This Is Purdue
145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago -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.
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Episodes
Kokomo Winery Owner Erik Miller on His Entrepreneurship Journey and How He Honors His Boilermaker Roots in Sonoma County
April 18, 2024 04:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Erik Miller, owner and winemaker of Kokomo Winery and Breaking Bread Winery. Listen as Erik (BS organizational leadership ’99) shares the journey of working his way up from a wine harvest intern to conceptualizing and later founding his own winery in Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma County. Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit has helped make Kokomo Winery an award-winning winery in California, where becoming a household name is...
PGA Tour Player Adam Schenk Reflects on Purdue Golf Career, Playing Professionally and His First Invite to the Masters
April 04, 2024 04:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to PGA Tour golfer Adam Schenk. Adam is a Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business alum and former first-team All-Big Ten Purdue men’s golfer, who has spent nearly a decade dedicated to his full-time career on the golf course. During this time, he secured his PGA Tour card and rapidly ascended the leaderboard, often competing alongside some of the world's top-ranked golfers. The 2023 season took him to new heights pursuing his first PGA ...
Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey on Her Boilermaker Journey and Leading a 105-Year-Old Company Toward a Greener Future
March 21, 2024 04:00 - 22 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc. Jennifer discusses her experience as a Purdue mechanical engineering student and how that led her to four internships with Cummins during her Boilermaker journey. Her story is unique because not many people can say they interned for a company and later served in the most senior role — CEO — of that same company. Hear her share the importance of leading a 105-year-old company into the futur...
March Madness: Carolyn Peck, Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs Reflect on the 25th Anniversary of Purdue Winning the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
March 07, 2024 04:00 - 1 hourIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former head coach Carolyn Peck and co-captains Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs as they reflect on the Purdue women’s basketball team’s 1999 NCAA National Championship. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this legendary win and listen as Coach Peck, Stephanie and Ukari share more about this historic season and the real story behind what happened when they arrived in San Jose for the Final Four of March Madness. From starting the season b...
Purdue for Life’s Matt Folk on the Boilermaker Spirit and Community
February 22, 2024 04:00 - 31 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Folk, president and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation. In this new “Boilermaker Bites” series, Matt joins podcast host Kate Young at 8Eleven Modern Bistro in the Purdue Memorial Union. Over a delicious meal of pasta with grilled scallops, Matt digs into Purdue for Life’s goal of helping everyone who is part of the Purdue community stay connected, get involved and give back. Matt explains that by bringing together the Purdue A...
Ford Motor Co. HR Director Rochelle Dorn-Hayes on the Importance of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
February 08, 2024 04:00 - 54 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Rochelle Dorn-Hayes, human resources director at Ford Motor Co. Tune in as Rochelle shares more about her time at Purdue, where she earned her MBA from the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. She carries with her the lessons learned from her beloved mentor, Dr. Cornell A. Bell, and the importance of providing guidance to the next generation of Boilermakers through her involvement in the Business Opportunity Program (BOP). Roc...
All Hail to 100 Episodes
January 25, 2024 04:00 - 50 minutesIn this special 100th episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating and reflecting on our past episodes, which highlight Boilermakers who, through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap. Over the last three years, our podcast team has featured more than 160 Boilermaker guests, produced over 50 hours of audio and created over 200 video clips. We’re celebrating these incredible milestones by answering questions from our loyal “This Is Purdue”...
A New Dean for a New Era: Getting To Know Purdue’s Daniels School of Business Dean Jim Bullard
January 11, 2024 04:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jim Bullard, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business. Listen as Dean Bullard discusses his career journey from his time navigating obstacles like the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to accepting his new role with the Daniels School of Business — an opportunity he calls “irresistible.” Dean Bullard shares his excitement for the future and...
Greatest Hits of 2023: Celebrating Purdue Research Solving the World's Toughest Challenges
December 21, 2023 04:00 - 39 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating Boilermakers who provide practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Part 2 of our “Greatest Hits of 2023” shines a light on the incredible research advancements from Purdue Boilermakers as we reflect on all four of our 2023 Research Series episodes. Listen as we highlight special moments from episodes with Purdue’s chief semiconductor officer Mark Lundstrom, food science professors Amanda Deering and Haley Oliver, associa...
