2026 Innovate Indy Research Symposium demonstrates the excellence of Graduate and Postdoctoral Research at Purdue Engineering - College of Engineering - Purdue University

The event brought together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and industry professionals for an afternoon of research, innovation, and professional engagement. 

With more than 100 participants in attendance, the 2026 symposium highlighted the breadth and impact of Purdue Engineering research across students from both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campus locations. The symposium featured both oral and poster presentation formats. Participants had the opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from a distinguished panel of judges representing academia and industry. 

Judges included faculty members from Purdue University and partner institutions such as Wabash College and University of Evansville, as well as professionals from leading organizations including Eli Lilly and Company, Rolls-Royce, and Sandia National Laboratories. 

A key feature of Innovate Indy 2026 was having representatives from Purdue Engineering graduate programs present, allowing attendees to explore academic opportunities across multiple graduate engineering disciplines. Faculty and staff representatives highlighted programs from the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Masters of Engineering Management, and the School of Mechanical Engineering. This unique feature of the event offered prospective students' valuable insight into Purdue’s graduate education pathways. 

The event concluded with a networking session followed by an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding presentations. These awards celebrate excellence in research communication, innovation, and the potential for real-world impact of Purdue Engineering’s graduate and postdoctoral community. 

We would like to extend our congratulations to the outstanding presenters recognized at the 2026 Innovate Indy Research Symposium: 

Outstanding Poster Awards 

Melissa Adrian 

Hyunoh Bae  

Lakshmi Srinivasan  

People’s Choice Poster Award 

Favour Afolabi  

Outstanding Oral Presentation 

Ellen Frahm  

Oral Presentation Honorable Mention 

Gregory Boiczyk 

Innovate Indy continues to serve as a cornerstone event for Purdue Engineering, fostering collaboration, strengthening connections with industry partners, and empowering the next generation of graduate engineers. The success of the 2026 symposium reflects the growing momentum of Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis and its commitment to advancing high-impact research and graduate education.  

Each year, Innovate Indy will bring Purdue researchers to different locations around Indianapolis. If you would like to serve as an industry or faculty judge in the future, email engrgrad@purdue.edu for the Spring 2027 Innovate Indy Graduate Symposium.