadership Coaching Institute as well as upcoming programs for students and professionals seeking to improve their communication skills, based on Purdue principles like grit, persistence and resilience You don’t want to miss this insightful episode with a Boilermaker and communication expert who’s helping students and professionals become more effective, empathetic communicators and AI users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 25 years, Anthony has been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue University.” He’s also an expert in all things etiquette. This incredible conversation first aired last November, and since it’s one of our most popular episodes, we wanted to share it again as the holiday season approaches. Get ready to entertain your guests, crush that big job interview or impress at your next networking event after listening to this one! In this episode, you will: Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to P.J. Thompson, assistant coach for Purdue men’s basketball. During his time at Purdue, P.J. (BS organizational leadership ’18), was a three-year starter on the team and helped the Boilermakers win the 2017 Big Ten Championship. Since then, he has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship game. In this episode you will: Hear P.J.’s lessons in leadership from his first five years coaching at Purdue, especially what he has learned from head coach Matt Painter and the legendary former head coach Gene Keady Learn about the unique culture of education, loyalty and family that brought the team to play in a national championship game — and helps recruit and retain some of the best players in the country Discover P.J.’s focus as offensive coordinator when coaching Purdue-turned-NBA players like Zach Edey and Jaden Ivey, and current stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn Find out what qualities Purdue looks for when it comes to recruiting young talent Hear how Purdue navigates name, image, likeness in today’s modern college basketball landscape Get excited for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season as P.J. shares what he is looking forward to most this season and beyond Learn what P.J. wants people to know about Coach Painter and this legendary era of Purdue men’s basketball Don’t miss this episode celebrating the successes of Purdue basketball on and off the court! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Allie Gabriel, the Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management in Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and faculty director of the Center for Working Well. As an award-winning advocate for workplace mental health and well-being, Allie studies how employees can thrive at work, both in person and virtually. She also leads the Center for Working Well, in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management department, which is at the forefront of researching various challenges facing modern workforces. In this episode, you will: Learn more about Allie’s timely research on employee wellness, burnout, and stress and recovery Gain life-changing tips on how to recover from burnout, debunk the myths of “work-life balance,” and reframe how success in work and life looks for you Find out what Zoom fatigue is and how identifying it can help organizations and businesses adopt a more intentional, human approach to improve their workplaces Hear more about how Allie came to Purdue, how she became a new mother during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how her experience with postpartum depression has shaped her research and advocacy today Learn how the Center for Working Well is disseminating Purdue’s groundbreaking, interdisciplinary wellness research You don’t want to miss this eye-opening interview with a Purdue professor and researcher who’s shining a light on what it means to work well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dimitri Peroulis, senior vice president for partnerships and online at Purdue and the Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. As an executive leader, he guides the university’s online programs and the offices of Industry Partnerships, Global Partnerships and Engagement. He's also an expert on Purdue’s innovative degrees and courses for workforce development and advancement that prepare students to stay “future-ready.” And he brings a wealth of technical knowledge and teaching experience to the ever-evolving higher ed landscape. In this episode, you will: Hear about Purdue’s strategic relationships with corporate partners like Eli Lilly and Company and Wabash and how they’re enhancing student workforce preparation through research, internships and alumni mentorship. Discover what it means to be “future-ready” and what experiences students need to be flexible, resilient problem-solvers as they enter a changing workforce. Learn more about Purdue University Online’s new and expanded degree programs and microcredentials that didn’t exist 10 years ago, including the first and only ABET-accredited AI certifications and microelectronics and semiconductors certifications. Explore how these unique virtual programs and certificates are helping thousands of students balance their lives as full-time professionals and thrive in the classroom and industry experiences. Find out more about Dimitri’s journey growing up and studying in Greece to later winning Purdue’s Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. You don’t want to miss this episode with an award-winning educator and thought leader who’s helping empower Purdue students with the skills they need to solve today’s