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Back to Class Sessions

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SESSION 1 // 9:15–10AM

Energetic Materials and a Modern, High-Performance Arsenal

Stephen Beaudoin, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Founding Director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center // College of Engineering
Many of the propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (energetic materials) in our arsenal are provided by offshore partners whose home nations are not close allies of the United States. This class will describe the work of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, including work to support domestic manufacturing of these materials.

Investing in Purdue Connected Ventures

David Broeker, Founder and CEO, Zorion Medica, and Chief Innovation and Collaboration Officer // Purdue Research Foundation
Learn about the Purdue startup community and how the strategic ventures team makes investment decisions in promising, Purdue-connected ventures targeting the university’s key innovation areas. This session will also discuss how alumni can contribute to Purdue’s entrepreneurial community by volunteering to work with students, faculty, and alumni or by becoming part of our new alumni angel investment network.

Rooted in Learning, Growing in Knowledge—How the Rural Center Supports Rural Students at Purdue

Jennifer Barce, Assistant Dean for Teacher Education // College of Education
Learn how Purdue’s Rural Center is working across campus, the state, and the nation to support college access and success for rural students. This includes Purdue credit opportunities for 4-H members, collaboration with Indiana’s small and rural high schools, and partnerships to develop homegrown talent pipelines in high-need careers.

SESSION 2 // 10:15–11AM

Everlasting Footprints: Collecting Our Stories, Leaving Our Legacy

Briggitta August, Director of Diversity Inclusion Initiatives // College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives have moved beyond student advocacy by creating spaces for reflection through immersive learning experiences such as the Black History Walking Tour, first-generation student ambassadors, and a transformative study abroad to South Africa. Storytelling is at the heart of our mission, and we are actively working to enhance our community by sharing the diverse narratives of Purdue alumni past and present. Partner with us as we move to the next step—collecting diverse alumni stories.

Getting to Opportunity: Overcoming Obstacles Faced by Low-Income Parents

Mike Eriksen, Professor of Economics and Director of the Dean V. White Real Estate Finance Program // Mitch Daniels School of Business
A growing body of evidence has documented the causal benefits for children from low-income families being raised in low-poverty neighborhoods. These documented benefits include higher high school graduation rates, employment, and lifetime earnings. This session will review the latest research and explore potential reasons why so many low-income children remain in the poorest areas despite the federal government spending $50 billion per year on housing subsidies.

Purdue University in Indianapolis—Purdue’s Next Giant Leap Is Here

David Umulis, Senior Vice Provost // Purdue University in Indianapolis
Purdue University’s expansion in Indianapolis is fully operational. With current programs in engineering, technology, science, and business, we are building the next generation of Boilermaker leaders. Join us to learn about the current and future trajectory of Purdue University’s new comprehensive urban campus.

SESSION 3 // 11:15AM–Noon

Brain Training: Believe the Hype?

Tom Redick, Professor of Psychological Sciences // College of Health and Human Sciences
Can you make yourself smarter? What can be done to limit the age-related decline in certain cognitive processes? How do we know various apps and products actually work the way advertisements say they do? In this course, we will discuss some of the brain-training methods researchers have tried to improve cognition, and critically evaluate how successful these endeavors have been.

Global and Local Policies for Respecting Planetary Boundaries: Tradeoffs and Synergies

Thomas Hertel, Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Agricultural Economics // College of Agriculture
Climate change is but one of the planetary boundaries currently under stress. Water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss also present serious sustainability challenges. This class will explore these challenges as well as tradeoffs and synergies associated with potential solutions.

The First Step Is a Doozy!

Marcus Knotts, Senior Associate Vice President for Planned Giving and University Development // Purdue for Life Foundation
We all know having an estate plan, and keeping it up to date, is important, but why is starting so difficult? In this session, we’ll explore simple strategies to break the process into easy steps, helping you start sooner and update more often.

SESSION 1 // 9:15–10AM

Energetic Materials and a Modern, High-Performance Arsenal

Stephen Beaudoin, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Founding Director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center // College of Engineering
Many of the propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (energetic materials) in our arsenal are provided by offshore partners whose home nations are not close allies of the United States. This class will describe the work of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, including work to support domestic manufacturing of these materials.

Investing in Purdue Connected Ventures

David Broeker, Founder and CEO, Zorion Medica, and Chief Innovation and Collaboration Officer // Purdue Research Foundation
Learn about the Purdue startup community and how the strategic ventures team makes investment decisions in promising, Purdue-connected ventures targeting the university’s key innovation areas. This session will also discuss how alumni can contribute to Purdue’s entrepreneurial community by volunteering to work with students, faculty, and alumni or by becoming part of our new alumni angel investment network.

