In September, the entire university will kick off a full year of celebrating the 150th anniversary of Purdue University. With many special activities and events planned across the campus, this will be a great time to look back at what we have accomplished and use that as a springboard to move forward. The university’s overall goal for the 150th is to “redefine the scope of land-grant universities and challenge global leaders to take GIANT LEAPS in solving worldwide problems.“ (https://takegiantleaps.com/) Under the “Giant Leaps” umbrella, the themes for this year of celebration include Giant Leaps in 1) Space Exploration, 2) Artificial Intelligence, 3) Health and Longevity, and 4) Sustainable Economy and Planet.   

Over the next year, I will use this column to talk about some of the giant leaps that our College is taking in all the land grant mission areas.  Our students are very innovative and in turn, we offer innovative teaching and learning. In Extension, we develop, deliver and assess innovative programs and activities and deliver them face-to-face and to those who are far away from our campus.  Our scientists are conducting both fundamental and applied research using (and sometimes inventing) the latest technologies; and we are working to reach out in new and innovative ways in both international programs and in our diversity and inclusion efforts.  

Our newest students began their college journey this week. What will be their giant leaps? Their first giant leap was choosing Purdue.  Many students have left the safety of home and a school where they knew everyone and knew what to expect, and now are adjusting to a place where everything is new and unfamiliar. You can see the excitement and sometimes anxiety on their faces as they anticipate this next adventure. Our job is to make them feel comfortable and accepted, and to help them feel assured that the people of the College of Agriculture are here to help and support them. And, just as important, we are here to help inspire them and help them find and pursue their dreams.   

In Agriculture, we are connected to the Giant Leaps in Space Exploration in our teaching, research and Extension. I am an example of that, as I worked for NASA as the Lead Scientist for the International Space Station Biological Research Station and I conducted research on the space shuttle.  But today, we are focusing on the student experience.  

Last year, Purdue Agriculture students were part of a team that went on a two-week mission to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. “Boilers to Mars,” as the team was called, spent its time in an Earth-based facility that requires inhabitants to develop the skills required for human space exploration.  It is surrounded by desert that simulates the Mars environment. The team posted a short video describing their mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uHVS7_MFkA&feature=youtu.be. You can also read about the mission here.     

This incredible experience not only allowed the student team members to develop new ideas for space exploration and experience growing their own food in a greenhouse with microgreens as if they were in space, but they also learned interpersonal interactions and teamwork. But this is not the only Purdue Agriculture connection to space exploration! The Giant Leap in space exploration goes across the land grant mission. There is more to cover—from “shuttle gum” trees to building habitats for biological specimens on the International Space Station. In the months to come, I’ll talk about these and many more Giant Leaps for College of Agriculture students, faculty, and staff. We are excited about the opportunities to celebrate 150 years of Purdue University and look forward to the next 150!  

All the best,

This is one stat where Purdue is delighted to be at the bottom

Purdue University has sunk to the bottom of the Big Ten in an important measure for students and their families. In just seven years, Purdue has gone from the second-highest predominant room and board rates among Big Ten institutions to the lowest.

Orientation for newly tenured faculty set for Sept. 11

An orientation program directed at newly tenured faculty will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in Stewart Center, Rooms 218ABC. Registration is required by August 31.

Purdue police warn of phone scams targeting international students

Purdue University police and the Office of International Student Services are warning of a phone scam that could fool students into divulging personal information, leading to identity theft.