This Is Purdue

This Is Purdue

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

December 11, 2025 36 mins
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 Working Well.   As a nationally recognized educator and communication and AI expert, Kasie guides undergraduate and graduate students and pro...
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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 university in 1971, and for the last 25 years, Anthony has been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue Univ...
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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 has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketb...
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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 studies how employees can thrive at work, both in person and virtually. She also leads the Center for Working Well, in the Organizat...
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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 Partnerships, Global Partnerships and Engagement. He's also an expert on Purdue’s innovative degrees and courses for workforce development...
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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 as spokeswoman in the FBI National Press Office, covering national security, criminal activity and counterintelligence issues. And t...
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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 education and workforce expert, previously serving as a senior policy advisor for former Gov. Eric Holcomb. Now he works to ensure that...
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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 to reflect on his first seven months in West Lafayette, the mindset behind “Hard. Smart. Tough,” and why he believes this period of ...
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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 experience and insights to pioneer Purdue University’s exciting new master’s program in sport management.   In this episode you will:  ...
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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 steps away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — home of the Indy 500.  In this episode you will:  Learn about the motorsports eng...
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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 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 l...
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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 Forward,” along with Sean Bruich, senior vice president of artificial intelligence and data at Amgen, and Tatyana Kanzaveli, chief operatin...
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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 ...
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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 and science to maintain the safety, playability and historic atmosphere of one of sport’s most iconic venues — Wrigley Field.  In this...
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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 like “Epcot Forever” and “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.”    In this magical episode of “This Is Purdue,” you will:   Hear how Eric’s...
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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 — at home, school, work and beyond. These two are partners in work and in life, and their cutting-edge research and collaboration with ...
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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 Renee has impacted students’ lives by helping them find their community at Purdue.   Explore her profound impact on Purdue’s Black Cul...
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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 managing significant challenges in the higher education landscape.   In this celebratory episode, you will:  Learn about the initiatives Mi...
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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 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 Univers...
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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 world’s toughest challenges.  In this third episode of our 2024 Purdue Research Series, you will:  Get to know Karen’s incredible career j...
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