toughest challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Sutton Tyson, producer for CBS News. As a proud Purdue College of Liberal Arts alumna, Sutton is a rising talent in the broadcast journalism field. She’s currently the booking producer for “The Takeout With Major Garrett” and previously served as spokeswoman in the FBI National Press Office, covering national security, criminal activity and counterintelligence issues. And through these roles, she’s gained expert insights into a rapidly evolving media industry. In this episode, you will: Learn how traditional news networks are tailoring their content strategies to meet various demographics, like Gen Z, where they are leveraging streaming, podcasts and social media Find out more about Sutton’s journey from Purdue to working for the FBI National Press Office in Washington, D.C., where she learned how to work under pressure and communicate effectively during crisis events Hear what it’s like to be a producer for a major network like CBS News — including engaging with high-profile guests and covering breaking news in a 24-hour cycle, like the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter collision over the Potomac River Explore Sutton’s advice for prioritizing mental health, well-being and work-life balance, especially when working in the news industry Discover the foundational skills she learned while studying communication at Purdue, like cultivating meaningful relationships to set herself up for career success Don’t miss this engaging, informative episode with a Boilermaker who’s helping shape the vital news and content we consume on air and online! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 a senior policy advisor for former Gov. Eric Holcomb. Now he works to ensure that Indiana’s postsecondary offerings are meeting current and future workforces where they are. Brent has spearheaded strategic direction and operations for Wabash since 2018. As a campus partner and Purdue College of Engineering alum, he’s seen firsthand how Boilermakers are driving innovation and excellence at scale. And today – in an intriguing roundtable discussion – they’re diving into a hot-button issue: Is college still worth it? In this episode, you will: Hear why a college degree remains crucial, now more than ever, empowering students to grow and plan for their futures. Discover why a Purdue degree is an invaluable investment from both industry and government perspectives. Learn how Purdue’s continued frozen tuition benefits bottom lines for Indiana students and families, addresses student debt, and sets a national standard. Understand what traits and experiences top employers are seeking from new graduates and why Purdue’s role as a premier land-grant research institution is key to providing students with well-rounded opportunities. Gain insights into Purdue and Wabash’s strategic relationship and how it’s delivering top-tier sustainability research and innovation in the transportation industry. Find out how the university’s evolving offerings and the state’s higher ed initiatives overall are enhancing the ROI for students and families. You don’t want to miss this timely episode with Boilermakers who are making great strides in Indiana higher ed and industry innovation to provide a wealth of academic and professional opportunities for current and future college students! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Lafayette, the mindset behind “Hard. Smart. Tough,” and why he believes this period of Purdue football isn’t a rebuild — it’s a reset of the standard. In this episode, you will: Learn how Purdue’s values attracted him to the university and how his early experiences shaped his leadership philosophy Discover his mentality and the lessons he shares with the team, including that football is more than what happens on Saturday afternoons — it’s about representing something bigger than yourself Hear how he’s approaching name, image and likeness (NIL) matters with structure and financial education in a time of ongoing change in college sports Find out how family and community are shaping his Purdue journey, from coaching his own son to leaning on his wife’s support to awarding a scholarship to Ethan Trent, the younger brother of the late Tyler Trent Learn how he envisions Ross-Ade Stadium becoming one of the toughest places to play in the country and why he believes Purdue football is positioned for sustained success “Hard. Smart. Tough” only scratches the surface on what there is to know about Coach Odom. Don’t miss hearing from the new pillar of the Purdue football community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 exciting new master’s program in sport management. In this episode you will: Learn more about the role this industry expert plays in an exciting new interdisciplinary master’s program in sport management, which has offerings in both West Lafayette and Indianapolis Hear what Jeanne has to say about the wide variety of careers available to graduates of this program like sports marketing, venue management, AI and technology in sport — not to mention all the hands-on learning opportunities with Purdue Athletics, Indiana Sports Corp and others Find out the range of disciplines, from communications to technology to education, that students can specialize in Discover what makes Indianapolis such a unique ecosystem and the perfect host for large sporting events — and why that’s great for students Go behind the scenes of the NCAA tournament and March Madness as Jeanne discusses her previous role and everything it takes to put on one of the largest collegiate sporting events of the year