Episodes

  • Unveiling the Complex Web of Software Security
    Dec 17 2025

    Unpacking Software Supply Chain Security with Dr. Santiago Torres Arias

    Hosted and produced by Kristin Malavenda

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, host Kristin Malavenda speaks with Dr. Santiago Torres Arias, an assistant professor at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The discussion examines the complexities and importance of software supply chain security, exploring the various risks and vulnerabilities present in the modern digital landscape. Dr. Torres Arias shares insights about his research projects, including the in toto framework and the Sigstore project, both designed to protect the integrity of software throughout its development and distribution. He also touches on the interplay between cybersecurity and everyday software use, the role of machine learning, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling these challenges. Finally, they discuss practical advice for both consumers and students in the field of cybersecurity.

    00:00 Introduction to Engineering Innovations Podcast

    00:58 Understanding the Software Supply Chain

    01:52 Dr. Santiago Torres Arias' Journey into Cybersecurity

    03:06 The Importance of Cybersecurity in Everyday Life

    08:07 In Toto: Securing the Software Development Lifecycle

    13:53 The Role of Open Source in Software Security

    15:54 Exploring the Evolution of Letters and Software Security

    16:29 Introduction to Applied Cryptography

    17:47 AI and Machine Learning in Supply Chain Security

    19:32 Balancing Technology Use and Security Awareness

    20:52 Future Challenges in Supply Chain Security

    21:55 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research

    23:26 Choosing Academia Over Industry

    24:37 Qualities of a Good Research Student

    25:53 Embracing Failure in Engineering

    27:15 A Journey into Engineering

    28:27 The Creative Side of Engineering

    29:06 Personal Hobbies and Decompression

    29:49 Conclusion and Farewell

    Purdue ECE: http://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE

    Facebook: http://facebook.com/purdueece

    X: https://x.com/PurdueECE

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/purdue.ece

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece

    Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founded in 1888, is one of the largest ECE departments in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best in the country.

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    30 mins
  • What Makes 2D Materials a Game-Changer for Future Electronics?
    Nov 19 2025

    Exploring the Future of Electronics with 2D Materials

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, host Kristin Malavenda welcomes Dr. Joerg Appenzeller, the Barry M. and Patricia L. Epstein Professor at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Zeller shares his journey from studying physics in Germany to joining Purdue, delving into his fascinating research on two-dimensional (2D) materials. These materials, which are just one atom thick, have potential applications in transistors, memory, and interconnects, promising to revolutionize electronics. Dr. Zeller explains the unique properties of 2D materials, their advantages over traditional materials like silicon, and their expected adoption timeline. Additionally, he discusses the importance of interdisciplinary work, students' involvement in innovative research, and the hands-on training provided at Purdue. Tune in to learn how these groundbreaking materials could shape the future of technology.

    Hosted and produced by Kristin Malavenda

    00:00 Introduction to Engineering Innovations Podcast

    01:01 Meet Dr. Yorg Zeller: From Germany to Purdue

    05:16 Understanding 2D Materials

    07:37 Graphene and Its Impact

    09:21 Applications of 2D Materials in Electronics

    12:35 Challenges and Future of 2D Materials

    20:39 Student Involvement and Research

    30:48 Career Paths and Personal Insights

    36:42 Reflecting on Teaching and Student Engagement

    38:07 Introduction to Engineering Innovations Podcast

    01:01 Journey to Purdue and Research in 2D Materials

    05:16 Understanding 2D Materials and Their Applications

    09:21 Challenges and Future of 2D Materials

    20:39 Student Involvement and Research Impact

    30:48 Career Paths and Personal Insights

    35:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

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    35 mins
  • How Is Wireless Charging Technology Transforming Transportation?
    Oct 15 2025

    Revolutionizing Electric Vehicles: Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer and the Future of the Grid

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, host Kristin Malavenda discusses cutting-edge research on dynamic wireless power transfer technology for electric vehicles with Professor Dionysios Aliprantis from Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The conversation explores how this technology, which enables electric vehicles to charge while driving, can help create greener highways and a more resilient energy system. Professor Aliprantis shares his journey into electrical and computer engineering, inspired by his father and uncle, and highlights the challenges and potential of dynamic wireless power transfer, particularly for heavy-duty trucks. The discussion also touches on the Grid of Tomorrow consortium, which aims to advance the electric grid and develop skilled engineers. Practical insights into the test bed for the technology and future projections for its implementation on highways are shared, along with the broader economic and environmental benefits. Kristin and Professor Aliprantis wrap up by discussing the importance of mentorship and the impact of engineering work on everyday life.

    00:00 Introduction to Engineering Innovations

    00:51 Meet Professor Deis: A Journey in Electrical Engineering

    05:14 Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Explained

    10:29 The Future of Electrified Highways

    18:26 Grid of Tomorrow Consortium

    23:09 Mentorship and Personal Insights

    28:25 Conclusion and Farewell

    Purdue ECE: http://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE

    Facebook: http://facebook.com/purdueece

    X: https://x.com/PurdueECE

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/purdue.ece

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece

    Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founded in 1888, is one of the largest ECE departments in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best in the country.

