Twenty Years of Impact: Celebrating PCRD Through the Students

For twenty years, the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) has worked at the intersection of research, community engagement, and economic advancement—helping regions across Indiana and beyond, build stronger futures. But the story of PCRD is not only about the data, tools, and partnerships that have shaped this work. It has also facilitated students, fellows, and emerging professionals to discover their paths, refine their skills, and launched meaningful careers through their experiences with PCRD.

Their voices reveal the heart of PCRD’s mission: a place where curiosity thrives, research connects to real communities, and new leaders grow.

Shaping Scholars and Lasting Impact

For many students, PCRD was the gateway into the world of regional development.

Song Chun remembers the moment her trajectory shifted:

“I started as a graduate student research assistant at PCRD in 2017. This experience started my journey on regional and spatial economics research. Always very grateful to everyone at the PCRD family for guiding me.”

That formative start launched a long-term research interest—one that continues to shape Song’s academic and professional life. Her story echoes the experiences of countless others who found their academic identities through PCRD’s commitment to community-informed projects.

Ayoung Kim, who spent four years as a graduate research assistant during her PhD, describes those years as foundational:

“It was one of the most formative experiences in my academic and professional life. I had the opportunity to contribute to regional data analysis and support rural/regional economic development initiatives, while learning alongside a team of dedicated and inspiring colleagues.”

For Ayoung, the greatest lesson from PCRD was one she carries into her work today:

“One of the biggest takeaways from my time at PCRD was the importance of translating research into practice and the value of building strong, data-informed strategies for communities. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to guide my work today.”

She adds:

“Congratulations on 20 years of impact, leadership, and service to communities. I’m grateful to have been a small part of PCRD’s history.”

Davis Chacon-Hurtado, who worked with PCRD’s leadership from 2015 to 2018 during his doctoral studies at Purdue University, reflects on the lasting role PCRD played in his academic and professional development:

“Congratulations to PCRD on its outstanding contributions to research and economic development in Indiana and across the United States. My time at PCRD was not only instrumental in the successful completion of my PhD dissertation, but it continues to shape my professional journey as a faculty member and researcher.”

“Thank you again for the impactful work that you do. I wish the Center many more years of cutting-edge research, meaningful mentorship, and ambition that strengthens local, regional, and national economies. Congratulations once again.”

Watch Davis’ full message below.

How PCRD Helped Shape a Career

PCRD’s commitment to nurturing early-career professionals extends beyond graduate research. Through initiatives like the Digital Fellows Program.

When Emma Woods graduated with a degree in political science, she wasn’t sure where she belonged. Political organizing had left her burned out, and the next steps felt unclear. Then PCRD entered her life.

From 2021–2023, Emma served as a Digital Fellow for AmeriCorps with the American Connection Corps under PCRD’s leadership. She reflects:

“My AmeriCorps service was a perfect fit for me at the time and allowed me to further explore the different avenues of public service.”

As she shared her interests with PCRD staff—especially her budding passion for urban planning—her mentors listened closely. They encouraged her, guided her, and helped her translate her service experiences into a resume and career direction filled with purpose.

With their support, Emma took a leap of faith—moving nearly four hours from home to begin a new role at the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. Today, she serves as the HSTP Coordinator for IDOT Region 8 and the Project Compliance and Oversight Monitor for the Champaign County Area Rural Transit System.

“I absolutely love my role and the direct impact I am able to make on a local level by providing people in rural areas access to resources. I would have never gotten to this place without the encouragement of the team at PCRD. Their continued work to expand opportunities and resources across both Indiana and the country is making impacts we may not even know of yet. Happy 20th anniversary, PCRD!”

Mentorship That Lasts Beyond the Fellowship

For Reneisha Rudder, the journey began in 2021 as an Indiana Digital Fellow for AmeriCorps. Her connection to PCRD didn’t end there.

“Since then, I had the great fortune of being mentored by Roberto, Annie, and the other staff at the center. It was such a transformational time in my life, and I am grateful for all that I have learned from them.”

Today, Reneisha still works with PCRD on projects that strengthen communities in her region—a testament to relationships built on trust, learning, and shared purpose.

“I am glad to have a partner and resource in community development that has the best people. Thank you PCRD, and happy 20th anniversary! I hope to see you celebrate another 20 in the future.”

A Culture of Curiosity

Curiosity has always fueled PCRD’s work—and for Cory Knipp, it was the defining experience of his time with PCRD. Cory’s journey with PCRD began as an Indiana Digital Fellow for AmeriCorps.

He recalls one of his favorite reminders, a quote by Albert Einstein:

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

Cory explains how deeply the sentiment resonated at PCRD:

“What I love about PCRD is that curiosity thrives here. At PCRD, people ask questions, search for answers, and never stop trying to learn more. I learned from some of the most curious minds while I worked there, and I am now the better for it.”

He added:

“I love working with and alongside a bunch of Einsteins, and I’m thankful that PCRD’s passionate curiosity was able to rub off on me.”

Twenty Years of Students, Service, and Shared Growth

The Purdue Center for Regional Development’s legacy is built on strong partnerships and data-driven community development. But that legacy is equally defined by the students and fellows who found mentors, discovered career paths, and learned what it means to serve communities with humility, curiosity, and purpose.

As PCRD celebrates 20 years, its impact can be measured not only in reports, programs, or statewide initiatives—but in the lives of people like Song, Ayoung, Emma, Reneisha, and Cory.

Their stories illuminate a truth at the core of PCRD’s mission:

When students and communities grow together, regions grow stronger.

Here’s to 20 years of growth—and the many students, partners, and communities that will shape the next 20 years.