Don’t miss this episode that dives into our new sport management program and what it takes to succeed in the sports industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the Indy 500. In this episode you will: Learn about the motorsports engineering program at Purdue University in Indianapolis and the opportunities available to students through the new Dallara partnership Hear how his passion for IndyCar racing led him to the motorsports engineering program at Purdue University in Indianapolis Discover how Alex’s journey as a student in Indianapolis and his industry internships helped him land his current role at Dallara Listen to exclusive stories from the IndyCar engineer, including his family ties to the Indy 500 and his favorite race-day memories of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” Find out about the innovation and collaboration that goes into being a Dallara design engineer, including what a typical day in his life looks like Learn about Dallara’s rich history with IndyCar as the exclusive chassis provider for every car on the grid since 2008 You don’t want to miss this special episode that takes you behind the scenes of the world’s fastest racing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-winning author. She’s called Purdue home for over 20 years and has dedicated her life to being an educator and mentor to hundreds of students at the Daniels School. In this episode, you will: Hear about Cara’s education journey from her hometown of North Platte, Nebraska, to law school to Purdue, and her successes along the way, including being a first-generation college student Learn what first sparked her passions for law, politics and education Discover how mentors inspired her to become a force for good and why she wants to do the same for students at Purdue Find out about the study abroad programs she’s led and business classes she’s piloted at the Daniels School, including a core ethics course for undergraduate students Gain insights into her incredible work at the Brock-Wilson Center, including how she’s helped grow the ambassador program from dozens to hundreds and guided students during their transition to the professional world Discover how she hopes the business world will evolve in the years to come and how she’s preparing Boilermakers to tackle real-world ethical challenges Hear about her experience as an accomplished fiction author, why she started writing as a teenager and how it helps energize her work at Purdue You don’t want to miss this exciting episode with a Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award-winning professor who’s making a global impact for Boilermakers in business! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of artificial intelligence and data at Amgen, and Tatyana Kanzaveli, chief operating officer of Open Health Network. This special panel discussion was sponsored by Purdue University — a four-time recipient of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter distinction. In this special recording moderated by Shibani Joshi, you will: Learn about how the health care industry is using AI to improve the development and distribution of pharmaceuticals Discover how Purdue and other pharmaceutical companies are leveraging cross-industry partnerships to drive innovation Get to know how Purdue’s partnership with Eli Lilly and Company and Merck & Co. Inc. is driving opportunities in America’s Hard-Tech Corridor Find out how technological advancements, including AI and research happening at Purdue, will shape the future of pharma Don’t miss this special live episode that brought together pharmaceutical industry experts at one of the nation’s most esteemed festivals and conferences — SXSW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 in Indiana. In this episode, you will: Gain key insights on AI and machine learning and see how algorithms have rapidly evolved and what it means for you. Learn about his collaboration with the Indy Hunger Network and how he automated the redistribution of rejected food away from landfills and into food pantries. Hear about the use of open source code, which can help other organizations around the country automate the distribution of vital resources like food. Discover how Purdue’s pioneering computer science program and the Purdue Computes initiative are at the forefront of multidisciplinary AI research. Hear about Alex’s journey from his home country of Greece to advancing his career in the U.S. and eventually becoming a Boilermaker. Explore Alex’s encouraging approach to mentoring his students and how he’s committed to getting them excited about research. Find out how awards from the National Science Foundation and Google have accelerated his research, forged collaborations with other faculty and inspired future work. Don’t miss this episode featuring a Purdue professor and researcher who is using AI to fight hunger and support food pantries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 historic atmosphere of one of sport’s most iconic venues — Wrigley Field. In this episode, you will: Learn about Dan’s journey within Purdue’s College of Agriculture to becoming a head groundskeeper in Major League Baseball. Hear about his experience at the 2016 World Series where the Cubs took the Commissioner’s Trophy home to Chicago after a 108-year drought. Get to know how baseball is all in the family for the Kiermaiers, including his brother, former LA Dodgers outfielder and 2024 World Series winner Kevin Kiermaier, who Dan hosted at Wrigley Field for the first time in 2022. Go behind the scenes of preparing this legendary field after weather delays and for