Greatest Hits of 2023: Celebrating Boilermaker Persistence
December 07, 2023 04:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re starting to ring in the new year with some of our most popular episodes from 2023. Part 1 of our two-part “Greatest Hits of 2023” episode shines a light on the incredible stories and achievements of Boilermakers from across different disciplines. Tune in as we share highlights from episodes featuring Purdue President Mung Chiang, fighter pilot Heather Penney, Pizza Hut U.S. President David Graves, Purdue deputy athletics director Tiffini Grimes,...
Sangtae Kim on Leading the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering and the Importance of Purdue’s ‘Excellence at Scale’
November 20, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Sangtae Kim, the Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering and Distinguished Professor. Sangtae dives into his family background — including what it was like growing up in a family of educators, his career at Eli Lilly and what brought him back to academia to lead Purdue University’s Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. Listen as Sangtae discusses the significance of the growing number of women majoring in engineering ...
Football Legend Leroy Keyes’ Wife, Monica, on Earning Her Master’s Degree at Purdue, Raising Their Family in the Boilermaker Community and Her Husband’s Legacy
November 09, 2023 03:00 - 36 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Monica Keyes, wife of the late Purdue icon and former Boilermaker football player and coach Leroy Keyes. Turns out, the couple met in a church bowling league in Philadelphia, Monica’s hometown, when Leroy was an NFL player for the Eagles. Week after week they happened to keep showing up in the same-colored shirts. “I was learning how to bowl … and he and I began to have little wagers,” Monica reflects. “You know, ‘I’ll bet you a Coke....
‘Piano Man’ Bruce Barker on His Purdue Experience, Playing in Front of Millions and Retirement
October 26, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Purdue’s “Piano Man,” Bruce Barker. Despite growing up in Lafayette, Bruce didn’t see himself attending Purdue. He wasn’t the best student while in school, and he didn’t peg himself as someone who would succeed in college. But after high school, he struggled to find meaningful work without a college degree. On a whim, he applied to Purdue. Pretty soon, Bruce was auditioning for the Varsity Glee Club, teaching himself to play piano and...
Former Purdue Quarterback Curtis Painter on Playing for Coach Tiller, His NFL Career and Returning Home to Indiana
October 12, 2023 03:00 - 25 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former Purdue football quarterback Curtis Painter. After Curtis’ time at Purdue, he stayed right here at home in Indiana, playing three seasons for the Indianapolis Colts before the Baltimore Ravens signed him, then closing out his professional career with the New York Giants. Listen in as host Kate Young talks with Curtis about his time at Purdue. He reflects on highlights including a 62-10 blowout against Indiana University in the ...
Dave and Donna Beering on Continuing Former Purdue President Dr. Steven Beering’s Legacy
September 28, 2023 03:00 - 42 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dave and Donna Beering, proud alumni and son and daughter-in-law of Dr. Steven C. Beering, former Purdue president. If you’re a Boilermaker, you’ve likely heard the name "Beering” or possibly taken a class or two inside Beering Hall. But in this special interview, you’ll get to know the Beering family on a more personal level, including stories about Dr. Beering’s time as a physician in the Air Force and how Dave, then a Purdue student...
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Bioarchaeology and the Ancient Nile River Valley With Michele Buzon
September 14, 2023 03:00 - 31 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Michele Buzon, professor of anthropology in Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts. This marks the final episode in our 2023 Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. As a bioarchaeologist, Michele’s examination of skeletal remains can help us better understand the lives of everyday people who lived thousands of years ago. She and her team conduct research alo...
Coach Ryan Walters and the New Era of Purdue Football
August 30, 2023 03:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to our new Purdue University head football coach, Ryan Walters. Listen as Coach Walters describes how he felt when he got the call from Purdue Athletics Director Mike Bobinski and what it’s like to join the ranks of legendary Purdue football coaches like Jack Mollenkopf and Joe Tiller – and as one of the youngest collegiate head coaches in the entire country, no less! But first, Coach Walters takes us back to where it all began, growing u...
