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- 5 days ago30 min
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 knowledge about how Boilermakers help shape “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” every year. This is also an extra special episode of “This Is Purdue” because host Kate Young is joined by a co-host: Trevor Peters, Purdue spokesperson and longtime Indy 500 fan and attendee. (If you’ve attended a Boilermaker football game in the past 10 years, you’ve probably heard Trevor emceeing!) In this episode, you will: Learn more about what it’s like living in Speedway and how the town prepares to host the world’s largest single-day sporting event each May before the green flag drops Discover more about Purdue’s Indy 500 legacy, from alumni serving as race-day organizers and working as engineers in the pits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to students playing in the “All-American” Marching Band Find out why Speedway is the perfect town to host the Indy 500, from a strong legacy of tradition to its energetic downtown, especially ahead of its centennial celebration Hear more about Nick’s time as town council president and how he played a vital role in revitalizing economic growth and tourism, including helping to recruit motorsports manufacturing giant Dallara Learn more about his background as an Indiana state trooper and his current PhD studies in cybersecurity and forensics at Purdue, including how it enhances his various roles in Speedway Gain insights into Nick’s favorite Indy 500 memories, his tips for first-time racegoers and race-day predictions — and his bright hopes for the future of Speedway You don’t want to miss this episode with a Purdue alum who’s helping to bring this popular spectacle to life for millions of fans worldwide! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago42 min
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 a demonstrated passion for driving change in the global textile industry. She’s diving into how her interdisciplinary background helps her advance sustainability in today’s fashion world. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the fast fashion industry, including what factors set it apart from traditional seasonal fashion, why it appeals to people, and its impact on the environment and our bodies. Discover how social media marketing influences our decision-making, especially when it comes to our fashion choices and the counter movement of “slow fashion.” Hear about Lauren’s work in the textile industry and how Torus is a powerful platform for systems-level change through research, policy advocacy and partnership-building with nonprofits, brands and more. Find out more about her journey in Purdue’s multidisciplinary engineering program and how she gained invaluable skills in STEM and art, which set her up for career success. Learn more about Lauren’s background working for elite brands such as Nike, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Columbia Sportswear Co. and Gap Inc. Explore Lauren’s practical tips for being a more sustainable consumer, like thrifting and creating a capsule wardrobe. Gain insights into her hopes for the future of fashion sustainability, including stronger industry regulation. You don’t want to miss this episode with a STEM and fashion innovator who’s changing what we wear — for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Apr 16, 202641 min
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 into how insects affect crime investigations and cold cases. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the truth behind true crime on TV (think “Law & Order”) versus reality and how the “CSI” effect can impact the outcomes of real-life cases Discover more about forensic entomology, from Krystal’s early love of insects to the crucial job experts like her have when collecting evidence at crime scenes Hear more about Krystal’s roles leading Hans Lab, where she collects and analyzes insect evidence and mentors students, and Hans Forensics, where she consults on current investigations Gain knowledge about student experiences with real Indiana cold cases in Krystal’s popular forensic investigation class — which has grown to over 200 students — and how their contributions can change the trajectory of investigations Understand more about society’s fascination with true crime and the importance of empathy and ethical advocacy for victims and their loved ones Learn more about the Cold Case Symposium, which provides a platform for families of victims to connect with law enforcement and the community You don’t want to miss this episode with a leading forensic entomologist who’s preparing the next generation of Boilermakers to be more empathetic and inquisitive professionals in their fields. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Apr 3, 202621 min
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 president of external relations and community engagement for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. These two sports experts join host Kate Young at the Indianapolis International Airport as Final Four weekend kicks off to discuss how major sporting events like this connect basketball fans and elevate the Indianapolis economy and community as well as the unique culture and record-breaking successes of Purdue’s basketball program this season. Join “This Is Purdue” as we celebrate the ninth time that the Circle City has hosted the Final Four. In 49 states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana. Don’t miss this live episode filled with energy and excitement! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Mar 19, 202638 min
