Erin Calipari
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All Hands On: Vanderbilt alumni translate their undergraduate research experiences into postgraduate success
As a research institution, the two “products” Vanderbilt puts into the world are alumni and the research produced. Whether it’s helping to cure cancer, inspire with art, or promote sustainability, Vanderbilt students learn to apply the combination of practical skills and confidence that can only be gained from experience to a broad range of fields—positioning them to be much more effective in translating their education to results outside the classroom. Read MoreNov 4, 2025
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Quantum Potential Podcast Episode 4: Behind the brain science of addiction with Erin Calipari
What does the way we learn have to do with drug addiction? In our fourth episode, Erin Calipari, associate professor of pharmacology and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, joins Provost C. Cybele Raver for an enlightening conversation. In this episode, they discuss nucleus accumbens—the part of our brain that helps us link cues and outcomes—and dissect how it affects the ways we make decisions that can lead to addictions, from food or drugs to behaviors. Read MoreMar 27, 2025
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Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium 2025 highlights leadership, resilience and community
Big ideas, bold leadership and lessons in resilience took center stage at this year’s Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium. From a four-star general’s wisdom to hands-on student leadership, here’s what you missed. Read MoreMar 26, 2025
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Faculty members and alumni honored with Presidential Early Career Award
On Jan. 14, President Biden awarded nearly 400 scientists and engineers the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Among the awardees were six Vanderbilt faculty members and three alumni. Read MoreJan 23, 2025
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Faculty members and alumni recognized by the White House for the Presidential Early Career Award
On Jan. 14, President Biden awarded nearly 400 scientists and engineers the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. ... Read MoreJan 22, 2025
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Inaugural cohort of faculty fellows elevates Immersion Vanderbilt
Immersion Vanderbilt, now in its third year as a graduation requirement, consistently provides students with the opportunity to pursue a variety of in-depth experiences and independent projects. Students align their immersion projects with their interests—whether those are artistic, research-oriented, career-focused, globally aimed or community-engaged. Faculty from all 10 schools and colleges support students’ goals and ambitions within immersion, and this year, that support is enhanced by a new cohort of 10 Immersion Faculty Fellows who are supported by Undergraduate Education in the Office of the Provost. Read MoreJan 16, 2025
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When curiosity meets leadership: Cybele Raver’s ‘Quantum Potential’ podcast explores solutions for humanity’s greatest challenges
Cybele Raver’s ‘Quantum Potential’ podcast explores solutions for humanity’s greatest challenges. Read MoreJan 15, 2025
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Erin Calipari wins Society for Neuroscience 2024 Outstanding Career and Research award
Erin Calipari, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research and associate professor of pharmacology and molecular physiology and biophysics, has been recognized with the Society for Neuroscience’s 2024 Jacob P. Waletzky award. Read MoreOct 3, 2024
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Chancellor announces 2024 Faculty Fellows, grants $40,000 per year to support scholarship and research
Thirteen outstanding faculty members from across the university have been selected for the 2024 cohort of Chancellor Faculty Fellows. This group is composed of highly accomplished, recently tenured faculty from a wide variety of disciplines and areas of expertise. Read MoreJun 11, 2024
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Discovery Vanderbilt sends research soaring
On October 17, 2022, Vanderbilt University launched “Discovery Vanderbilt” to embolden faculty, students and staff to pursue innovative ideas through disciplined, rigorous inquiry. Led by Provost Cybele Raver, the university committed $80 million in the effort—and invested $50 million in the first year alone. Read MoreApr 15, 2024
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Vanderbilt launches AUD Research and Education Center with prestigious $8.9 million NIH grant
An $8.9 million grant from the NIH will establish the Vanderbilt AUD Research and Education Center, enhancing Vanderbilt University’s national leadership in neuroscience and addiction research. This initiative aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, advance understanding and treatment of alcohol use disorder, and engage the public through education and outreach efforts. Read MoreMar 21, 2024
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Watch now: Lab-to-Table Conversation: Beyond Addiction: Therapeutic Developments and Societal Impact
Join the next Lab-to-Table conversation, “Beyond Addiction: Therapeutic Developments and Societal Impact” on Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m. CT. Read MoreJan 11, 2024
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Quanta Magazine: She studies how addiction hijacks learning in the brain
Erin Calipari works to understand how drugs like opioids and cocaine alter learning circuits and neurochemistry in one of the country's epicenters of substance use disorder and addiction. Read MoreDec 14, 2023
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Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research joins Discovery Vanderbilt; Calipari appointed director
The Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, led by Erin Calipari, advances research to understand how addiction and substance use disorder develops in the brain. VCAR’s goals are to develop new pharmaceutical strategies and to destigmatize addiction as a personal failing. Read MoreDec 14, 2023
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Conn, Calipari to receive major pharmacology awards
Two Vanderbilt University pharmacologists have won prestigious awards from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Read MoreFeb 6, 2020
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Women’s hormones play role in drug addiction, higher relapse rates
But long before female-specific medications are available, treatment centers could use the information in this study to educate women about their stronger mental connections to places and objects. Read MoreFeb 8, 2019
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Cytokine-cognition connection
Erin Calipari and colleagues have shown that peripheral administration of a neuroprotective cytokine may improve dopamine signaling problems associated with certain psychiatric disorders. Read MoreOct 4, 2018
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Immune system emerges as partner in opioid cravings fight
There’s promise in specific immune system peptides—amino acid compounds that signal cells how to function. In this case, they may be affecting brain activity and, by extension, drug cravings. Read MoreSep 5, 2018