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PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

Back to Class Courses

Session 1 // 8:45–9:30AM

Spaces as Primary Sources: Archival Literacy on Campus

Neal Harmeyer, Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Head of Archives and Special Collections, and Archivist for Digital Collections and Initiatives // School of Information Studies and Archives and Special Collections

Primary sources—materials created by an individual or eyewitness—are often defined as letters or photographs, among others items. Yet, what about the spaces traversed daily? Through the prism of archival research, the spaces surrounding us act as active-learning laboratories for our students to grasp and test primary-source archival literacy skills.
Primary sources—materials created by an individual or eyewitness—are often defined as letters or photographs, among others items. Yet, what about the spaces traversed daily? Through the prism of archival research, the spaces surrounding us act as active-learning laboratories for our students to grasp and test primary-source archival literacy skills.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Spaces as Primary Sources: Archival Literacy on Campus

Neal Harmeyer, Clinical Associate Professor, Associate Head of Archives and Special Collections, and Archivist for Digital Collections and Initiatives // School of Information Studies and Archives and Special Collections

Primary sources—materials created by an individual or eyewitness—are often defined as letters or photographs, among others items. Yet, what about the spaces traversed daily? Through the prism of archival research, the spaces surrounding us act as active-learning laboratories for our students to grasp and test primary-source archival literacy skills.
Primary sources—materials created by an individual or eyewitness—are often defined as letters or photographs, among others items. Yet, what about the spaces traversed daily? Through the prism of archival research, the spaces surrounding us act as active-learning laboratories for our students to grasp and test primary-source archival literacy skills.

The Urgency of Health Equity: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?

Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Purdue’s Health Equity Initiatives and Distinguished Professor of Practice // Colleges of Pharmacy and Health and Human Sciences

Participants will gain insights into health equity’s meaning, its community and economic implications, and explore social determinants of health. Emphasis will be on fostering healthier communities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all to pursue wellness.
Participants will gain insights into health equity’s meaning, its community and economic implications, and explore social determinants of health. Emphasis will be on fostering healthier communities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all to pursue wellness.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

The Urgency of Health Equity: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?

Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, Executive Director of Purdue’s Health Equity Initiatives and Distinguished Professor of Practice // Colleges of Pharmacy and Health and Human Sciences

Participants will gain insights into health equity’s meaning, its community and economic implications, and explore social determinants of health. Emphasis will be on fostering healthier communities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all to pursue wellness.
Participants will gain insights into health equity’s meaning, its community and economic implications, and explore social determinants of health. Emphasis will be on fostering healthier communities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all to pursue wellness.

Addressing PFAS Challenges in Agriculture and the Food System

Linda S. Lee, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy // College of Agriculture

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of manufactured chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. These compounds or “forever chemicals” have garnered attention for their widespread use, environmental persistence, accumulation in the body and environment, and potential adverse effects, particularly on human and wildlife health, including reproductive, developmental, and immune system effects as well as increased cancer risks and endocrine system disruption. What we know, challenges, ongoing research, and how we are working toward mitigation strategies will be presented.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of manufactured chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. These compounds or “forever chemicals” have garnered attention for their widespread use, environmental persistence, accumulation in the body and environment, and potential adverse effects, particularly on human and wildlife health, including reproductive, developmental, and immune system effects as well as increased cancer risks and endocrine system disruption. What we know, challenges, ongoing research, and how we are working toward mitigation strategies will be presented.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Addressing PFAS Challenges in Agriculture and the Food System

Linda S. Lee, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy // College of Agriculture

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of manufactured chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. These compounds or “forever chemicals” have garnered attention for their widespread use, environmental persistence, accumulation in the body and environment, and potential adverse effects, particularly on human and wildlife health, including reproductive, developmental, and immune system effects as well as increased cancer risks and endocrine system disruption. What we know, challenges, ongoing research, and how we are working toward mitigation strategies will be presented.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of manufactured chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products. These compounds or “forever chemicals” have garnered attention for their widespread use, environmental persistence, accumulation in the body and environment, and potential adverse effects, particularly on human and wildlife health, including reproductive, developmental, and immune system effects as well as increased cancer risks and endocrine system disruption. What we know, challenges, ongoing research, and how we are working toward mitigation strategies will be presented.

