Engineering Innovations

Understanding the Environmental Impact of AI with Dr. Yi Ding
Hosted and produced by Kristin Malavenda
In this episode of Engineering Innovations, host Kristin Malavenda talks to Dr. Yi Ding, an associate professor at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. They discuss the immense energy consumption of modern AI systems like ChatGPT, which could soon account for up to 12% of US electricity usage. Dr. Ding's research focuses on the broader environmental impacts of AI, including carbon emissions, water consumption, and biodiversity. They delve into how AI models and data centers contribute to these issues and explore strategies for developing sustainable AI systems. Dr. Ding sheds light on policy implications, data transparency, and industry practices that need to change for a more sustainable future. The episode also touches on Dr. Ding's personal journey into this research and her pedagogical approach to mentoring students.
00:00 Introduction to Engineering Innovations
00:14 The Energy Cost of AI
00:32 Meet Dr. Yi Ding
01:00 Understanding AI's Energy Hunger
03:16 Inside Data Centers
04:22 Beyond Energy: Carbon, Water, and Biodiversity
08:26 Dr. Yi Ding's Research Journey
10:32 Balancing Performance and Sustainability
15:00 The Role of Policy and Regulation
16:07 Future of AI and Sustainability
22:18 Mentorship and Personal Insights
27:15 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.

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.

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

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.

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.