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    29 mins
  • What Can We Learn from Failure in Software Engineering?
    Sep 17 2025

    Enhancing Software Safety: How Regular Expressions and Cybersecurity Intersect

    Welcome to Engineering Innovations, the official podcast of the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. In this episode, host KristIn Malavenda talks with James Davis, an Assistant Professor in Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Jamie shares his journey from a physics major to his current research focus on software safety and security. Discover the significance of regular expressions in software systems, the challenges encountered in software supply chains, and the potential cybersecurity risks associated with them. Jamie also discusses his experience working at IBM, his transition to academia, and the broad range of innovative projects at the Duality Lab. The conversation concludes with advice for young professionals in software engineering, the importance of continuous learning, and the role of mentoring in educational growth.

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    34 mins
  • State of Purdue ECE: Innovations and Achievements
    Aug 18 2025

    State of the School: Purdue ECE's Year in Review and Future Innovations

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, Kristin Malavenda hosts Dr. Milind Kulkarni, head of Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The discussion highlights the past academic year's accomplishments, including record student enrollments, the expansion to Purdue's Indianapolis campus, and groundbreaking student projects like the world record for the fastest robot to solve a Rubik's Cube. The episode also touches on the school's commitment to excellence in both education and research, with notable faculty hires and advancements in key areas such as semiconductors, quantum technology, and AI. Future goals include further integrating the Indianapolis campus, ramping up entrepreneurial efforts, and continuing to invest in facilities and student opportunities. Whether you're a student, alum, faculty, or someone interested in Purdue ECE, this episode offers an inspiring look into the school's present and future.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:20 State of the School Overview 00:53 Achievements and Growth

    01:38 Expansion to Indianapolis 03:08 Online Program Excellence

    04:44 Innovative Teaching Methods 05:57 Faculty and Research Expansion

    08:15 Student Achievements and World Records

    14:44 Opportunities for Undergraduates

    15:53 Undergraduate Teaching Assistants: Enhancing Learning

    16:57 Research Excellence Among Undergraduates

    17:37 Transforming Facilities for Better Learning

    22:25 Purdue Computes: Leading the Future of Technology

    28:31 Looking Ahead: Priorities for the Next Academic Year

    31:35 Inspiration and Commitment to Students

    33:29 Conclusion and Future Episodes

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    34 mins
  • Understanding Control Systems and AI Racing
    Jul 16 2025

    Understanding Control Systems and AI Racing with Dr. Shreyas Sundaram

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, hosted by Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kristin Malavenda interviews Dr. Shreyas Sundaram. Dr. Sundaram, Marie Gordon Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue, specializes in complex networks, including the internet, social networks, power grids, and robotic swarms. He elaborates on the importance of secure and resilient networks. Dr. Sundaram shares his journey from growing up in India and Canada to his academic pursuits in control systems and network science. He explains in detail what control systems are and how they interact with various fields such as communications and distributed algorithms. The discussion also covers his involvement with Purdue's AI racing team, where autonomous cars race at high speeds, and the challenges of developing such cutting-edge technology. Closing with insights on what he looks for in new students and the importance of resilience in research, Dr. Sundaram provides a comprehensive look into his research and passion.

    Purdue ECE: http://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE

    Facebook: http://facebook.com/purdueece

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/PurdueECE @PurdueECE

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/purdue.ece

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece

    Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founded in 1888, is one of the largest ECE departments in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best in the country.

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    37 mins
  • Engineering Innovations: How Do We Balance Security with Innovation in Engineering?
    Jun 18 2025

    Engineering Innovations: How Do We Balance Security with Innovation in Engineering?

    Welcome to another episode of Engineering Innovations, the official podcast of Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Join host Kristin Malavenda as she delves into the world of dependable and secure systems with Professor Saurabh Bagchi. From his journey in engineering inspired by a high school teacher and his father's impact, to cutting-edge research in cloud computing, autonomous systems, and embedded wireless networks, Professor Bagchi shares insights into the complexities and innovations shaping the future of technology. Discover how groundbreaking research is keeping our technologies running smoothly and securely, and learn about the importance of graceful degradation in systems and how to strategically secure critical infrastructures. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the dynamic field of engineering.

    Links:

    https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE

    https://www.facebook.com/purdueece

    https://x.com/PurdueECE

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece

    https://www.instagram.com/purdue.ece

    Prof. Bagchi's blog: https://distantwhispers.blog/

    Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founded in 1888, is the largest ECE department in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best in the country.

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    31 mins
  • Engineering Innovations: Can We Trust the Media We Consume?
    May 21 2025

    In this episode of Engineering Innovations, host Kristin Malavenda from Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering discusses the realm of digital media with Professor Edward J. Delp. As a distinguished expert in image and video processing, multimedia forensics, and digital watermarking, Professor Delp shares insights into his decades-long research. They explore the complexities behind digital media, from efficient video compression to the detection of manipulated and synthetic media. Professor Delp highlights the implications of deepfakes, the ethical and technical challenges in digital forensics, and the educational approaches needed to navigate this rapidly evolving field.

    Prof. Edward J. Delp's Video and Image Processing Laboratory (VIPER): https://engineering.purdue.edu/~ips/

    Purdue ECE: http://engineering.purdue.edu/ECE

    Facebook: http://facebook.com/purdueece

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/PurdueECE @PurdueECE

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/purdue.ece

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdue-ece

    Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, founded in 1888, is one of the largest ECE departments in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best in the country.

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    38 mins