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Meet the 2026 LIDER Fellows

2026 LIDER Program Highlights & Schedule

2026 LIDER Workshop Series

The 2026 Leadership Institute for Developing Excellence in Research, Education, and Administration (LIDER) featured interactive workshops, leadership discussions, and expert-led sessions focused on the future of engineering education, research, and academic leadership.

Workshop Topics

Leadership in Action
The Evolving Engineering Research Ecosystem: Opportunities and Challenges
Driving Strategic Growth in Engineering
From Individual to Collective Wisdom
Academic Leadership in Action
Fundraising for the Future of Engineering
Understanding the Financial Engine of Universities
Research Leadership: Building and Scaling a Research Enterprise
Crafting High-Impact Grant Proposals
The Future of Engineering: New Degrees and Online Education
Preparing Future Engineers for an AI-Driven World
From LIDER to Leader: Beyond the Program (Institutional Action Plan Development)

Purdue Days

(Optional)

Registered LIDER participants had the opportunity to join "Purdue Days" on May 21 and 22. This optional engagement experience allowed participants to explore Purdue’s labs and academic units in greater depth while connecting with faculty, researchers, and other key individuals across campus. Those interested in extending their visit were able to indicate their interest during the application process.

VIP EVENT

2026 LIDER participants enjoyed a high-octane celebration and kicked off the Indy 500 festivities in true VIP style!

On Sunday, May 17, participants witnessed top drivers push their limits as they battled for the coveted pole position—the prime starting spot for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The pole-sitter earned the honor of leading the field and took home a special cash prize, making every lap and second count.

As VIP guests, attendees experienced the action from the prestigious Hulman Suites, enjoying unmatched views, premium amenities, and exclusive hospitality. They felt the roar of the engines, the energy of the crowd, and the excitement of a true motorsport tradition from one of the best viewing locations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Event Highlights:

Exclusive access to the Hulman Suites
Gourmet food & beverages
Premium views of the qualifying action
Behind-the-scenes excitement as teams fight for pole position

2026 Panelists and advisors

Heidi Arola

Assistant Vice President and Senior International Officer, Purdue University

Andrew Bean

Associate Vice President, Finance and Accounting, 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, Purdue University

Cristina Farmus

Vice President for Special Projects, Purdue University

Tanya Finkbiner

Vice President of Development, College of Engineering, Purdue University

Aida Frese

M.A. Master Certified Coach, International Coach Federation, EIA-ESIA European Mentoring and Coaching Council

Tamara Kinzer-Ursem

Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education and Marta E. Gross Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University

Marisol Koslowski

Associate Dean for Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University

Milind Kulkarni

Michael and Katherine Birck Head and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University

Mark Lundstrom

John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering, Chief Semiconductor Officer, 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

Senay Purzer

Associate Head of Graduate Programs; Professor of Engineering Education Professor of Engineering Education, Purdue University

Arvind Raman

Robert V. Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Professor of Materials Engineering (by Courtesy)

Linda Renzulli

Senior Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Purdue University

Fabio Ribeiro

William Nicholas and Elizabeth Holstein Delgass Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Director, CISTAR Executive Director Executive Director Purdue Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI), Purdue University

Ken Sandel

Associate Vice President, Sponsored Program Services, Senior Intellectual Property Officer, Senior Research Leadership, Purdue University

Alejandro H. Strachan

Reilly Professor of Materials Engineering, Purdue University