Rekha Kakkar
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:01 am GMT
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University is making strides across multiple fronts, showcasing its commitment to innovation, branding, and educational support in recent announcements. From launching the nation’s first smart air corridor to debuting a short film aimed at promoting space exploration, Purdue is poised at the cutting edge of research and marketing.
Purdue Launches First Smart Air Corridor
Purdue University researchers are collaborating to create the Smart Crossways of America, a groundbreaking 200-mile long air corridor designed for the safe transportation of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). This initiative aims to enable the efficient delivery of cargo, medicine, and passengers between Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in southern Indiana, reaching into Indianapolis as well.
The development will be spearheaded by Purdue’s Center on AI for Digital, Autonomous and Augmented Aviation. A public event is scheduled to unveil the Smart Operations Center for Smart Crossways at the Purdue University Airport on September 10, offering insight into the state-of-the-art testing facility’s capabilities. Phillip Fiorini, the media contact for this initiative, can be reached at pfiorini@purdue.edu for more information.
Wind Turbines: An Innovative Approach to Carbon Capture
In a research breakthrough, a team at Purdue University has demonstrated that wind turbines can serve as an effective method for capturing carbon dioxide, significantly lowering costs compared to current CO2 capture technologies. This study, published in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy and led by Luciano Castillo, Kenninger Professor of Renewable Energy and Power Systems, marks a pivotal step in addressing climate change.
The findings indicate that wind turbines could potentially convert their clean energy output into a system for carbon capture, mitigating one of the major contributors to global warming caused by fossil fuels and industrial emissions. Amy Raley is available for media inquiries at araley@purdue.edu.
Advancing Transportation Safety
As Purdue’s Transportation and Autonomous Systems Institute (TASI) approaches its 20-year anniversary, the organization is dedicated to enhancing safety for all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Through research and partnerships with industry, academia, and government, TASI continues to innovate in areas like connected vehicles and intelligent transportation systems.
These initiatives aim to lower road fatalities and injuries, ensuring a more interconnected and secure transportation environment. For more information, media contacts can reach out to Derek Schultz at dcschultz@purdue.edu.
Matt Painter Recognized for Longstanding Commitment
Purdue men’s basketball head coach Matt Painter has been awarded the Order of the Griffin, an honor recognizing exceptional service to the university. Celebrating his 20th season, Painter has led the Boilermakers to unprecedented success, including a trip to the national championship for the first time in 55 years and consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles.
Purdue President Mung Chiang presented the award, acknowledging Painter’s significant contributions to the university’s athletic program. For comments or further details, media inquiries may be directed to Trevor Peters via peter237@purdue.edu.
GEAR UP Program Receives Federal Funding
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Indiana GEAR UP program, housed within Purdue University’s College of Education, a significant grant of $34.9 million over seven years. This funding is part of an initiative aimed at assisting students in successfully transitioning from middle school to high school and on to postsecondary opportunities.
As the sixth largest federal grant awarded to Purdue, the GEAR UP program complements the university’s commitment to educational access and equity, providing vital resources and support for Indiana students and educators. Further details can be obtained from Trevor Peters, available at peter237@purdue.edu.
Purdue Brand Studio Unveils Rebranding and Short Film
Purdue University’s marketing department has undergone a strategic rebranding, now operating as Purdue Brand Studio. This change, effective September 13, aims to position the agency as a comprehensive, in-house marketing service, enhancing its creative and brand strategies to align with major consumer branding standards.
The rebranding coincides with the premiere of “Boilers to Mars,” a 10-minute short film that follows four Purdue students’ academic and professional journeys leading them to a historic mission to Mars. The film aims to generate excitement around space exploration and highlight the opportunities Purdue students can pursue in this field.
The initiative has garnered support from SpaceKids Global, an organization focused on inspiring youth to consider careers in space exploration. For more insights, Kelly Hiller, vice president of marketing for Purdue, underscores the importance of leveraging the university’s strengths for effective brand communication.
Additionally, Purdue has achieved significant recognition, being named the No. 1 most recognized public university in the U.S. and ranking ninth globally for visibility. The university’s promotional short film, “What Can You Imagine at Purdue?” has amassed nearly 30 million views on YouTube and received accolades from several renowned organizations.
Purdue University is always finding new ways to improve research, branding, and support for education. They are dedicated to being creative and doing their best in everything they do.