big events outside of baseball, such as the National Hockey League Winter Classic, Big Ten football games and concerts. Experience Dan’s typical Cubs home game day and discover what turf management and science looks like at the second oldest MLB ballpark in the country. Find out how his team balances player safety and innovation on the field of the “Friendly Confines” while maintaining the historic charm and ivy — which has a surprising link to Purdue, by the way! For all sports enthusiasts, baseball fans, Chicagoans, loyal Cubs supporters and more — this is a can’t-miss episode with a Boilermaker who takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to live out his dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Us.” In this magical episode of “This Is Purdue,” you will: Hear how Eric’s hands-on experiences in the theatre engineering program, part of Purdue’s Colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts, prepared him for a career in live entertainment. Explore the day-to-day life of a 30-year Disney veteran, from the innovative live show processes to the technical, behind-the-scenes details. Find out more about the parks’ rigorous safety protocols and the training Disney implements to protect its visitors and cast members. Learn why Eric is committed to mentoring young Boilermakers, specifically in the multidisciplinary engineering program, and giving students the tools and guidance they need to succeed in their own live entertainment careers. Get the inside scoop into future shows coming to some of the most beloved Disney parks. Don’t miss this episode featuring our first Disney Boilermaker, who is helping bring enchantment to millions of fans each year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 partners in work and in life, and their cutting-edge research and collaboration with faculty, students and industry partners have led to major scientific discoveries. In this episode of “This Is Purdue” you will: Hear more about Brandon and Nusrat’s journey from Finland to Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering and the early experiences that shaped their passion for research Understand why indoor air quality research is vital to improving human well-being and how our buildings play a critical role Learn about the first-of-its-kind zero-Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) tiny house lab, where they’re utilizing advanced sensor technology to connect their critical air quality research to the real world Receive practical advice on how you can improve air quality inside your home or office Discover how they’re equipping undergraduate and graduate students with a hands-on education to help them excel at Purdue and beyond Don’t miss this episode with these Boilermakers who are leading groundbreaking and life-changing research efforts right here at Purdue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 their community at Purdue. Explore her profound impact on Purdue’s Black Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers. Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue. Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more. Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus. Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work. You don’t want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 landscape. In this celebratory episode, you will: Learn about the initiatives Mike has overseen during his time at Purdue, including the unprecedented 13-year tuition freeze, Purdue’s expansion into Indianapolis, commercial air service returning to the Purdue University Airport, the transformation of the Mitch Daniels School of Business and more. Get to know his Boilermaker journey — from his time as a student to chair of the board, including the professors and mentors that impacted him most and the phone call that changed his life. Discover the moments Mike finds most significant in shaping Purdue’s legacy as the most recognized public university in the country. Hear Mike reflect on what this role has meant to him after making a difference in thousands of Boilermakers’ lives. Find out what he sees for the future of Purdue and what he hopes his legacy will be when he steps down as chair Jan. 1, 2025. “Purdue has set some bold initiatives and targets,” says Mike. “It’s been really fun to watch an idea get formulated and implemented by people who are talented and fired up.” You don’t want to miss this special episode featuring a renowned Boilermaker leader! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue University.” In this third episode of our Boilermaker Bites series, you will: Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue. Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state. Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Get to know how much the Purdue community means to Anthony and why he has stayed here for over two decades. Hear about the honor of Anthony receiving the 2024 Special Boilermaker Award. Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties. You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 2024 Purdue Research Series, you will: Get to know Karen’s incredible career journey from an animal sciences researcher to lead scientist for NASA’s International Space Station for biological research to dean of Purdue’s prestigious College of Agriculture, which is ranked No. 3 in the country. Learn how interdisciplinary research at Purdue makes both a local and global impact. Discover how Purdue’s expansion into Indianapolis will bolster student research opportunities. Find out how Karen navigates the complexity of leading Purdue’s wide range of research fields including Purdue Computes and AI, One Health, nuclear power, and more. Hear Karen reflect on her most memorable Boilermaker moments and her advice for aspiring researchers. Don’t miss this episode with a Boilermaker who is leading our groundbreaking and life-changing research efforts at Purdue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Indianapolis can gain from IndyGo buses and transit lines. Learn more about Jennifer’s vision for the future of public transportation in Indianapolis, including the recent opening of IndyGo’s Purple Line and upcoming opening of the Blue Line. Get to know the numerous ways the entire community of Indianapolis benefits from using IndyGo and the importance of having accessible and well-funded transportation in large cities. Find out how Jennifer’s civil engineering degrees from Purdue prepared her to lead IndyGo. Don’t miss this episode with a Boilermaker who is using her innovative spirit to advance public transit in a city that hundreds of thousands of people call home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 industrial administration ’72) and Sharon Hagle. These five Purdue space experts came together for a live panel after Purdue premiered a first-of-its-kind short film — “Boilers to Mars” — in front of a sold-out crowd in Fowler Hall. “Boilers to Mars” is a 10-minute film designed to explore what it will take to go first — to take the small steps that lead to the next giant leap. Each character’s persistence in this short film was inspired by our very own Boilermaker students, faculty and alumni. In this episode you will: Discover the panelists’ emotional reactions to “Boilers to Mars” and how they saw their own unique experiences in space reflected in the short film. Get to know their experiences traveling to, working in and researching space. Get closer to answering the question “What will it take to go first?” as these panelists share how Boilermakers eventually could lead the way to humankind traveling to Mars. Hear their advice for the next generation of Boilermakers who hope to travel to or work in space one day. Learn more about the mission of “Boilers to Mars” supporting partner SpaceKids Global, which inspires and empowers young people by introducing them to the wide range of careers available in space exploration and technology. You don’t want to miss this special live recording celebrating Purdue Brand Studio’s short film “Boilers to Mars” with insights from these Purdue space experts and leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 in Indiana. Learn what drew George to Purdue football and how he balanced being an All-Big Ten first team athlete with earning a degree in selling and sales management. Discover George’s favorite Purdue moments, including staying close to family and the memorable upset against Michigan State in 2021. Hear about George’s rapid NFL success — from being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs to winning two Super Bowls in his first two seasons. Get behind-the-scenes insights into his NFL career, including his biggest mentors on the Chiefs and the toughest quarterback he’s faced. Whether you’re a Purdue or NFL fan, you don’t want to miss this incredible episode with an alum whose Boilermaker persistence has helped shape him into the two-time Super Bowl champ he is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about the legacy Jay hopes to leave as he steps down at the end of the 2024 season. Journey around the world celebrating the incredible events where the “All-American” Marching Band has performed, such as the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics; the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin; the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; and the Indianapolis 500. Discover some of Jay’s favorite band traditions — including the storied “Block P” formation, which has been used since 1907 when the band broke with the tradition of marching exclusively in military formations. Look back on the marching band’s greatest performances from over the years, like the beloved halftime shows, one of which even included an homage to an iconic movie franchise. Hint: Stormtroopers took charge of the World’s Largest Drum, and Purdue Pete Skywalker had to battle Darth Hoosier. Learn who makes the incredible alumni base of the marching band unique — from Neil Armstrong to Orville Redenbacher to the dedicated members who give back again and again and again. Don’t miss this episode celebrating Jay Gephart’s leadership and impact on Purdue Bands & Orchestras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the history of the iconic Purdue Memorial Union from its fundraising efforts in the early 1900s to the newest renovations, like the Purdue Union Club Hotel. Explore the symbolic architecture by Pond & Pond architects, who also designed the unions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and the University of Kansas. Discover why PMU became a memorial for the Boilermaker military community and the ways this military significance is represented throughout the Union. Get to know how the Union has served students over the decades from socializing at events like Singleton Shuffles and junior proms to gathering for concerts by popular musicians like Frank Sinatra and Sonny & Cher to studying in the East and West Main lounges. Find out how the PMU will continue to serve future generations of Boilermakers. If you’re interested in history, you’re in for a treat with this episode, Boilermakers! Join us in celebrating 100 years of this beloved campus icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices