Podcast Summary: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Innovative and Collaborative Boilermaker Research With Karen Plaut

Podcast Information:

• Title: This Is Purdue
• Host: Kate Young, Purdue University Alumna and Brian Lamb School of Communication Graduate
• Episode: Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Innovative and Collaborative Boilermaker Research With Karen Plaut
• Release Date: November 14, 2024

1. Introduction

In this episode of This Is Purdue, host Kate Young engages in a comprehensive conversation with Karen Plout, the Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue University. The discussion delves into Karen’s extensive career, her leadership at Purdue, and the university’s impactful research initiatives that span local and global landscapes.

2. Karen Plout's Journey to Purdue

Karen Plout shares her academic and professional trajectory leading up to her role at Purdue.

• Educational Background:
  • BS: University of Vermont
  • Master’s: Penn State
  • PhD: Cornell University
• Early Career:
  • Postdoctoral research in mammary gland biology at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.
  • Assistant Professor in lactation biology at the University of Vermont.

Quote:
“At that started my career at Purdue in 2010.” [03:09]

Karen joined Purdue as the Associate Dean for Research for the College of Agriculture in 2010, leveraging her diverse experiences to foster research excellence.

3. Experience in Animal Science and NASA

Karen’s specialization in animal science, particularly lactation biology, led her to collaborate with NASA on innovative research projects.

• NASA Collaboration:
  • Participated in research involving the study of lactation changes in rats sent to space.
  • Lead Scientist for NASA’s International Space Station Biological Research, focusing on designing habitats for space living in collaboration with engineers.

Quote:
“Watching how those students have now grown and that their careers are now accelerating is really fun to watch and see.” [12:53]

Her time at NASA not only advanced her research skills but also deepened her appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration.

4. Leadership Roles at Purdue

Karen outlines her progression within Purdue, highlighting her tenure as Dean of the College of Agriculture, which is renowned nationally and globally.

• Achievements as Dean:
  • Advanced digital agriculture initiatives, building a robust faculty in this emerging field.
  • Facilitated the enhancement of plant sciences, contributing to Purdue’s strategic growth under President Mitch Daniels.
  • Strengthened community ties across all 92 Indiana counties, addressing local and global food security challenges.

Quote:
“We have people in all 92 counties. So I was able to work with people and find out their needs at the local level and how we can help people at the local level as well as global.” [06:34]

Her leadership emphasized both academic excellence and community impact, fostering a research environment that bridges university efforts with societal needs.

5. Fostering Research and Innovation at Purdue

As EVP of Research, Karen focuses on creating a collaborative and innovative research landscape.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
  • Encourages connections between diverse departments to spark groundbreaking research.
  • Facilitates partnerships across fields such as Quantum Computing, Drug Discovery, and Artificial Intelligence.

Quote:
“Building those relationships are what really make a difference. And it's one of the things that's really special at Purdue that you can build those interdisciplinary relationships that really make our science excel and soar.” [09:31]

Karen emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships that transcend traditional academic boundaries, enhancing the quality and impact of research.

6. Impact of Purdue Research Locally and Globally

Karen highlights Purdue’s role as an economic and innovation engine with significant contributions to various sectors.

• Notable Contributions:
  • Development of the FDA and the Pure Foods Act through Purdue alumnus Harvey Wiley.
  • Creation of life-saving drugs like Pluvicto for prostate cancer.
  • Agricultural advancements such as Striga-resistant sorghum by Kabisa Jeddah, addressing global hunger and food security.

Quote:
“We make an impact around the world. We make an impact in Indiana. We make an impact in every county in the state by some of our local efforts too.” [22:49]

Purdue’s research initiatives not only drive economic growth but also address critical global challenges, reinforcing the university’s pivotal role in societal advancement.

7. Future Vision and Priority Areas for Purdue Research

Karen outlines her vision for expanding Purdue’s research frontier, focusing on multidisciplinary grants and leveraging new opportunities.

• Key Priority Areas:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Emphasis on physical AI applications in manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and healthcare.
  • One Health Initiative: Integrating human, animal, plant, and environmental health to address interconnected health challenges.
  • Digital Agriculture and Autonomous Systems: Enhancing productivity and sustainability through advanced technologies.

Quote:
“Our focus is really physical AI... improving processes using AI, including semiconductors... autonomous vehicles... AI-assisted drug development.” [15:12]

Karen aims to secure large multidisciplinary grants and establish university-affiliated research centers to further these initiatives.

8. Purdue's Expansion into Indianapolis

The expansion into Indianapolis is a strategic move to broaden Purdue’s research and educational footprint.

• Focus Areas in Indianapolis:
  • Motorsports and Engineering
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Healthcare collaborations with IU Health and the VA Hospital
  • Biomedical Engineering

Quote:
“We have a big center, Tassie down there that's doing some really cool things in that space.” [18:46]

This expansion provides students with unique research opportunities and fosters partnerships that enhance Purdue’s innovation ecosystem.

9. Managing Diverse Research Areas

Karen discusses the challenges and excitement of overseeing a wide array of research disciplines at Purdue.

• Diversity of Research:
  • From nuclear power and hypersonics to audiology and digital agriculture.
  • Facilitates connections across varied fields to promote interdisciplinary advancements.

Quote:
“You go from learning about nuclear power... to audiology and hearing disease... to autonomous systems... It's great to see them win these large grants.” [20:17]

Her ability to navigate and integrate these diverse areas ensures that Purdue remains at the forefront of groundbreaking research.

10. The Significance of Being a Boilermaker and Advice to Students

Karen reflects on the pride and community spirit of being part of Purdue, offering heartfelt advice to aspiring researchers.

• Community and Support:
  • Emphasizes the collaborative and supportive environment unique to Purdue.
  • Shares memorable experiences, such as participating in basketball games and hosting international students.

Quote:
“Pursue your dreams. Don't let things get in your way... be resilient. Think about what you want. Try different things. You never know what's interesting till you try it.” [27:07]

Karen encourages students to follow their passions, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and embrace the diverse opportunities that research can offer.

Conclusion

Karen Plout’s extensive experience and visionary leadership continue to propel Purdue University’s research initiatives, fostering innovation that impacts both local communities and the global stage. Her dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers exemplify the spirit of Purdue Boilermakers.

Notable Quotes:

• Impact of Purdue:

  “We make an impact around the world. We make an impact in Indiana. We make an impact in every county in the state by some of our local efforts too.” [22:49]

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

  “Building those relationships are what really make a difference... make our science excel and soar.” [09:31]

• Advice to Students:

  “Pursue your dreams. Don't let things get in your way... be resilient. Think about what you want. Try different things. You never know what's interesting till you try it.” [27:07]

Final Thoughts:

This episode offers a deep dive into the transformative research at Purdue University, guided by Karen Plout’s insightful perspectives. Whether you’re a current student, alumni, or someone interested in the frontiers of research, this conversation underscores the remarkable achievements and future aspirations of Purdue’s vibrant academic community.

For more information and to watch Karen’s full interview, visit This Is Purdue YouTube Page.

This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Kate Young and Karen Plout, highlighting the key themes and insights shared throughout the episode.