Podcast
This Is Purdue
Hosted by Purdue University · EN
This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, This is Purdue aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.
Join us every other Thursday as we interview students, faculty, and alumni taking small steps toward their giant leaps, and inspiring others to do the same.
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Purdue to the Indy 500: How Alex Turner Landed His Dream Job at Dallara
May 15, 202500:24:13Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
Purdue Daniels School of Business Professor and Bestselling Author Cara Putman on Leadership, Guiding Students and Ethics
May 1, 202500:46:52Summary readyIn 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!
Summary
Purdue President Mung Chiang Talks Pharma Innovation and AI at Fast Company Panel During SXSW
Apr 17, 202500:24:24Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
How Purdue is Using AI for Good — Computer Science Professor Alex Psomas Explains
Apr 3, 202500:28:24Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
Behind the Scenes of Wrigley Field with Cubs Head Groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier
Mar 20, 202500:42:04Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
Behind Disney’s Magic: Senior Technical Director Eric Hall on Theatre Engineering and Pyrotechnics at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’
Mar 6, 202500:34:42Summary readyIn 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!
Summary
Purdue Professors Brandon Boor and Nusrat Jung on Their Groundbreaking Indoor Air Quality Research in First-of-Its-Kind Tiny House Lab
Feb 20, 202500:51:28Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University
Feb 6, 202500:27:26Summary readyIn 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.
Summary
Celebrating Purdue Board of Trustees Chair Mike Berghoff’s Legacy and Impact
Dec 12, 202400:37:13Summary readyIn 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!
Summary
Making a Lasting Impression: Etiquette Tips for Holiday Parties, Job Interviews and Networking From Purdue’s Westwood Event Coordinator Anthony Cawdron
Nov 25, 202400:56:28Summary readyIn 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.
Summary