Technology Must Advance Freedom—Purdue’s Leadership Role Through the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy

Michelle Guida, CEO // Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy
Marc Carlson, Chief Revenue Officer // Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy

The Krach Institute focuses on scaling, accelerating, and enhancing the free world’s diplomatic efforts by educating, empowering, and engaging current and new participants in the effort to compete and win in technology by providing a basis for understanding the existence and implication of critical technology advancements that will affect our security, prosperity, and freedom. Both this course and the Tech Diplomacy Academy seek to empower you with the foundational knowledge to participate, lead, and ensure technology advances freedom.
The Krach Institute focuses on scaling, accelerating, and enhancing the free world’s diplomatic efforts by educating, empowering, and engaging current and new participants in the effort to compete and win in technology by providing a basis for understanding the existence and implication of critical technology advancements that will affect our security, prosperity, and freedom. Both this course and the Tech Diplomacy Academy seek to empower you with the foundational knowledge to participate, lead, and ensure technology advances freedom.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Technology Must Advance Freedom—Purdue’s Leadership Role Through the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy

Michelle Guida, CEO // Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy
Marc Carlson, Chief Revenue Officer // Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy

The Krach Institute focuses on scaling, accelerating, and enhancing the free world’s diplomatic efforts by educating, empowering, and engaging current and new participants in the effort to compete and win in technology by providing a basis for understanding the existence and implication of critical technology advancements that will affect our security, prosperity, and freedom. Both this course and the Tech Diplomacy Academy seek to empower you with the foundational knowledge to participate, lead, and ensure technology advances freedom.
The Krach Institute focuses on scaling, accelerating, and enhancing the free world’s diplomatic efforts by educating, empowering, and engaging current and new participants in the effort to compete and win in technology by providing a basis for understanding the existence and implication of critical technology advancements that will affect our security, prosperity, and freedom. Both this course and the Tech Diplomacy Academy seek to empower you with the foundational knowledge to participate, lead, and ensure technology advances freedom.
Session 2 // 9:45–10:30AM

Sustainable Food: What Consumers Want, and What It Costs to Get There

Joseph V. Balagtas, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Director of the Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability // College of Agriculture

Drawing on data from the Consumer Food Insights survey, we quantify how consumers perceive the sustainability of the food they eat and how perceptions align with purchasing behavior. We then examine popular notions of sustainable food and agriculture, and discuss what it would cost to achieve those sustainability goals.
Drawing on data from the Consumer Food Insights survey, we quantify how consumers perceive the sustainability of the food they eat and how perceptions align with purchasing behavior. We then examine popular notions of sustainable food and agriculture, and discuss what it would cost to achieve those sustainability goals.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Sustainable Food: What Consumers Want, and What It Costs to Get There

Joseph V. Balagtas, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Director of the Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability // College of Agriculture

Drawing on data from the Consumer Food Insights survey, we quantify how consumers perceive the sustainability of the food they eat and how perceptions align with purchasing behavior. We then examine popular notions of sustainable food and agriculture, and discuss what it would cost to achieve those sustainability goals.
Drawing on data from the Consumer Food Insights survey, we quantify how consumers perceive the sustainability of the food they eat and how perceptions align with purchasing behavior. We then examine popular notions of sustainable food and agriculture, and discuss what it would cost to achieve those sustainability goals.

