At the February Board of Trustees meeting, President Daniels provided updates on science, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership as well as economic development. Purdue has added more than 40 STEM programs since 2017-18 and hired more than 350 STEM faculty members. Meanwhile, Greater Lafayette's population is growing faster than national, state and Big Ten averages thanks to economic development like the Discovery Park District, Purdue Research Park expansion and State Street Redevelopment Project.

Described by Mitch Daniels as "an invaluable asset" for the state of Indiana and the nation, the new veterinary hospital at Purdue will be named the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex in recognition of a $10 million leadership commitment from David and Bonnie Brunner.

This view of the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex construction area is looking north from the site of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Equine Hospital. (Pepper Construction photo)

Representatives from Purdue and Lockheed Martin have signed a master research agreement, furthering an alliance between one of the largest global security and aerospace companies and a leader among universities in hypersonics research.

A new report by Roberto Gallardo, director of Purdue’s Center for Regional Development, calls attention to the point that hundreds of thousands – perhaps even millions – of people in Indiana lack access to reliable internet at speeds of at least 25 megabits per second.

Roberto Gallardo

Innovators at Purdue’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have used their expertise to make the on-campus testing facility one of the only labs in Indiana actively looking for and able to detect the U.K. variant of the COVID-19 virus.

Adranos Inc., a Purdue-affiliated company that has developed a high-performance, solid rocket fuel called ALITEC for long-range missile and space launch systems, has announced plans to construct a facility in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette to manufacture ALITEC in support of various launch systems, including hypersonic systems.

A virtual pitching event from the Purdue Ag Alumni Association has offered Purdue-affiliated startups the chance to connect with potential customers and agriculture leaders during the pandemic.