Programming Project Mercury

Programming Project Mercury

Pioneering computer scientist Patricia Palombo ’58 helped launch the first American into space

On May 5, 1961, Patricia Palombo ’58 watched, along with the rest of the nation, as NASA astronaut Alan Shepard was launched into suborbital flight aboard the Project Mercury capsule he’d dubbed Freedom 7. The long-awaited flight of the first American in space — Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space on April 12, 1961 — bolstered the country’s commitment to space exploration and led to President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 declaration that American astronauts would “go to the moon in this decade.”

Model of Leadership

Model of Leadership

Janie L. Mines blazed a trail for future women of color at the Academy

Four years at the Naval Academy tests the mettle of many midshipmen. For Janie L. Mines ’80 some days on the Yard were downright harrowing.

Dauntless, she persevered to become the first Black woman to graduate from the Academy. It’s a subject she speaks about openly in her book, No Coincidences, where she reflects on the faith-centered upbringing that prepared her not only to endure trying circumstances, but to excel in spite of obstacles and to lead the way for the others who would follow.

'It Belongs to All of Us'

'It Belongs to All of Us'

Journalist Natalie Angier ’78 believes science should be part of our daily discourse

In one of her most vivid childhood dreams, Natalie Angier ’78 watched as gallons of milk poured from the Milky Way galaxy and Good Humor truck music jingled in the background. The Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer and columnist for The New York Times says her fascination with the night sky began at a young age, even though in the Bronx neighborhood where she spent her early childhood, she recalls, she was more likely to see police helicopters than stars overhead.

Creating a Community of Belonging by Embracing Access for All

Creating a Community of Belonging by Embracing Access for All

Founded on a principle that education should be available to every citizen, Kent State is committed to breaking down barriers that inhibit access and hinder degree completion.

Kent State boasts a legacy of inclusivity that traces back to its first full academic year on the Kent Campus in fall 1913. With a class of 138 women and six men, Kent State Normal School began as a school for working adults, educating women at a time when many universities enrolled very few—if they were admitted at all.

Road to the Future

Road to the Future

Could Hydrogen Hold the Solution to Sustainable Jet Fuel?

As more countries around the world commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, industry groups are following suit. Among them, the members of the International Air Transport Association who announced a commitment to take action to cut emissions among global airlines in October.

Revolutionizing Patient Care

Revolutionizing Patient Care

Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital Second Facility in the Country to Install Large Gantry CT Machine

The Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital, a satellite facility of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is among the first veterinary hospitals in the nation to install a specialized large gantry helical CT scanning machine. The device, manufactured by Qalibra, is adapted to the anatomy and behavior of equine patients and provides more advanced diagnostic capabilities for medical staff treating equine athletes by covering more anatomy with greater accuracy.

Next Level Surveying

Next Level Surveying

Mighty backpack captures millions of topographical data points in minutes

Surveyors have been measuring and documenting the topography of the Earth for thousands of years. Though the instruments have evolved from the early days of rope stretchers to modern total stations, it’s been challenging to collect accurate data efficiently when surveying heavily wooded areas, until now. A team of Purdue researchers is revolutionizing traditional ground surveying methods with a new technology that maps millions of elevation points in mere minutes simply by walking around the area wearing a backpack.

Race to Net-Zero

Race to Net-Zero

Could Hydrogen Hold the Solution to Sustainable Jet Fuel?

As more countries around the world commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, industry groups are following suit. Among them, the members of the International Air Transport Association who announced a commitment to take action to cut emissions among global airlines in October.