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and Boilermaker Ties to Space With Danny Milisavljevic
August 17, 2023 02:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Danny Milisavljevic, associate professor of physics and astronomy in Purdue University’s College of Science. This marks the third episode in our Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Danny’s love of space dates back to his days as a crayon-wielding kid writing up an elementary school report on the solar system. Combined with his research in school library encycl...
‘Dune’ Star, Tony Nominee Stephen McKinley Henderson Reflects on Purdue Theatre Education
August 03, 2023 03:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Tony-nominated actor and “Dune” star Stephen McKinley Henderson (MA theatre ’77). You may know Stephen from box-office hits and award-winning films like “Dune,” “Fences” and “Lincoln.” But did you know that he spent some of his formative years at Purdue? Listen as Stephen discusses what led him to Purdue – and how his time on campus propelled him to an esteemed career both on Broadway and in film. Stephen shares the story of how he me...
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Food Safety, Security and Sustainability With Amanda Deering and Haley Oliver
July 20, 2023 02:00 - 54 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Amanda Deering and Haley Oliver from Purdue University’s Department of Food Science. This marks the second episode in our Purdue Research Series, which shares how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. Amanda, associate professor of fresh produce food safety in Purdue’s College of Agriculture, and Haley, the 150th Anniversary Professor of Food Science and director of the USAID Feed the Future Innovatio...
Susan Edgell Discusses How Her Mother, Virginia Ferris, Became the First Woman Appointed to Purdue Agriculture Faculty
July 06, 2023 01:00 - 18 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Susan Edgell, the daughter of Purdue University trailblazer Virginia Ferris. Virginia was the first woman appointed to the College of Agriculture faculty and had a significant influence on the department’s teaching, research and culture. She was also one of the world’s leading experts on the soybean cyst nematode. Susan shares stories about growing up in the Boilermaker community from her time at the Purdue nursery school to the mem...
Purdue Research Series | A Look Into Semiconductors With Mark Lundstrom
June 22, 2023 02:03 - 29 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re featuring the first guest in our Purdue Research Series, Mark Lundstrom, Purdue University’s chief semiconductor officer. We’re sharing how Purdue provides practical solutions to the world’s toughest challenges in this new series. As the United States strives to reclaim a leading role in the global semiconductor industry, Mark and other Boilermakers are acting to ensure our nation is prepared to meet the ever-growing demands for these essential ...
Deputy Athletics Director Tiffini Grimes Discusses the Spirit of Purdue Athletics and Proud Return to Her Alma Mater
June 08, 2023 04:02 - 40 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Tiffini Grimes (BA political science '05), Purdue University’s deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator. This Boilermaker alumna highlights her journey in collegiate athletics as she made her way from law school to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) to working in the athletics departments for universities like Penn State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Alabama and, finally,...
IndyCar Engineers, Purdue Alums Talk Team Penske Legacy and Indy 500
May 25, 2023 04:05 - 52 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Matt Kuebel and Mike Koenigs, Team Penske IndyCar engineers and Purdue University alums. Listen as Matt (BS mechanical engineering ’22) and Mike (MS aeronautical and astronautical engineering ’03) discuss their Purdue College of Engineering journeys and what it’s like working for one of the most well-known, legendary teams in motorsports. Matt, an IndyCar design engineer, and Mike, an IndyCar aerodynamicist, both work on all three Te...
Purdue Institute for Cancer Research Raises $100,000 in Annual Challenge 5K
May 11, 2023 04:02 - 23 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” the podcast team is taking our listeners behind the scenes during the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research’s 15th annual Challenge 5K run/walk. More than 900 runners and walkers participated in this year’s Challenge, raising more than $100,000 for lifesaving cancer research. As one of only seven National Cancer Institute-designated Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers in the U.S., the Institute for Cancer Research generated more than 150 patents during the p...
