Karen Plaut – March Dimensions of Discovery Introduction

Dear Colleagues,  

This month’s issue of Dimensions of Discovery highlights how Purdue’s long and storied record in the life and health sciences continues today. From basic science to applied research, you will find stories showing how Purdue researchers are advancing science to improve lives.

Examples include Elizabeth Topp’s solids chemistry work at the William D. and Sherry L. Young Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals Institute to make better and more stable medicines, and the breakthrough biochemical work led by Andy Tao and colleagues to isolate new enzymes responsible for drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. Both have potential to improve drug development and formulation.

Of course, many Boilermaker-led advances in life and health sciences result from interdisciplinary efforts among researchers from computer science, engineering, liberal arts and other fields. A prime case is Snehasis Mukhopadhyay’s use of artificial intelligence to predict sinus surgery outcomes with the hope of avoiding unnecessary surgeries and costs. Another story describes how Bridges software, developed at Purdue’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, is helping case managers connect Indiana residents with critically needed services to improve care coordination among health centers and social service organizations.

This edition also offers several interesting research stories from other fields, including aeronautics, computer science and engineering. The breadth and the societal impact of work done by Purdue researchers really are remarkable! 

Thanks,

Karen Plaut
Executive Vice President for Research