Elevating Lives: Transformative Online Learning

Dimitrios Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Purdue University Online // Purdue University

Continuous learning and personal growth are indispensable qualities for achieving success. Online learning emerges as a powerful resource, particularly for those navigating diverse career trajectories. It serves as an equalizer, offering valuable opportunities for individuals to pursue their aspirations and reshape their lives.
Continuous learning and personal growth are indispensable qualities for achieving success. Online learning emerges as a powerful resource, particularly for those navigating diverse career trajectories. It serves as an equalizer, offering valuable opportunities for individuals to pursue their aspirations and reshape their lives.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Elevating Lives: Transformative Online Learning

Dimitrios Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Purdue University Online // Purdue University

Continuous learning and personal growth are indispensable qualities for achieving success. Online learning emerges as a powerful resource, particularly for those navigating diverse career trajectories. It serves as an equalizer, offering valuable opportunities for individuals to pursue their aspirations and reshape their lives.
Continuous learning and personal growth are indispensable qualities for achieving success. Online learning emerges as a powerful resource, particularly for those navigating diverse career trajectories. It serves as an equalizer, offering valuable opportunities for individuals to pursue their aspirations and reshape their lives.

The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

Leanne Nieforth, Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction // College of Veterinary Medicine

The bond shared between humans and animals is thought to be very special, and in some cases, completely life-changing. Why is this? During this course, we will answer this question and learn how the power of the human-animal bond can be harnessed to improve health and well-being.
The bond shared between humans and animals is thought to be very special, and in some cases, completely life-changing. Why is this? During this course, we will answer this question and learn how the power of the human-animal bond can be harnessed to improve health and well-being.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

Leanne Nieforth, Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction // College of Veterinary Medicine

The bond shared between humans and animals is thought to be very special, and in some cases, completely life-changing. Why is this? During this course, we will answer this question and learn how the power of the human-animal bond can be harnessed to improve health and well-being.
The bond shared between humans and animals is thought to be very special, and in some cases, completely life-changing. Why is this? During this course, we will answer this question and learn how the power of the human-animal bond can be harnessed to improve health and well-being.

Rethinking Computing With Neuro-Inspired Learning

Kaushik Roy, Edward G. Tiedemann Jr. Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering // College of Engineering

Advances in machine learning—notably deep learning—have led computers to match or surpass human performance in cognitive tasks like vision, speech, and natural language processing. This talk will explore the new paradigm of computing necessitating a multidisciplinary approach: exploration of new learning algorithms inspired from neuroscientific principles, developing network architectures best suited for such algorithms, new hardware techniques to achieve orders of improvement in energy consumption, and nanoscale devices that can closely mimic the neuronal and synaptic operations.
Advances in machine learning—notably deep learning—have led computers to match or surpass human performance in cognitive tasks like vision, speech, and natural language processing. This talk will explore the new paradigm of computing necessitating a multidisciplinary approach: exploration of new learning algorithms inspired from neuroscientific principles, developing network architectures best suited for such algorithms, new hardware techniques to achieve orders of improvement in energy consumption, and nanoscale devices that can closely mimic the neuronal and synaptic operations.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Rethinking Computing With Neuro-Inspired Learning

Kaushik Roy, Edward G. Tiedemann Jr. Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering // College of Engineering

Advances in machine learning—notably deep learning—have led computers to match or surpass human performance in cognitive tasks like vision, speech, and natural language processing. This talk will explore the new paradigm of computing necessitating a multidisciplinary approach: exploration of new learning algorithms inspired from neuroscientific principles, developing network architectures best suited for such algorithms, new hardware techniques to achieve orders of improvement in energy consumption, and nanoscale devices that can closely mimic the neuronal and synaptic operations.
Advances in machine learning—notably deep learning—have led computers to match or surpass human performance in cognitive tasks like vision, speech, and natural language processing. This talk will explore the new paradigm of computing necessitating a multidisciplinary approach: exploration of new learning algorithms inspired from neuroscientific principles, developing network architectures best suited for such algorithms, new hardware techniques to achieve orders of improvement in energy consumption, and nanoscale devices that can closely mimic the neuronal and synaptic operations.
Session 3 // 10:45–11:30AM

