This Is Purdue
by Purdue University
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.
Episodes
-
Why Are Grocery Prices High? The Story Behind Inflation and Supply Chains
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Trey Malone, the Boehlje Chair in Managerial Economics for Agribusiness and associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University. Trey is an award-winning and nationally recognized agricultural economist. His timely insights on...
-
The Hobby Revival: Creativity, Nostalgia and Community
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Haley Larsen (PhD English ’21), story lead of marketing and measurement at Pinterest. As a storytelling expert and creative strategist for a global visual engine and social media platform, Haley’s helping us dive into the fun, trending world…
more -
Finding Amelia: Part 4 | The Search for Amelia Earhart’s Missing Plane
In the final episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Steve Schultz, Purdue University’s senior vice president and general counsel. As a field assistant on the search expedition to identify Amelia Earhart’s missing plane, Steve might play a role in solving one of the greatest mysteries of…
more -
Finding Amelia: Part 3 | Uncovering Amelia Earhart’s Rare Artifacts and Memorabilia
In the third episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Katey Watson, the France A. Córdova Archivist of Purdue Archives and Special Collections. Katey manages Purdue Libraries’ Amelia Earhart Collection and is sharing the personal items Amelia left behind – including her iconic aviator…
more -
Finding Amelia: Part 2 | Amelia Earhart’s Plane”
In the second episode of “Finding Amelia,” we’re talking to Chad Pittman, president and CEO of the Purdue Research Foundation. He shares the story behind Amelia Earhart’s famed Purdue-funded Lockheed Electra 10-E airplane and how she planned to return it to West Lafayette once her…
more -
Finding Amelia: Part 1 | Who Was Amelia Earhart?
On what would’ve been Amelia Earhart’s 129th birthday — July 24, 2026 — the Purdue Research Foundation and the Archaeological Legacy Institute announced a renewed joint effort to identify Amelia Earhart’s missing university-sponsored plane. Ahead of this search expedition, “This Is Purdue” is...
-
Why Focus Feels Harder Today and How To Train Your Brain
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to two professors in the Daniels School of Business: Allie Gabriel, the Thomas J. Howatt Chair in Management in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department and director of the Center for Working Well, and Kate Zipay,...
-
The Future of Sports Careers: From the NFL Fan Experience to Data Analytics
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Stephanie Pemberton (BA communication ’05), senior vice president of marketing for the Indianapolis Colts. For over 20 years, Stephanie has worked in multiple marketing and community relations roles within the Colts organization. As a proud...
-
Is TikTok Lying to You About Protein? The Truth About Nutrition Trends
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lauren Link (BS dietetics/health, fitness and nutrition ’11, MS health and kinesiology ’19), assistant athletics director of sports nutrition for Purdue Athletics. As a registered dietitian, Lauren and her team manage the menu planning,...
-
Hall of Fame Quarterback Drew Brees on Leadership and Life Beyond the NFL
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to record-setting quarterback Drew Brees (BS industrial management ’01, HDR business ’26), who on Aug. 8 will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a Super Bowl MVP, it’s safe to say Drew’s reputation precedes him. But what comes…
more -
America at 250: Mitch Daniels on Higher Education, Free Speech and Democracy
In this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Daniels served for 10 years as Purdue’s president (2013-22) and championed frozen tuition and student success during his tenure. Before...
-
So You Want to Be a Content Creator? Why a College Degree Is Still Important
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lindsay Veremis Perrault, director of co-curricular engagement and lecturer for the Brian Lamb School of Communication. As a successful content creator, Lindsay has key insights into the future of digital content creation and how to empower...
-
How Speedway, Indiana, Became the Racing Capital of the World and the Home of the Indy 500
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Nick Sturgeon (MS cybersecurity and trusted systems ’15), Speedway Town Council member and former council president. As a proud Purdue alumnus and longtime Speedway, Indiana, resident, Nick is an Indianapolis 500 expert and has firsthand...
-
The Science Behind Modern Fashion: Engineering, Fabrics and Sustainability
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Lauren Bright (BS multidisciplinary engineering ’11), founder and principal consultant of Torus, an innovative textile consulting firm based in Portland, Oregon. As a Purdue alumna and leader at the intersection of science and art, Lauren has…
more -
True Crime, Cold Cases and the ‘CSI’ Effect: A Forensic Science Deep Dive
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Krystal Hans, director of forensic science and assistant professor of forensic entomology at Purdue University. As the only board-certified forensic entomologist in the Midwest, Krystal is a well-known expert in her field. And she’s digging…
more -
Live from IND: Final Four and the Host City Experience
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re coming to you live from Indianapolis – home to Purdue’s urban campus and this year’s host city of the NCAA Men’s Final Four! We’re talking to Ken Halpin, Purdue’s deputy athletics director and chief operating officer, and Julie Roe Lach, executive vice...