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 state’s famous basketball culture and fandom, and how Purdue has played a key role in this rich legacy. Mark has a unique perspective because he’s covered basketball at all levels. He’ll share his inside observations on why Indiana is the state for basketball, ahead of the NCAA Tournament that will culminate with the Final Four in downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6. This is also another exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality! In this episode, you will: Explore more about Mark’s upbringing in Indiana, his early love of sports and writing, and his journey to becoming one of the most respected sports journalists in the state Dive into why Indiana is the state for basketball, from its historic dedication to high school teams to the enduring legacies of players like Rick Mount and Reggie Miller Learn about Mark’s time documenting legendary Purdue basketball coach Gene Keady and the 1988 basketball team’s epic journey, which became the basis for his book “Passion Play: A Season With the Purdue Boilermakers and Coach Gene Keady” Hear more about Purdue’s impact on basketball, from fan loyalty to famous rivalries Get Mark’s insights on the 2026 Final Four and why Indianapolis is the perfect place to host one of the country’s biggest sports events You don’t want to miss Mark’s career-defining stories about local basketball history and culture. In 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Mar 5, 202635 min
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 his own bracketology website, where he shares his data-driven projections on NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff team selections and seedings. Jerry breaks down his expert bracket strategy, which is perfectly timed ahead of the upcoming NCAA Tournament that will culminate with the Final Four in downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6! This is also an exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because, for the first time, host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality! In this episode, you will: Learn more about Jerry’s trailblazing path to being a leading bracketologist Gain knowledge about the art and science behind bracketology, and how Jerry balances both to help make accurate predictions for team selections and seedings Hear about the origins of the bracketology field and Jerry’s journey from accessing scores in the library in the ’90s to utilizing cutting-edge technologies and forecasting tools today Discover more about Jerry’s ties to Purdue, including his family’s Boilermaker legacy and how being a computer science and “All-American” Marching Band alum shaped his passion for sports and STEM Learn more about his seeding predictions for the 2026 NCAA season and how factors like NBA prospects and big wins on away courts can impact bracket performance for experts and fans Basketball fans – this is the perfect episode for you! Don’t miss Jerry’s elite bracket and industry insights, just in time for tournament season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Feb 19, 202637 min
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 in Higher Education,” which explores why wellness is critical in higher education. During her time at Purdue, she’s prioritized advocating for Boilermakers’ well-being journeys with key university investment and participation from faculty and staff. In this episode, you will: Learn more about the state of well-being for younger generations and why it’s important to meet students where they are to help them flourish inside and outside of the classroom. Discover how adults — like parents, coaches and mentors — can normalize failure and nurture well-being for Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and why that can help build vital life skills, like resilience, and prepare students to be successful in college. Hear more about how well-being and mental health have evolved from millennials to Gen Z to Gen Alpha and how technology, like smartphones and now AI, is playing a vital role in shaping student needs. Find out more about learning loss during the pandemic and Purdue Student Life’s innovative Steps to Leaps framework, which increased access to campus mental health resources and institutionalized well-being and was recognized by Forbes in 2025. You don’t want to miss this episode with a campus leader who's transforming student mental health and well-being advocacy at Purdue and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Feb 5, 202644 min
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 Tech, Xavier University, the University of Akron and the U.S. Naval Academy. So it’s no surprise that during his tenure, he’s seen massive changes within the NCAA. He also has extensive knowledge of how Purdue is adapting in this modern era of name, image and likeness — or NIL — and licensing. And he dives into all things Purdue Athletics, including recent wins, future growth, innovation and so much more! In this episode, you will: Learn more about Purdue’s journey with NIL, the House v. NCAA settlement from 2025, and what development programs and recruitment strategies the athletics department is utilizing to recruit and cultivate well-rounded student-athletes and become nationally competitive Discover more about Purdue’s Student-Athlete Development program and how it’s setting up Boilermakers to navigate the branding and financial considerations of NIL and grow personally and professionally Hear about Purdue’s recent sports successes, including men’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, volleyball, and diving, as well as how various coaches’ leadership styles exemplify the university’s ethos Gain knowledge about how Purdue uses cutting-edge health and wellness technology and AI to help its student-athletes perform more efficiently Learn why passionate Boilermaker fans inspire and motivate Mike in his role every day Boilermaker fans — this episode is for you! Get a special sneak peek into all the exciting things going on with Purdue Athletics from the foremost leader and expert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About 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.
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