Introduction to Economic Data Analysis: Exploring the Labor Market

Victoria Prowse, Marge Magner Chair and Professor of Economics // Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business

This course will introduce the principles of economic data analysis, tailored to understanding the labor market. Participants will explore key labor market indicators, such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates. Students will also learn how to analyze and interpret current labor market data using statistical techniques, enabling them to draw meaningful conclusions about economic trends and policy implications.
This course will introduce the principles of economic data analysis, tailored to understanding the labor market. Participants will explore key labor market indicators, such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates. Students will also learn how to analyze and interpret current labor market data using statistical techniques, enabling them to draw meaningful conclusions about economic trends and policy implications.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Introduction to Economic Data Analysis: Exploring the Labor Market

Victoria Prowse, Marge Magner Chair and Professor of Economics // Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business

This course will introduce the principles of economic data analysis, tailored to understanding the labor market. Participants will explore key labor market indicators, such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates. Students will also learn how to analyze and interpret current labor market data using statistical techniques, enabling them to draw meaningful conclusions about economic trends and policy implications.
This course will introduce the principles of economic data analysis, tailored to understanding the labor market. Participants will explore key labor market indicators, such as employment rates, labor force participation, and unemployment rates. Students will also learn how to analyze and interpret current labor market data using statistical techniques, enabling them to draw meaningful conclusions about economic trends and policy implications.

Building Pathways to Success After High School for Low-Income Students in Indiana

Virginia Bolshakova, Executive Director, Indiana GEAR UP, and Assistant Professor of Research // College of Education

Many of Indiana’s youth from high-poverty areas do not receive an academically challenging education, especially in K-12 science and math. Students from low-income households are twice as likely to not enroll in college. However, the Indiana GEAR UP program is changing that and empowering students for success after high school.
Many of Indiana’s youth from high-poverty areas do not receive an academically challenging education, especially in K-12 science and math. Students from low-income households are twice as likely to not enroll in college. However, the Indiana GEAR UP program is changing that and empowering students for success after high school.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

Building Pathways to Success After High School for Low-Income Students in Indiana

Virginia Bolshakova, Executive Director, Indiana GEAR UP, and Assistant Professor of Research // College of Education

Many of Indiana’s youth from high-poverty areas do not receive an academically challenging education, especially in K-12 science and math. Students from low-income households are twice as likely to not enroll in college. However, the Indiana GEAR UP program is changing that and empowering students for success after high school.
Many of Indiana’s youth from high-poverty areas do not receive an academically challenging education, especially in K-12 science and math. Students from low-income households are twice as likely to not enroll in college. However, the Indiana GEAR UP program is changing that and empowering students for success after high school.

There and Back Again: Spacecraft Pathways Throughout the Solar System

Kathleen Howell, Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics // College of Engineering

Over the evolution of the nation’s space program—government, civil, and national defense—Purdue Engineering has played a pivotal role. Contributions from faculty, students, and alumni to rockets and launches are well known. But no spacecraft reaches its destination—whether low-Earth orbit or the planet Saturn—without a designed and guided path. Purdue has played an ever-expanding role in this critical aspect.
Over the evolution of the nation’s space program—government, civil, and national defense—Purdue Engineering has played a pivotal role. Contributions from faculty, students, and alumni to rockets and launches are well known. But no spacecraft reaches its destination—whether low-Earth orbit or the planet Saturn—without a designed and guided path. Purdue has played an ever-expanding role in this critical aspect.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

There and Back Again: Spacecraft Pathways Throughout the Solar System

Kathleen Howell, Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics // College of Engineering

Over the evolution of the nation’s space program—government, civil, and national defense—Purdue Engineering has played a pivotal role. Contributions from faculty, students, and alumni to rockets and launches are well known. But no spacecraft reaches its destination—whether low-Earth orbit or the planet Saturn—without a designed and guided path. Purdue has played an ever-expanding role in this critical aspect.
Over the evolution of the nation’s space program—government, civil, and national defense—Purdue Engineering has played a pivotal role. Contributions from faculty, students, and alumni to rockets and launches are well known. But no spacecraft reaches its destination—whether low-Earth orbit or the planet Saturn—without a designed and guided path. Purdue has played an ever-expanding role in this critical aspect.

