Purdue Agriculture

10/26/2026

Purdue University researchers recently looked at how “forever chemicals” impact gut health.

With millions of Americans living with digestive diseases, ‌Weicang Wang, assistant professor of Purdue Food Science, teamed up with graduate student ‌Deukun Cheng to investigate the exposure of PFAS on colitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that break down very slowly in the environment and are used in many products like drinking water, seafood, food packaging and cookware.

Their research found that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) worsened colitis in hosts by changing the gut microbiome and damaging the protective mucus barrier.

Read more about this collaborative research:

PFAS have been shown to increase risks to immunity, reproductive health, developmental delays, cancer and other health issues, but little is known about how they affect gut health. Weicang Wang, assistant professor of food science at Purdue, found himself curious about the impact of PFAS on inflamma...

10/23/2026

Alisa Tilson’s education in NRES Purdue truly laid the foundation for a successful career in urban planning.

After earning her degree from Purdue University and a master’s in urban planning from University of Illinois Chicago, she now works to create vibrant, livable spaces where people can connect and thrive in the City of Chicago – Government.

Tilson’s journey is a great example of how a education can open doors to unexpected career paths and make a lasting impact on the communities where we live.

Read more about her journey from Purdue alumna to urban planner:

Alisa Tilson (BS '96, Natural Resources and Environmental Science) works for CDOT’s Livable Streets program.

10/22/2026

Maksym Chepeliev, a leading international scholar recognized for his work in quantitative analysis, has been hired as an associate professor in Purdue Agricultural Economics through Purdue University's Moveable Dream Hire program.

Chepeliev, who previously served as a research associate professor in the department, will grow his research program while also serving as associate director for economywide modeling with GTAP, a global network of researchers and policy makers conducting quantitative analysis of international policy issues.

Maksym Chepeliev, a leading international scholar recognized prominently for his work in quantitative analysis, has been hired as an associate professor of agricultural economics through Purdue’s Moveable Dream Hires program.

10/21/2026

The 99th National FFA Organization Convention & Expo is happening now through Oct. 24 in Indianapolis! The event brings together FFA members, advisors and agricultural leaders for a week filled with learning, competition, career exploration and fun.

With the convention just an hour from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, we're excited to welcome students to !

With two tours a day, led by our student Ag Ambassadors, visitors will explore campus, learn about opportunities within the college and beyond, and ask questions about the student experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to Purdue! 🚂

10/20/2026

Grass is more complex than it looks. From managing water use to evaluating varieties and exploring sustainable management practices, turfgrass management takes research, expertise and a whole-system approach.

Meet Jada Powlen, lead research scholar in turfgrass ecology and management at Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and learn how she connects research with practical solutions for turfgrass professionals while teaching and mentoring the next generation.

https://ag.purdue.edu/news/department/arge/2026/10/behind-the-research-jada-powlen.html

10/19/2026

When reflects on leaders who have made a lasting impact at Purdue University, Jay Akridge stands tall.

Akridge built an impressive career as an award-winning faculty member in Purdue Agricultural Economics and director of the Purdue University Center for Food and Agricultural Business. He also served in key leadership roles, including interim vice provost for engagement, dean, and provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity.

For Akridge, a lasting legacy isn’t defined by titles or awards. It’s about the people who move Purdue forward.

Learn more about Akridge’s impact: https://ag.purdue.edu/news/2026/10/inspired-by-opportunity-driven-by-purpose.html

10/18/2026

is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Willis Blatchley’s “Bugs of Indiana” Collection! 🪲

Willis Blatchley, naturalist, teacher and Indiana State Geologist, spent decades collecting insect specimens throughout Indiana and Florida. He later donated his collection to Purdue University, leaving a lasting legacy for science and research.

Today, these specimens remain an important part of the collections in the Department of Entomology and help researchers study insect diversity, preserving a record of Indiana’s natural history.

Here’s to a century of preserving the past and advancing our understanding of the natural world. 🔬

10/16/2026

Ranked No. 12 among U.S. public universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education, is proud to be part of a university that sets the standard for excellence in higher education! 🚂🌾

Our college is thrilled to continue working on groundbreaking agricultural research that drives impact across the world. 🌍

Purdue stands among the nation’s leading public universities. 🏆

In the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Purdue is No. 12 among U.S. public universities and the only university in Indiana in the global top 100. 🌎

Get more details: https://purdue.university/4yh43LD

10/15/2026

A new study led by researchers at Purdue Biochemistry and the ‌National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found a surprising link to HIV.

Their study shows that CD46, a protein that several pathogenic bacteria and viruses exploit, controls how human CD4 T cells survive, respond to infection and regulate viral gene activity.

This work, reported in Science Immunology, could provide a better understanding of CD46, helping researchers develop new therapies for diseases associated with perturbed T-cell function.

A prominent protein on most human cells may be key to unlocking the code that makes humans susceptible to pathogenic bacteria and viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to a new study in Science Immunology led by researchers at Purdue University and the National Heart, Lung...

10/14/2026

Pumpkins are much more than just a Halloween tradition, according to Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture's Stephen Meyers. 🎃

From carving jack-o'-lanterns to growing a successful fall crop, pumpkins require careful planning and expertise. As one of the nation’s top pumpkin-producing states, Indiana is home to farmers who benefit from the latest research and resources to help their crops thrive.

On Hoosier Ag Today's “Your Farm” Podcast, host Greg Allen talks with Stephen Meyers about the diversity of pumpkin species, the growing processes and how Purdue Extension is helping Indiana farmers succeed.

Watch the episode below ⬇️