-
In 49 Other States, It’s Just Basketball — Why Indiana Loves the Game
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mark Montieth, author and sports journalist. Mark is a renowned basketball historian with a decades-long career reporting for publications like the Indianapolis Star and Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne). As an Indiana native, he’s an expert on the...
-
Bracketology 101: How To Build a Winning Tournament Bracket
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jerry Palm (BS computer science ’85), a nationally recognized bracketology savant. Jerry was previously the lead bracketologist at CBS Sports and has made countless national media appearances discussing all things college sports. Now he leads...
-
The State of Student Well-being: What Gen Z and Gen Alpha Need Now
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Beth McCuskey, Purdue’s vice provost for student life. Beth is a national thought leader on student mental health and has worked in higher education for over 30 years. She co-authored the upcoming book titled “The Oxford Handbook of Well-Being...
-
Purdue Athletics Director Mike Bobinski on the Evolving World of College Sports
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mike Bobinski, executive vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue University. Mike has been at Purdue for the last 10 years and has worked in college athletics for more than 40 years, with previous stops at Georgia...
-
AI Expert Discusses Best Practices for Maintaining Your Authentic Voice
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…
more -
Holiday Party and Job Interview Etiquette: The Complete Playbook
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…
more -
Lessons in Leadership and Loyalty From Purdue Men’s Basketball
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...
-
Workplace Well-Being: Burnout Signs You May Be Avoiding
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...
-
College Majors That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago: How To Stay Future-Ready
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...
-
Breaking News Producer on the Evolution of the Media Industry
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...
-
Is College Still Worth It? (And How It’s Rapidly Changing)
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...
-
Hard. Smart. Tough: A Conversation With Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom
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...
-
What It Takes To Run March Madness — and How Purdue Is Training the Next Sports Pros
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...
-
From Purdue to the Indy 500: How Alex Turner Landed His Dream Job at Dallara
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…
more -
Purdue Daniels School of Business Professor and Bestselling Author Cara Putman on Leadership, Guiding Students and Ethics
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...
-
Purdue President Mung Chiang Talks Pharma Innovation and AI at Fast Company Panel During SXSW
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...
-
How Purdue is Using AI for Good — Computer Science Professor Alex Psomas Explains
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...
-
Behind the Scenes of Wrigley Field with Cubs Head Groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier
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...
-
Behind Disney’s Magic: Senior Technical Director Eric Hall on Theatre Engineering and Pyrotechnics at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’
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...
-
Purdue Professors Brandon Boor and Nusrat Jung on Their Groundbreaking Indoor Air Quality Research in First-of-Its-Kind Tiny House Lab
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…
more -
Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University
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…
more -
Celebrating Purdue Board of Trustees Chair Mike Berghoff’s Legacy and Impact
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...
-
Making a Lasting Impression: Etiquette Tips for Holiday Parties, Job Interviews and Networking From Purdue’s Westwood Event Coordinator Anthony Cawdron
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…
more -
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Innovative and Collaborative Boilermaker Research With Karen Plaut
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...
-
IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz on the Value and Future of Public Transportation
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...
-
‘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
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…
more -
Get To Know George Karlaftis — Former Purdue Football Star and Two-Time Super Bowl Champion With the Kansas City Chiefs
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…
more -
‘Joy of My Life’ — Celebrating Jay Gephart’s Purdue ‘All-American’ Marching Band Legacy
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…
more -
Celebrating 100 Years of History at the Purdue Memorial Union
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...
-
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Innovations With Preeti Sivasankar
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....
-
Go Behind the Scenes of ‘Jeopardy!’ with Purdue’s Super-Champion Adriana Harmeyer
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...
-
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Sports Engineering and Its Impact on the Olympic Games With Jan-Anders Mansson
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…
more -
Entrepreneur Beth Bostwick Discusses Her Passion for Purdue Innovates and Her Hopes for Boilermakers in Startup Culture
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...
-
Dan Hasler and David Umulis Discuss Purdue’s New Indianapolis Campus
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...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Purdue University
Categories