National Security and Defense at Purdue: Educate, Innovate, Serve

Joseph Pekny, Professor of Chemical Engineering // College of Engineering

From the earliest days, Purdue has been a trusted and valued partner supporting our nation’s national-security efforts. Today, that partnership thrives! Learn what Purdue is doing to become the No. 1 national-security university. This session will provide a broad overview of Purdue programs and efforts that are educating military learners, uncovering innovations through our defense research, and working to serve those who are serving our country.
From the earliest days, Purdue has been a trusted and valued partner supporting our nation’s national-security efforts. Today, that partnership thrives! Learn what Purdue is doing to become the No. 1 national-security university. This session will provide a broad overview of Purdue programs and efforts that are educating military learners, uncovering innovations through our defense research, and working to serve those who are serving our country.

This is the copy before changed for the PC Fall Events Course Description. Use this version for the Women's COnference!

National Security and Defense at Purdue: Educate, Innovate, Serve

Joseph Pekny, Professor of Chemical Engineering // College of Engineering

From the earliest days, Purdue has been a trusted and valued partner supporting our nation’s national-security efforts. Today, that partnership thrives! Learn what Purdue is doing to become the No. 1 national-security university. This session will provide a broad overview of Purdue programs and efforts that are educating military learners, uncovering innovations through our defense research, and working to serve those who are serving our country.
From the earliest days, Purdue has been a trusted and valued partner supporting our nation’s national-security efforts. Today, that partnership thrives! Learn what Purdue is doing to become the No. 1 national-security university. This session will provide a broad overview of Purdue programs and efforts that are educating military learners, uncovering innovations through our defense research, and working to serve those who are serving our country.

Questions?

President’s Council // 765-494-9290‍ // pc@purdueforlife.org
Office of Special Events // 765-494-0900‍ // specialevents@purdueforlife.org

Questions?

President’s Council // 765-494-9290‍ pc@purdueforlife.org
Office of Special Events // 765-494-0900‍ specialevents@purdueforlife.org

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Patsy J. Mellott

BS College of Health and Human Sciences, 1969
Fishers, IN

Patsy earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition in business from Purdue in 1969, in addition to an MBA in food marketing from Michigan State University in 1970. She retired from Kraft Foods in 2006 after 36 years in corporate food marketing and marketing communications management.

A community volunteer, Patsy serves on the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Advisory Board and the Purdue College of Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council, in addition to the President’s Council Advisory Board. She is a former member of the Health and Human Sciences Alumni Board. Patsy held several offices from 2006 through 2013, including president and treasurer. She serves her community’s Discover Indianapolis Club in Fishers, holding several leadership roles for over 10 years.

Patsy has received several honors, including the Purdue University Nutrition Science Department Hall of Fame recipient in 2009 and the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. She also received the college’s Gold and Black Award in 2016, an honor reserved for donors who have moved the college forward by committing exceptional financial resources.

In addition to endowing two scholarships, the Patsy J. Mellott Scholarship and Patsy J. Mellott HHS Scholarship, she established the Patsy J. Mellott Teaching Innovation Award in the College of Health and Human Sciences in 2013. In 2015, she endowed the Patsy J. Mellott Women’s Tennis Coach Performance Award. She is a lead donor in the Christine M. Ladisch Faculty Leadership Award and the Purdue Women’s Network Virginia C. Meredith Scholarship for the College of Health and Human Sciences.