Spring Into Purdue Football With Legends Kevin Sumlin, Mark Herrmann and Pete Quinn, Plus Coach Ryan Walters
April 27, 2023 04:04 - 32 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re springing into football season with esteemed former Purdue football players Kevin Sumlin, Mark Herrmann and Pete Quinn, plus our new Purdue University head football coach, Ryan Walters. We caught up with these four special guests at John Purdue Club’s annual Mollenkopf-Keyes Golf Classic during President’s Council Weekend in Naples, Florida. Listen as Kevin, Mark and Pete share stories about being part of the historic teams through the 1970s and ...
Twin Sisters, Chemical Engineering Alums ‘Sugar and Spice’ Discuss the Power of the Purdue Community
April 13, 2023 04:05 - 35 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to twin sisters Almira “Sugar” Yllana (ChE '99) and Giovanna “Spice” Krozel (ChE '99). Nicknamed by their maternal grandfather at birth, these two Purdue chemical engineering alums have taken the Boilermaker community by storm. From the Purdue for Life Foundation to the John Purdue Club to the Purdue Women’s Network Chicago Chapter, Sugar and Spice have a legacy of university involvement and think of their Purdue connections as one big fam...
From Purdue to President of Pizza Hut: In-Depth With David Graves
March 30, 2023 04:04 - 38 minutesIn this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to the president of Pizza Hut U.S., David Graves. That’s right, the president of one of America’s largest pizza chains is a Boilermaker who graduated from Purdue University’s business school, newly named after President Emeritus Mitch Daniels. Listen as David (BS management ’03) describes how Purdue prepared him with the persistence and perseverance needed to innovate global brands such as Pampers, Pantene and several Yum! Brands,...
Purdue Men’s Basketball Parents on Supporting Their Sons During This Historic Season
March 16, 2023 04:04 - 47 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating this historic Purdue men’s basketball season with Ginny Smith, freshman starting guard Braden Smith’s mom, and Gary and Lotus Furst, sophomore starting forward Caleb Furst’s parents. Join us for this special kickoff-to-March Madness episode as Ginny, Gary and Lotus discuss when they first noticed their sons’ basketball talent, their favorite memories from the past season (hint: kicking off the season at the Phil Knight Invitational is ...
Fighter Pilot Heather Penney Reflects on Purdue Journey and 9/11 Mission
March 02, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutesIn this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Boilermaker and former D.C. Air National Guard fighter pilot Heather Penney. Listen as Heather (BA English ’95, MA American studies ’97) shares her incredible story from 9/11, when she was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice with her flight lead, Marc Sasseville. She reflects on the events of that historic day, from being selected to complete the mission to stop the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 to being grounded after ...
FDA Authorizes Lung Cancer Imaging Agent Based on Research From Purdue
February 17, 2023 14:01 - 40 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re sharing a new update from our conversation with Boilermaker innovator Philip Low. Professor Low, Purdue University’s Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, helped develop Cytalux, a fluorescent marker that allows cancer surgeons to quickly identify malignant cells and remove them during surgery. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in November 2021 for ovarian cancer, and i...
Entrepreneur Kendra Bracken-Ferguson on Innovating Social Media Efforts for Ralph Lauren, AT&T and More
February 02, 2023 05:00 - 50 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to successful entrepreneur Kendra Bracken-Ferguson (BA communication ‘02), founder and CEO of BrainTrust. Listen as Kendra describes the early days of social media, blogging and influencing, and how she used platforms like Myspace to transform top-tier global brands. You’ll hear about Kendra’s journey as Ralph Lauren’s first director of digital media and why she eventually left to start her entrepreneurial career. Kendra also dives into h...
President Mung Chiang on Becoming Purdue’s 13th President, Boilermaker Persistence and Family
January 12, 2023 05:00 - 48 minutesIn this special episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to the 13th president of Purdue University, Mung Chiang. Listen in as President Chiang discusses the day he learned he would become president of what he calls “the most consequential public university in the U.S.” He also shares stories of Boilermaker persistence and humility and why the college experience should be both transformative and fun. Plus, he shares more about his family life (the Chiangs will be the first Purdue family ...
