As the end of 2025 approaches, Human Resources reminds employees of important deadlines, dates and information. HR also shares what to expect in 2026, including AmeriBen serving as the new administrator for Purdue's medical plan and the launch of a specialized pricing program for individuals who use the GLP-1 Zepbound for weight loss.
More than 4,200 Purdue University students celebrated the culmination of their academic journeys during three winter commencement ceremonies held Sunday (Dec. 21) at Elliott Hall of Music. The events were livestreamed on the Purdue News YouTube channel. Aerospace professional and spaceflight pioneer Sirisha Bandla delivered the commencement address, as Purdue honored 2,525 undergraduate students, 1,681 graduate students and 18 graduates from Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s statewide programs.
A new initiative brings together disciplines across Purdue to make valuable datasets more easily discoverable and accessible, enabling faster scientific breakthroughs using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. The initiative, called Datasets and Infrastructure for Physical AI Innovation, is a collaboration between Purdue’s Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence, nanoHUB, the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue Libraries and experts in various domains.
Five Purdue faculty members have been named 2026 fellows of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization. The elite distinction of being named an IEEE fellow is reserved for those whose extraordinary accomplishments and significant contributions have advanced the fields of engineering, science or technology. The annual honor is limited to fewer than 0.1% of IEEE’s total voting members.
Saurabh Bagchi, professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been named a fellow of the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association. He was recognized for his contributions to artificial intelligence for computer system dependability and security.
Motivation and consistency are key to achieving your career goals. That’s a truth Janvi Prasad knows by heart. The Purdue junior dreams of working in the semiconductor industry and using her STEM skills to make a meaningful impact on the world. One of her crucial small steps to reach this goal came last year when she regularly commuted from West Lafayette to Indianapolis to work in mechanical and materials engineering professor Babak Anasori’s lab.
Purdue alums Becca and Cadel Crowl, who started Indiana Reindeer Co. in 2023, create special holiday joy by bringing their reindeer to events in the Greater Lafayette area. View photos of these magical creatures, who live year-round in Indiana thanks to expert care from Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
