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

Episode 128 of the This Is Purdue podcast, hosted by Purdue University, titled "How Purdue is Using AI for Good — Computer Science Professor Alex Psomas Explains" was published on April 3, 2025 and runs 28 minutes.

April 3, 2025 ·28m · This Is Purdue

Summary

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

Episode Description