What if components in aircraft could morph in response to their external conditions, much like a bird changes the shape of its wings? And what if those components could function like an octopus arm, operating independently of a central control system? Inspired by these natural phenomena, a Purdue research team is developing morphing systems for hypersonic vehicles that respond to their environment.

Three OAEs received their awards in person at our awards gala this month. Two others were recognized at the ceremony and will receive their awards at a later date.

Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, visited Purdue University this week to see two of its leading-edge facilities for national security and to speak to top cybersecurity researchers from around the nation. Shyu said the work she saw at the Robert L. and Terry L. Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research and the Purdue Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility is “exactly what our national security needs right now."

Purdue University is pioneering initiatives to turn Indiana into the smart crossroads of America. By 2027, nearly 1 million commercial uncrewed aircraft systems are expected to be flying throughout the United States, doing more than delivering packages. These drones will provide key supplies for emergency services, defense, humanitarian aid and health care — even assisting in fighting wildfires.

Researchers have launched a multidisciplinary project to model, simulate and analyze cyber-physical systems. Their work will make those systems more robust and make system analysis more scalable and effective.

Interdisciplinary teams from Purdue won the second and third place prizes for their presentations.

NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara is returning home after six months aboard the International Space Station. During her time on the orbiting laboratory, O’Hara contributed to dozens of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to prepare for future space exploration missions and generate innovations and benefits for humanity on Earth.

Students form ties to peers, industry leaders and astronauts in the only college organization of its kind.