This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation ...
Behind the Scenes of Wrigley Field with Cubs Head Groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier
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 episode, you will:
Learn about Dan’s journey within Purdue’s College of Agriculture to becoming a head groundskeeper in Major League Baseball.
Hear about his experience at the 2016 World Series where the Cubs took the Commissioner’s Trophy home to Chicago after a 108-year drought.
Get to know how baseball is all in the family for the Kiermaiers, including his brother, former LA Dodgers outfielder and 2024 World Series winner Kevin Kiermaier, who Dan hosted at Wrigley Field for the first time in 2022.
Go behind the scenes of preparing this legendary field after weather delays and for big events outside of baseball, such as the National Hockey League Winter Classic, Big Ten football games and concerts.
Experience Dan’s typical Cubs home game day and discover what turf management and science looks like at the second oldest MLB ballpark in the country.
Find out how his team balances player safety and innovation on the field of the “Friendly Confines” while maintaining the historic charm and ivy — which has a surprising link to Purdue, by the way!
For all sports enthusiasts, baseball fans, Chicagoans, loyal Cubs supporters and more — this is a can’t-miss episode with a Boilermaker who takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to live out his dream.
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Behind Disney’s Magic: Senior Technical Director Eric Hall on Theatre Engineering and Pyrotechnics at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’
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 hands-on experiences in the theatre engineering program, part of Purdue’s Colleges of Engineering and Liberal Arts, prepared him for a career in live entertainment.
Explore the day-to-day life of a 30-year Disney veteran, from the innovative live show processes to the technical, behind-the-scenes details.
Find out more about the parks’ rigorous safety protocols and the training Disney implements to protect its visitors and cast members.
Learn why Eric is committed to mentoring young Boilermakers, specifically in the multidisciplinary engineering program, and giving students the tools and guidance they need to succeed in their own live entertainment careers.
Get the inside scoop into future shows coming to some of the most beloved Disney parks.
Don’t miss this episode featuring our first Disney Boilermaker, who is helping bring enchantment to millions of fans each year!
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34:42
Purdue Professors Brandon Boor and Nusrat Jung on Their Groundbreaking Indoor Air Quality Research in First-of-Its-Kind Tiny House Lab
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 faculty, students and industry partners have led to major scientific discoveries.
In this episode of “This Is Purdue” you will:
Hear more about Brandon and Nusrat’s journey from Finland to Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering and the early experiences that shaped their passion for research
Understand why indoor air quality research is vital to improving human well-being and how our buildings play a critical role
Learn about the first-of-its-kind zero-Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) tiny house lab, where they’re utilizing advanced sensor technology to connect their critical air quality research to the real world
Receive practical advice on how you can improve air quality inside your home or office
Discover how they’re equipping undergraduate and graduate students with a hands-on education to help them excel at Purdue and beyond
Don’t miss this episode with these Boilermakers who are leading groundbreaking and life-changing research efforts right here at Purdue.
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51:28
Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University
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 Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers.
Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue.
Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more.
Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus.
Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work.
You don’t want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students.
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27:26
Celebrating Purdue Board of Trustees Chair Mike Berghoff’s Legacy and Impact
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 Mike has overseen during his time at Purdue, including the unprecedented 13-year tuition freeze, Purdue’s expansion into Indianapolis, commercial air service returning to the Purdue University Airport, the transformation of the Mitch Daniels School of Business and more.
Get to know his Boilermaker journey — from his time as a student to chair of the board, including the professors and mentors that impacted him most and the phone call that changed his life.
Discover the moments Mike finds most significant in shaping Purdue’s legacy as the most recognized public university in the country.
Hear Mike reflect on what this role has meant to him after making a difference in thousands of Boilermakers’ lives.
Find out what he sees for the future of Purdue and what he hopes his legacy will be when he steps down as chair Jan. 1, 2025.
“Purdue has set some bold initiatives and targets,” says Mike. “It’s been really fun to watch an idea get formulated and implemented by people who are talented and fired up.”
You don’t want to miss this special episode featuring a renowned Boilermaker leader!
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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