Engineering And Technology
-
Researchers receive $1.2 million NSF grant to develop smart microscope system
Vanderbilt researchers have received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a smart microscope system that uses artificial intelligence to help scientists better understand how cells behave, particularly in diseases like cancer. Read MoreJul 17, 2025
-
Breakthrough study shows how brain-to-computer ‘electroceuticals’ can help restore cognition
Just like electrical stimulation of heart muscles can restore a regular heartbeat, new research led by Thilo Womelsdorf suggests that "electroceutical" intervention in the brain can improve memory and other cognitive functions wrought by behavioral health disorders and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Womelsdorf, professor of psychology and biomedical engineering at the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, said, “For these cognitive disabilities, brain-computer interfaces promise to become next-generation electroceutical treatment options.” Read MoreJul 10, 2025
-
Quantum Potential Podcast Episode 10: Securing the 21st century with Ret. Gen. Paul Nakasone
In this episode of Quantum Potential, Gen. Nakasone, former NSA director, founding director of Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security, Distinguished Research Professor of Engineering Science and Management, and special advisor to the chancellor, joins Provost C. Cybele Raver to discuss the challenges of national security in the 21st century and academia’s role in training the next generation of multifaceted national security professionals. Read MoreJul 1, 2025
-
Vanderbilt researchers develop new approach to boost immunotherapy potency in cancer treatment
Researchers led by John T. Wilson, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and biomedical engineering, have developed a new approach using a molecularly designed nanobody platform that seeks to make immunotherapy more effective in the treatment of cancer. Read MoreJun 17, 2025
-
A Package Deal: Diagnosing and treating breast cancer with a single complex
A group of researchers from the lab of Larry Marnett, the Mary Geddes Stahlman Professor of Cancer Research, recently paired a precisely targeted imaging agent to an anticancer agent and found that they could specifically attack cancer cells and not normal cells with it. Their work was performed in collaboration with School of Engineering faculty members Craig Duvall and Rebecca Cook, and was published in Molecular Pharmaceutics in April 2025. Read MoreJun 12, 2025
-
Vanderbilt scientists pioneer an AI-driven drug discovery tool targeting RNAs
Targeting ncRNAs with drugs presents a much larger therapeutic opportunity than targeting proteins, but the currently available drug discovery tools are slow and computationally intensive. Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and core member of the Center for Applied AI in Protein Dynamics Carlos Oliver is working with collaborators to unlock the untapped potential of ncRNAs, as they are a promising family of targets for the development of novel small-molecule therapeutics. Read MoreMay 9, 2025
-
Software coders hate in-person interruptions, but physiological stress measures tell a different story
Like anyone, it takes time for coders to reengage in their work, meaning interruptions from bosses, co-workers, and email and messaging notifications can lead to a loss of focus, decreased productivity, increased stress, and a longer time to complete tasks. But according to a new award-winning study by researchers in Vanderbilt’s Institute for Software Integrated Systems, not all interruptions are created equal. Read MoreMay 9, 2025
-
Heard Libraries’ Digital Lab awards 2025 seed grants to trio of projects with AI focus
Generative AI will play a key role in three new campus projects being developed thanks to early-stage funding from the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries’ Digital Lab. The Digital Lab’s 2025 seed grant projects will be celebrated in a public showcase this fall. Read MoreApr 30, 2025
-
Vanderbilt Divinity School awarded grant to study AI
Vanderbilt Divinity School was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Wabash Center to study artificial intelligence and its impact. The project, “We Can Wait No Longer: Educating Theological Educators About Artificial Intelligence,” seeks to inform Divinity faculty of the mechanics behind AI and the latest advancements. Read MoreApr 4, 2025
-
Vanderbilt’s Jesse Spencer-Smith appointed to Tennessee AI Advisory Council
Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Vanderbilt University’s Jesse Spencer-Smith to the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, which was established last year to guide the ethical and effective use of AI in the state. Read MoreMar 24, 2025
-
Friendship fuels innovation: engineering duo’s AI project paves the way for safer highways
Learn about the path that brought dynamic engineering duo Dan Work and Jonathan Sprinkle together and how they're using AI to prevent traffic jams and make highways safer. Read MoreFeb 26, 2025
-
Vanderbilt researchers at forefront of global collaboration that advances preclinical imaging with diffusion MRI
Three seminal articles published in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine mark a landmark achievement in preclinical imaging science. These works, authored by an international consortium of 58 scientists, including Vanderbilt University’s Kurt Schilling, Bennett Landman, Adam Anderson, and Kevin Harkins, offer comprehensive guidelines for using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in preclinical research. Read MoreFeb 6, 2025
-
New center at Vanderbilt applies advanced technology to biological research
Vanderbilt University’s new Center for Computational Systems Biology brings computer science, engineering and biomedical researchers together with clinicians at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to accelerate discovery related to human diseases and conditions. Read MoreJan 16, 2025
-
Landman honored as IEEE Fellow for modeling advancements in medical image processing
Bennett A. Landman, director of the Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT) and Stevenson Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been elevated to IEEE Fellow by the Board of Directors of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Read MoreJan 9, 2025
-
Peer-reviewed study validates performance enhancement and injury risk reduction from back-assist exosuits
A new peer-reviewed study shows that a back-relieving exosuit can simultaneously increase lifting endurance and reduce injury risk. Read MoreDec 19, 2024
-
Wellington Pham named distinguished National Academy of Inventors Fellow
Wellington Pham has been named a National Academy of Inventors Fellow, the highest professional distinction awarded solely to academic inventors. Read MoreDec 12, 2024
-
Retired Gen. Mark Milley calls on a new generation to confront changing era of security threats at Washington, D.C. launch event for the Institute of National Security
Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security welcomed more than 450 guests to a Washington D.C. launch event. The evening featured a discussion between Retired General Paul M. Nakasone and Retired General Mark A. Milley about global conflict and the presidential election. Read MoreNov 21, 2024
-
NSF grant to fund Vanderbilt-led research to develop world’s first custom GenAI 911 training system
Meiyi Ma, assistant professor of computer science at Vanderbilt, is leading research to develop what’s considered the world’s first Generative Artificial Intelligence training system for 911 call takers and dispatchers. Read MoreNov 21, 2024
-
In aggressive form of breast cancer, response to therapy may contribute to tumor regrowth, according to Vanderbilt-led study
A recent study by a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University found that response to radiation therapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)—one of the most aggressive forms of the disease—may contribute to tumor recurrence. Read MoreNov 20, 2024
-
Humanoid robotics pioneer Kazuhiko Kawamura receives IEEE ROMAN Lifetime Achievement Award
Kazuhiko Kawamura, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering, has been awarded a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication in Pasadena, California. Read MoreNov 20, 2024