WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Three Charles D. Davidson School of Chemical Engineering alumni have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Purdue Engineering 38 by 38 Awards.

The award celebrates the achievements of 38 Purdue Engineering alumni who are 38 years old or younger and have demonstrated an accelerated path of professional success, accomplishments, and impact.

The award is inspired by the legacy of Neil Armstrong, a Purdue Engineering alumnus, who was 38 years old when he historically became the first person to set foot on the moon.

Yi Ding earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical and industrial biological engineering from Tsinghua University and a PhD in chemical engineering from Purdue University in 2021. During his time at Purdue, he was a graduate teaching and research assistant for multiple chemical engineering courses and labs, and a postdoctoral research associate. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer of ReElement Technologies, where he has worked for over four years.

Kelsey Haury earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University in 2016. During her time at Purdue, she served on the Purdue Engineering Student Council, Chemical Engineering Student Advisory Board, and was a part of the Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honors Fraternity. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Operations at Eli Lilly and Company, where she has worked for over ten years.

Kevin Vargo earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University in 2009 and his PhD in chemical and biomolecular engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as the Senior Director and Head of Biologics Discovery Process Research at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, where he has worked since 2018.