President Chiang keynotes regional luncheon to explore economic growth sectors in northwest Indiana

President Mung Chiang takes part in a Q&A session in fireside-chat style with Matthew Wells, PNW associate vice chancellor for external engagement and development, who also serves as the acting president and CEO of the One Region organization. (Photo provided) Download image

Purdue University President Mung Chiang joined business and community leaders and elected officials in northwest Indiana on Wednesday (Oct. 11) at the annual One Region luncheon to explore economic growth sectors for the region in the decade ahead.

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak to more than 500 partners in northwest Indiana at the 10th anniversary of the One Region luncheon,” Chiang said. “There is so much potential right here in this region in transportation, in quantum corridor, in hydrogen hub, in health care and in advanced manufacturing.

“We are also excited for the contribution of Purdue University Northwest to the region’s economic growth and innovation, including today’s celebration of the largest ever federal research grant here, to Purdue Northwest professor Chenn Zhou from the U.S. Department of Energy.”

Chiang acknowledged the $10 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to the PNW Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), on the PNW Hammond campus, as an outstanding example of the advanced research capabilities the university brings to the area. The awarded funds are part of a sweeping federal initiative to research carbon pollution reduction and progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

CIVS, under the leadership of Zhou, the NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation at PNW, is pioneering a hydrogen-fired reheat furnace for the steelmaking industry. The initiative aims to improve steelmaking processes while reducing carbon emissions. CIVS is a multidisciplinary center that combines advanced simulation techniques with 3D visualization and virtual reality technologies. The center uses state-of-the-art simulation and virtual technologies to provide innovative solutions.

Chiang also talked about PNW’s recent designation as the third Innovation and Economic Prosperity University in the state of Indiana by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, noting that it is significant PNW is the first regionally serving campus in the country to gain this designation.

Following the luncheon, Chiang took part in a Q&A session in fireside-chat style with Matthew Wells, PNW associate vice chancellor for external engagement and development, who also serves as the acting president and CEO of the One Region organization.

One Region is a network of executive leaders working together to bring new talent, ideas and change to northwest Indiana. The organization is celebrating a decade of progress in the region while looking to the future. PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon serves as the current board chair.

Sources: Mung Chiang 
               Matthew Wells, PNW Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and External Engagement