Join Roland Molontay, Associate Professor at Budapest University of Technology and Economics, for an engaging talk on how data science supports evidence-based decision-making in higher education. Drawing on large-scale administrative and academic datasets, he will present research on dropout prediction, admission system validity, student success factors, grade inflation, and explainable AI (XAI). The talk also introduces a web-based decision-support tool that helps prospective students make informed academic choices.

The “Celebrating Our Associate Professors” April session will take place on Wednesday, April 8, with opening remarks at 11:30 a.m.

Beyond Electrochemistry: Cellular Mechanics in Brain Health

Engineering Science at the Intersection of Mechanics and Biology

University at Buffalo PhD candidate Duncan Mullins explores how future engineering faculty understand learning and teaching. Drawing on phenomenological research, he reveals that graduate students favor student-centered, application-driven approaches—far from traditional lecture models. His findings highlight a striking gap between emerging educators’ beliefs and current classroom practices, offering insight into how engineering education can better prepare both teachers and students for real-world complexity.

The first annual Purdue Engineering Bay Area Tech Summit featured an engaging fireside chat with DJ Patil and sessions highlighting cutting-edge innovation. Discussions covered AI with insights from academia and industry leaders at Amazon and d-Matrix; advances in soft robotics; and a cybersecurity panel with experts from Securiti, Purdue, and venture capital. Additional sessions explored the intersection of AI and pharmaceuticals, followed by deep dives into quantum technologies through a panel with PsiQuantum, Infleqtion, and Purdue faculty. The program showcased how Purdue’s faculty and alums and strong network of industry leaders are paving the way of the future.