This Is Purdue, the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation ...
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!
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37:13
Making a Lasting Impression: Etiquette Tips for Holiday Parties, Job Interviews and Networking From Purdue’s Westwood Event Coordinator Anthony Cawdron
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 University.”
In this third episode of our Boilermaker Bites series, you will:
Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue.
Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state.
Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Get to know how much the Purdue community means to Anthony and why he has stayed here for over two decades.
Hear about the honor of Anthony receiving the 2024 Special Boilermaker Award.
Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties.
You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community.
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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