Inaugural cohort chosen for Bachelor’s to Doctorate in 7 Years program

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s College of Engineering has selected the inaugural cohort of students for its new Bachelor’s to Doctorate in 7 Years (B2D7) program — an accelerated, milestone-driven pathway designed to prepare exceptional undergraduates for advanced research careers and leadership in industry and national laboratories.

The initial cohort represents a diverse group of Purdue engineering students across multiple disciplines:

• Ekaterina Cox, industrial engineering
• Clara Goffioul, chemical engineering
• Gary Huang, aeronautical and astronautical engineering
• Cole Klinedinst, materials engineering
• David Rubin, aeronautical and astronautical engineering

By integrating undergraduate and graduate education, the program accelerates the development of research skills while providing structured mentoring, individualized advising, and strong connections to industry and national laboratory partners, enabling highly motivated students to progress seamlessly from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD in approximately seven years.

 “The B2D7 program excites me because it offers the opportunity to work alongside faculty who inspired my research interests in sustainability and transportation systems, while continuing the mentorships and traditions that have made Purdue feel like home,” said Cox, B2D7 participant. Selection for the program is highly competitive and reflects each student’s exceptional academic achievement, research potential and readiness for doctoral-level training.

The creation of the B2D7 program responds to a growing need for highly trained engineers with deep technical expertise and the ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary problems and is designed to retain top talent at Purdue while preparing them for leadership roles in industry and national laboratories.

“As members of the inaugural cohort, these students will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and future of the B2D7 program,” said Tamara Kinzer-Ursem, associate dean for graduate and professional education in Purdue’s College of Engineering. “This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of engineering leaders by combining rigorous research training with a clear, accelerated pathway to the PhD.”