Greatest Hits of 2022: Celebrating Boilermaker Education and Innovation
December 22, 2022 05:30 - 44 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re celebrating even more popular episodes from 2022. Part 2 of our “Greatest Hits of 2022” episode focuses on the academic side of Purdue University. Listen as these Boilermakers — from an IndyCar, Indy 500-winning engineer to a NASA flight director to a new Purdue Board of Trustees member — share their small steps and giant leaps. You’ll hear from Purdue alums Rusty Rueff, Angela Ashmore, Ronak Dave, Shawn Taylor and Phil Cook as they share moment...
Greatest Hits of 2022: Celebrating Boilermaker Athletics
December 08, 2022 05:15 - 35 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re ringing in the new year with some of our most popular episodes from 2022. Part 1 of our two-part “Greatest Hits of 2022” episode focuses on the incredible Boilermaker athletics guests we’ve had on the podcast during the past year. Listen in as we share highlights from episodes with women’s basketball coach Katie Gearlds; the iconic Gene Keady; Purdue athletics’ legacy family, the Anthrops; former Boilermaker quarterbacks and best friends Mike Ph...
A Graduation Celebration to be Thankful For: The Impact of Purdue Global
November 21, 2022 05:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to five members of the Purdue Global community as they celebrate the impact Purdue Global has had on their careers and lives. The podcast team went behind the scenes at the Purdue Global Black and Gold Reception to hear from both alumni and faculty on why they chose Purdue Global and their advice to anyone considering furthering their education online. Listen as recent Purdue Global graduates Kelvin Gumbs and Sherry McQueary and Purdue Gl...
Former Quarterback Kyle Orton on Coach Tiller, His NFL Experience and Earning His Purdue Degree After Retirement
November 10, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former Purdue University and NFL quarterback Kyle Orton. Listen as Kyle (BA history '14) discusses how former coach Joe Tiller and quarterback Drew Brees inspired him to choose Purdue, the anticipation and doubt he felt during the 2005 NFL draft, and how Purdue prepared him for life after football. Plus, you don’t want to miss the story behind why this devoted husband, father and son was determined to finish his degree at Purdue after r...
Purdue Alum, TikTok Star Phil Cook Celebrates ‘Chem-o-ween’
October 27, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to chemistry teacher and TikTok superstar Phil Cook. Listen as Phil (BS chemistry education '00, MS education '13) discusses his passion for education, his rise in Internet fame after just one TikTok video and why he believes Purdue is the best place for science and engineering. Join the podcast team on a field trip to Culver Academies, where Phil teaches, for a firsthand look at his viral Halloween experiments, including an exploding pum...
Boilermaker Alum Lesley Wiete’s Journey to Purdue Police Chief
October 20, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to the new Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) Chief Lesley Wiete. Listen as Chief Wiete discusses her transition from attending Purdue as an undergraduate student to working for the PUPD for the past 23 years and her experience as a female leader in a male-dominated field like law enforcement. Hear more about Chief Wiete’s goals and what it means to her to be a Boilermaker – and you don’t want to miss the story about how she met her...
Purdue Global Chancellor Frank Dooley: The Future is Fueled by Education
September 29, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Frank Dooley, chancellor of Purdue Global. Purdue Global is Purdue’s accredited and affordable online solution designed for the working adult with life experience, and often some college credit – but no degree. Chancellor Dooley’s experiences have prepared him to lead Purdue Global and oversee academics for more than 36,000 students. Listen as Chancellor Dooley shares impactful stories from graduates that fuel the enthusiasm for his wo...
Entrepreneur Shawn Taylor on Embracing Change and Developing Authentic Relationships
September 15, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Shawn Taylor (Management’82), a successful entrepreneur and the newest member of the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Listen as Shawn describes his childhood growing up on the south side of Chicago, his experience as a first-generation college graduate and the impact Purdue’s very own Dr. Cornell A. Bell, the former director/chairman of the Business Opportunity Program, had on his life both pre- and post-college. Plus, you’ll hear a...
In-depth with Purdue Women's Volleyball Head Coach Dave Shondell
September 01, 2022 05:00 - 45 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dave Shondell, Purdue University’s Art and Connie Euler Women’s Volleyball Head Coach. From growing up immersed in volleyball with his dad and brothers, to leading teams at the high school and collegiate levels, Coach Shondell shares more about his passion for the sport and how it feels to coach athletes like Olympic gold medalist Annie Drews. He also discusses Purdue Volleyball’s latest trip to the NCAA’s Elite Eight in 2021; what it’s...