Rooted in Learning, Growing in Knowledge—How the Rural Center Supports Rural Students at Purdue

Jennifer Barce, Assistant Dean for Teacher Education // College of Education
Learn how Purdue’s Rural Center is working across campus, the state, and the nation to support college access and success for rural students. This includes Purdue credit opportunities for 4-H members, collaboration with Indiana’s small and rural high schools, and partnerships to develop homegrown talent pipelines in high-need careers.

SESSION 2 // 10:15–11AM

Everlasting Footprints: Collecting Our Stories, Leaving Our Legacy

Briggitta August, Director of Diversity Inclusion Initiatives // College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives have moved beyond student advocacy by creating spaces for reflection through immersive learning experiences such as the Black History Walking Tour, first-generation student ambassadors, and a transformative study abroad to South Africa. Storytelling is at the heart of our mission, and we are actively working to enhance our community by sharing the diverse narratives of Purdue alumni past and present. Partner with us as we move to the next step—collecting diverse alumni stories.

Getting to Opportunity: Overcoming Obstacles Faced by Low-Income Parents

Mike Eriksen, Professor of Economics and Director of the Dean V. White Real Estate Finance Program // Mitch Daniels School of Business
A growing body of evidence has documented the causal benefits for children from low-income families being raised in low-poverty neighborhoods. These documented benefits include higher high school graduation rates, employment, and lifetime earnings. This session will review the latest research and explore potential reasons why so many low-income children remain in the poorest areas despite the federal government spending $50 billion per year on housing subsidies.

Purdue University in Indianapolis—Purdue’s Next Giant Leap Is Here

David Umulis, Senior Vice Provost // Purdue University in Indianapolis
Purdue University’s expansion in Indianapolis is fully operational. With current programs in engineering, technology, science, and business, we are building the next generation of Boilermaker leaders. Join us to learn about the current and future trajectory of Purdue University’s new comprehensive urban campus.

SESSION 3 // 11:15AM–Noon

Brain Training: Believe the Hype?

Tom Redick, Professor of Psychological Sciences // College of Health and Human Sciences
Can you make yourself smarter? What can be done to limit the age-related decline in certain cognitive processes? How do we know various apps and products actually work the way advertisements say they do? In this course, we will discuss some of the brain-training methods researchers have tried to improve cognition, and critically evaluate how successful these endeavors have been.

Global and Local Policies for Respecting Planetary Boundaries: Tradeoffs and Synergies

Thomas Hertel, Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Agricultural Economics // College of Agriculture
Climate change is but one of the planetary boundaries currently under stress. Water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers, groundwater depletion, and biodiversity loss also present serious sustainability challenges. This class will explore these challenges as well as tradeoffs and synergies associated with potential solutions.

The First Step Is a Doozy!

Marcus Knotts, Senior Associate Vice President for Planned Giving and University Development // Purdue for Life Foundation
We all know having an estate plan, and keeping it up to date, is important, but why is starting so difficult? In this session, we’ll explore simple strategies to break the process into easy steps, helping you start sooner and update more often.

All Back to Class sessions are free.

Session One // 9:15–10 am
Stephanie Stahl // Colead


Sleep Medicine Physician and Neurologist at Indiana University (IU) Health, Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program at IU, and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at IU

Nicole Noel // Colead


Director of Clinical and Account Management




Brian Daniels // Colead


Doctor of Sports Medicine for Nemours Children’s Health and Medical Director at USTA National Campus

Andrea Brezill // Colead


Disease and Clinical Specialist of Immunology at Novartis


Kenitra Hendrix

Director, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Section Head, Bacteriology and Mycology
Clinical Associate Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology

Hendrix teaches microbiology in the doctor of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing programs with a focus on diagnostic strategies and antimicrobial stewardship. Her research focuses primarily on understanding and controlling antimicrobial resistance, hospital infection-control best practices, and improving diagnostic protocols. Additionally, she has collaborated on clinical case reports and investigations of antimicrobial therapies.

