Karen Plaut's Introduction to April Dimensions of Discovery

April 30, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Each month, we profile stories of groundbreaking research conducted by teams across Purdue, and this month is no different. But our researchers not only advance science and technology, they also contribute to public awareness of critical topics.

As subject matter experts and key opinion leaders, faculty often are invited to do media interviews, podcasts and panels to share their expertise on key topics of public interest. By interpreting technical research findings for lay audiences or providing expert commentary on environmental, national security, health, educational or economic topics and events, Purdue researchers serve the public by illuminating and elevating the importance of science and scholarship in everyday life.

This issue of Dimensions of Discovery includes CNN’s recent interview with Ben K.D. Pearce, assistant professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, about the significance of detecting organic material on Mars; WIBC’s invitation to A.J Schwichtenberg, associate professor of human development and family science, to share her research on the potential link between sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease; and an explanation by Nusrat Jung, assistant professor of civil engineering, in Discover Magazine about how some household scented candles and wax melts may actually emit indoor pollution and pose potential respiratory risks.

Other recent experts in the news stories include:

• SpaceNews’ webinar interview with Mark Lewis, president and CEO of PARI, the Purdue Applied Research Institute, about hypersonics and the changing defense landscape.
• Expert commentary by Andrew Whelton, professor of civil, environmental and ecological engineering, about dangers for drinking waters caused by wildfires in Los Angeles and Hawaii in AAU.edu.
• Newsweek’s interview with Suresh Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology, about potential threats to the nation’s milk supply posed by increasing bird flu cases.
• Fast Company’s SXSW (South by Southwest) conference panel about how AI is transforming pharmaceutical development that included Purdue President Mung Chiang.

Our enduring pride in the impact that the Purdue research community makes in laboratories and journals is amplified by your contributions to living room, classroom and newsroom discussions. Your efforts exemplify what it means to be a Purdue Boilermaker: innovative, dedicated, informed and deeply connected to the world around us.

Thank you,

Karen Plaut
Executive Vice President for Research