Purdue Formula Society of Automotive Engineers Earns Podium Finishes in International Competition
August 18, 2022 06:00 - 22 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Boilermakers who are part of the Purdue Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) student organization. Each year, Purdue students design and build custom race cars, then compete against hundreds of other universities from around the world, including teams from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Germany, as part of SAE’s Collegiate Design Series. In June 2022, the Purdue Formula team finished second overall at Michigan I...
Dean Linda Mason on Boilermakers’ “Can-Do” Attitude and Graduate School Record Growth
August 04, 2022 06:00 - 38 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Linda Mason, the dean of Purdue’s Graduate School. Since Dean Mason took over in 2018, the Graduate School has experienced immense growth, including record-high numbers both in overall and international student enrollment. Listen as Dean Mason discusses how she and her team increased support and opportunities for Boilermaker graduate students, including adding more than 360 professional development workshops and the Graduate Parent Suppo...
Purdue Alum Ronak Dave's Next Giant Leap: NASA Flight Director
July 21, 2022 05:00 - 24 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Ronak Dave, a Purdue aeronautics and astronautics alum recently selected as a NASA flight director. Ronak will lead missions to the International Space Station and prepare for lunar missions for NASA’s Artemis program. Why is this a particularly special giant leap? There have only been 108 NASA flight directors since Christopher C. Kraft Jr., the namesake of the Mission Control Center, became the agency’s first flight director in 1958. L...
Purdue's Angela Ashmore Makes History as First Woman IndyCar Crew Member to Win Indy 500
July 07, 2022 06:33 - 1 hourWhat’s it like to be a part of a winning Indianapolis 500 team? And even more, what’s it like to be the first woman IndyCar crew member to win this iconic race? In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re getting an update from Purdue mechanical engineering alumna and IndyCar engineer Angela Ashmore. On May 29, 2022, Marcus Ericsson won the most famous race in motorsports in Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda, and Angela was a big piece of that winning strategy! Listen in as ...
Former NFL Player Akin Ayodele on How a Purdue Scholarship Changed His Life
June 23, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we're talking to Akin Ayodele, former Purdue football defensive end, co-captain of the 2001 Rose Bowl team and NFL linebacker. Akin, a Texas native, shares how former Purdue football head coach Joe Tiller’s tough love helped him develop the mental strength that shaped his success, both athletically and academically. You’ll also hear Akin discuss his professional football career, his friendship with former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and how his grat...
Rusty Rueff on How Purdue Community Impacted His Successful Career
June 09, 2022 07:50 - 42 minutesIn this episode of This Is Purdue, we’re talking to College of Liberal Arts alumnus Rusty Rueff, a philanthropist, investor and advisor. Listen in as Rusty discusses art’s crucial relationship to humanity, leading the company Electronic Arts through the video game industry boom, his role in President Barack Obama’s second presidential campaign and how his mother’s mantra, “tomorrow will go a lot better if you lay your clothes out the night before,” guided his life and career. Recognizing ...
IndyCar Engineer Angela Ashmore Hopes Next Giant Leap is an Indy 500 Win
May 26, 2022 07:55 - 37 minutesIn this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to IndyCar engineer Angela Ashmore. Angela, an engineer for Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda, is a lifelong motorsports fan. Her giant leap into professional racing came after relentless persistence and perseverance. Listen in as Angela discusses her experience with Purdue’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) student club, how the problem-solving techniques she learned at Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineer...
Boilermaker Bond: Celebrating 50+ Years of Purdue Friendship
May 12, 2022 07:45 - 39 minutesIn this episode of This Is Purdue, we’re talking to former Purdue football players Mike Phipps and Don Kiepert, who played on the iconic late 1960s team under Coach Jack Mollenkopf. This quarterback duo friendship started at Purdue, and the two have been best friends for more than 50 years. After graduating, Mike went on to play quarterback in the NFL for 12 years for the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, while Don had a successful career running multiple pharmaceutical companies. You...