May 17, 2026 – May 20, 2026
Register Now! The first 30 participants will gain access to the INDY 500 VIP opening event.

Global Connections
Build meaningful, lifelong connections with academic leaders from leading institutions across Latin America. Discover new perspectives from other institutions, engage in cross-institutional collaboration, and a participate in a global exchange of ideas that will continue long after the program ends.

Executive Coaching
Receive personalized executive coaching focused on enhancing your leadership effectiveness, communication strategies, and organizational impact that extends beyond the program.

Engineering Education
Immerse in and learn about innovative strategies shaping the future of engineering education with an emphasis on AI tools and best practices. Discover emerging trends and new degrees shaping the next generation of engineers.

Fundraising and Industry Engagement
Learn practical strategies for developing donor relationships, building sustainable funding pipelines, and strengthening institutional efforts that support the research, academic and student workforce needs.

Managing Large Research Centers
Learn best practices for setting research goals, establishing teams and infrastructure to lead complex research enterprise opportunities – from proposal development, staffing models and long-term sustainability. Gain practical strategies to establish industry partnerships that support research the research enterprise.

Program
LIDER is facilitated by an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Marisol Koslowski, Associate Dean for Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships; Dr. Heidi Parker Villavicencio, Managing Director Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships; and Diana Harbison, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for Global Partnerships in collaboration with the Office of Global Partnerships represented by Dr. Juan Diego Velasquez de Bedout Director of Global Partnerships and Latin American Programs.
A group of experts will lead program sessions, and bring deep expertise in higher education leadership, research management and global partnerships.
Panelists and advisors
Heidi Arola
Assistant Vice President and Senior International Officer, Purdue University
Sally Bond
Director for Proposal Strategy and Development, Strategic Interdisciplinary Research, Purdue University
Nikhilesh Chawla
Associate Dean for Research and Ransburg Professor of Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University
Aida Fresse
M.A. Master Certified Coach, International Coach Federation, EIA-ESIA European Mentoring and Coaching Council
Marisol Koslowski
Associate Dean for Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships and Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Milind Kulkarni
Michael and Katherine Birck Head and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University
Mark Lundstrom
Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dimitrios Peroulis
Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online, and Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University
Arvind Raman
John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering, Robert V. Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University
Ken Sandel
Associate Vice President, Sponsored Program Services, Senior Intellectual Property Officer, Senior Research Leadership, Purdue University