Hendrix has established multiple collaborations with Purdue University Veterinary Hospital clinicians and their graduate students, in addition to scientists in other departments, at other institutions, and in federal government programs. She enjoys sharing knowledge that has practical application to practicing clinicians. Hendrix has served as chair of Purdue’s Antimicrobial Resistance Conference since its debut in 2023 and initiated the ADDL track at the Purdue Veterinary Conference in 2022.
Kyle Hultgren

(DP’06)

Clinical Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice
Director, Center for Medication Safety Advancement

Hultgren is responsible for the creation and dissemination of innovative online education programming for medical professionals targeted at expanding professional competency using nontraditional methods. In addition to his research, he has worked extensively to bring new safety concepts to medical professionals and holds three patents on medical devices designed to improve patient safety.

Hultgren founded a two-year post-PharmD fellowship in medication safety and regulatory affairs, a program that has now graduated 10 fellows. He lectures nationally and internationally on safe medication-use practices and received the College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Aziz Teaching Award in 2015.
Session Two // 10:15–11 am
Stephanie Stahl // Colead


Sleep Medicine Physician and Neurologist at Indiana University (IU) Health, Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program at IU, and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at IU

Nicole Noel // Colead


Director of Clinical and Account Management




Brian Daniels // Colead


Doctor of Sports Medicine for Nemours Children’s Health and Medical Director at USTA National Campus

Andrea Brezill // Colead


Disease and Clinical Specialist of Immunology at Novartis


Kenitra Hendrix

Director, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Section Head, Bacteriology and Mycology
Clinical Associate Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology

Hendrix teaches microbiology in the doctor of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing programs with a focus on diagnostic strategies and antimicrobial stewardship. Her research focuses primarily on understanding and controlling antimicrobial resistance, hospital infection-control best practices, and improving diagnostic protocols. Additionally, she has collaborated on clinical case reports and investigations of antimicrobial therapies.

Hendrix has established multiple collaborations with Purdue University Veterinary Hospital clinicians and their graduate students, in addition to scientists in other departments, at other institutions, and in federal government programs. She enjoys sharing knowledge that has practical application to practicing clinicians. Hendrix has served as chair of Purdue’s Antimicrobial Resistance Conference since its debut in 2023 and initiated the ADDL track at the Purdue Veterinary Conference in 2022.
Kyle Hultgren

(DP’06)

Clinical Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice
Director, Center for Medication Safety Advancement

Hultgren is responsible for the creation and dissemination of innovative online education programming for medical professionals targeted at expanding professional competency using nontraditional methods. In addition to his research, he has worked extensively to bring new safety concepts to medical professionals and holds three patents on medical devices designed to improve patient safety.

Hultgren founded a two-year post-PharmD fellowship in medication safety and regulatory affairs, a program that has now graduated 10 fellows. He lectures nationally and internationally on safe medication-use practices and received the College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Aziz Teaching Award in 2015.
Session Three // 11:15 am–Noon
Stephanie Stahl // Colead


Sleep Medicine Physician and Neurologist at Indiana University (IU) Health, Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program at IU, and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at IU

Nicole Noel // Colead


Director of Clinical and Account Management




Brian Daniels // Colead


Doctor of Sports Medicine for Nemours Children’s Health and Medical Director at USTA National Campus

Andrea Brezill // Colead


Disease and Clinical Specialist of Immunology at Novartis


Kenitra Hendrix

Director, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Section Head, Bacteriology and Mycology
Clinical Associate Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology

Hendrix teaches microbiology in the doctor of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing programs with a focus on diagnostic strategies and antimicrobial stewardship. Her research focuses primarily on understanding and controlling antimicrobial resistance, hospital infection-control best practices, and improving diagnostic protocols. Additionally, she has collaborated on clinical case reports and investigations of antimicrobial therapies.

Hendrix has established multiple collaborations with Purdue University Veterinary Hospital clinicians and their graduate students, in addition to scientists in other departments, at other institutions, and in federal government programs. She enjoys sharing knowledge that has practical application to practicing clinicians. Hendrix has served as chair of Purdue’s Antimicrobial Resistance Conference since its debut in 2023 and initiated the ADDL track at the Purdue Veterinary Conference in 2022.
Kyle Hultgren

(DP’06)

Clinical Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice
Director, Center for Medication Safety Advancement

Hultgren is responsible for the creation and dissemination of innovative online education programming for medical professionals targeted at expanding professional competency using nontraditional methods. In addition to his research, he has worked extensively to bring new safety concepts to medical professionals and holds three patents on medical devices designed to improve patient safety.

Hultgren founded a two-year post-PharmD fellowship in medication safety and regulatory affairs, a program that has now graduated 10 fellows. He lectures nationally and internationally on safe medication-use practices and received the College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Aziz Teaching Award in 2015.
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