Purdue University Northwest > Research > Days of Discovery

Days of Discovery

We are pleased to invite you to the 2026 PNW Days of Discovery, Purdue University Northwest’s annual research symposium. The 2026 Days of Discovery will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, on the Hammond campus.  This event highlights the research, scholarship and creative activity of our students and faculty across disciplines and provides an opportunity to engage with ideas that advance knowledge and impact our communities.

Registration to participate is open from February 2, 2026 through April 2, 2026.

Please navigate through the links on the right side of this page for additional details, including the event schedule, important information for presenters, keynote speaker information, and event archives. A comprehensive list of presenters will be published after registration closes on April 2, 2026.

2026 Keynote Speaker

 

Why Fish Don't Exist Book Cover

Lulu Miller

“Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love and the Hidden Order of Life”

Thursday, April 16, 2026

2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Gyte 103

Lulu Miller is the cohost of Radiolab, host of the kids podcast Terrestrials, and author of the bestselling book Why Fish Don’t Exist.

Part biography, part memoir, part scientific adventure, Why Fish Don’t Exist is a wondrous fable about how to persevere in a world where chaos will always prevail.

More

Photos from 2025 Days of Discovery

Two students stand in front of a research poster at an academic event. They are smiling and wearing conference badges. Other attendees and posters are visible in the background.

CHESS students pose with poster on the evolution of Corrido music in the USA.

Niaz Latif in a suit stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone and clapping. He is wearing glasses and a name badge.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Niaz Latif, gives remarks during the Faculty Reception.

A group of faculty and staff stand in a room with high tables, conference materials and refreshments during days of discovery

Faculty members mingling during Faculty Reception.

PNW Provost Marie Mora speaks into a microphone

Provost Mora remarks on the 2024-2025 research accomplishments at PNW.

Ezra Mutai sits at a table and speaks into a hand-held microphone.

Panelists Ezra Mutai and Matthew Bauman answer a question on their research within the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Amanda Zelechoski stands and speaks into a microphone.

Professor Amanda Zelechoski asks a question during the Faculty Panel.

Faculty speak during a research panel

Panelists and Moderator Jessica Ivy introduce themselves.

Days of Discovery keynote speaker Brian Murphy, stands at the front of a classroom.

Keynote Speaker Brian Murphy presents on his work discovering new antibiotics while working with middle schoolers.

Faculty, staff and students sit in a lecture style classroom

Students, faculty and staff alike attended Brian Murphy's keynote presentation.

Days of Discovery keynote speaker Brian Murphy, presents to a room.

Brian Murphy explains his discovery process in finding new drug leads.

Michael Zimmer shakes hands with Brian Murphy

Mike Zimmer presents Brian Murphy with a commemorative award following the Keynote Address.

Two people examining posters on the wall in a well-lit room.

Students share their research with each other in free moments.

People are engaged in conversation while examining a research poster at Days of Discovery

Honors College student presents on ILearn mathematics scores project.

Two people stand beside a poster featuring a table, smiling and engaging with the display.

College of Technology student presents on a Nano Lab Experience.

A group of people standing together in a room, engaged in conversation and interaction.

Even while offering two poster sessions and multiple presentation rooms, Alumni Hall is bustling and vibrant.

PNW faculty member Mary Beth Connelly checks into Days of Discovery

Office of Research staff provide name badges for faculty.

Two people engaged in conversation at days of discovery, surrounded by displays and projects.

College of Technology student presents on industrial automation.

Students show off their projects

Engineering students posing with their NASA Human Exploration Rover project.

People checking in at Days of Discovery

Student speaking with Office of Research at registration.

Students display their project vehicle

Engineering students maneuver in and out of the body of a Shell Eco Electric Vehicle.

To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.