This Is Purdue
This Is Purdue

This Is Purdue

Purdue University

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Episodes

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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.

Recent Episodes

So You Want to Be a Content Creator? Why a College Degree Is Still Important
MAY 28, 2026
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 students to transform their creative ideas into real-world impact through entrepreneurship and innovation.  In this episode, you will:  Discover why younger generations, like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are increasingly drawn to careers in content creation and social media influencing, and why parents and mentors should encourage this viable interest and help develop their creativity and business skills   Gain insights into today’s content creation industry, including how it differs from social media influencing and user-generated content creation and how evolving platforms as well as algorithms and AI are making it more competitive  Hear more about the future of the content creation industry for various levels, from micro- to mega-influencers like “MrBeast” and Alix Earle, and why industry professionals are leveraging long-form content to cultivate staying power and build loyal audiences  Learn more about Lindsay’s role at Purdue, including her new course on digital content creation and social media and how it’s preparing Boilermakers to succeed and adapt in an ever-evolving industry  Find out more about Lindsay’s background as a news anchor who became a content creator and blogger and how a master’s degree in strategic communication at Purdue helped empower this journey  Dive deeper into her social media presence and blog, called “Anchored in Elegance” and aimed at elevating fashion for petite women, her passion for this hobby and how she prioritizes her mental health in an industry that demands 24/7 engagement    You don’t want to miss this episode with a Purdue alumna who’s shaping the next generation of digital content creators and innovators!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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43 MIN
How Speedway, Indiana, Became the Racing Capital of the World and the Home of the Indy 500
MAY 14, 2026
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
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30 MIN
The Science Behind Modern Fashion: Engineering, Fabrics and Sustainability
APR 30, 2026
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
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42 MIN
True Crime, Cold Cases and the ‘CSI’ Effect: A Forensic Science Deep Dive
APR 16, 2026
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
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41 MIN