Graduate School

Physics grad student embraces ‘dissertation-at-home’ format for creative presentation

Mar. 25, 2020—For graduate students nearing the end of their programs, COVID-19 has created an unexpected challenge: remotely presenting an effective and engaging dissertation defense. That was the new reality for Kyle Godbey, a graduate student of physics at Vanderbilt studying nuclear reactions.

Financial planning seminars for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars Feb. 3-4

Jan. 29, 2020—Intimidated by the prospect of preparing your grad student or postdoc tax return? Are you ready to take the next step with your finances? Emily Roberts, author of "Personal Finance for Ph.D.s," is returning to campus Feb. 3 and 4 to offer basic insights on financial management for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Alison Lutz (far right), a spring 2019 Travel Grant awardee, traveled to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, to attend the Liberation Theologies and Decolonial Thought Summer Institute. (photo courtesy of Alison Lutz)

Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute announces spring 2020 grant recipients

Jan. 6, 2020—The Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute ended 2019 on a high note with the announcement of the spring 2020 Travel Grant and Dissertation Grant recipients.

Vanderbilt launches Ph.D. program in health policy

Dec. 16, 2019—Vanderbilt University is now accepting applications for a new doctoral program in health policy. The program is being launched at a time when health care is consistently one of the most important issues to Americans at home and at the polls.

Those in attendance at the Nov. 12 town hall were invited to participate in an interactive exercise reimagining outdoor spaces in the Central Neighborhood. (Joe Howell/Vanderbilt)

Wente, Kopstain provide capital projects update at campus meeting

Dec. 11, 2019—A recent town hall meeting gave Vanderbilt community members an update on progress being made on several of the university’s capital projects, as well as provided next steps in the planning processes surrounding academic buildings and spaces.

caucasian woman's hands holding a small gift wrapped in brown paper with a blue bow against a dark wood paneled background

No, it doesn’t matter how nicely you wrap that gift. Except when it does.

Dec. 5, 2019—A neatly wrapped gift will impress your acquaintances, but might leave your loved ones feeling let down when the gift doesn't live up to expectations, suggests new research by Vanderbilt postdoctoral scholar Erick Mas.

Author and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to deliver Chancellor’s Lecture on Nov. 21

Nov. 8, 2019—Acclaimed author and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will keynote a signature event as part of the Vanderbilt University Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Langford Auditorium. The event, hosted by Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente, is free and open to the public.

Deadline for Academic Pathways Postdoctoral Fellowship applications is Nov. 1

Oct. 29, 2019—The Academic Pathways Postdoctoral Fellowship program is accepting applications until Friday, Nov. 1. Academic Pathways is a research/mentorship program designed to bridge fellows between academic training and entry-level faculty positions, with the ultimate goal of diversifying the Vanderbilt faculty.

Graduate Leadership Institute launches fall programming with visit from VU alumnus and former Anaheim mayor

Oct. 18, 2019—The Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute launched its fall semester programming with a presentation by Tom Tait, JD’85, MBA’85, former mayor of Anaheim, California. Tait explored themes of authentic leadership and leading with kindness during his Oct. 7 talk.

Olatunji appointed associate dean of academic affairs at Graduate School

Oct. 18, 2019—Bunmi Olatunji, professor of psychology and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, has been appointed dean of academic affairs at the Graduate School, effective Jan. 1, 2020. He succeeds Richard Hoover, who is stepping down after 18 years in the role and will retire from Vanderbilt on Dec. 31.

close-up of hispanic woman's hand sweeping chopped herbs off a cutting board into a bowl with the flat edge of a knife

Food fight: How a community in Mexico used food to resist the Aztec empire

Oct. 1, 2019—Inspired by an ancient people’s use of food to resist defeat, anthropologist Keitlyn Alcantara now uses food to resist cultural loss among Latin American middle schoolers in Nashville.

Research findings from national study of postdoctoral fellows subject of two-day symposium

Sep. 18, 2019—Directors and managers of postdoctoral offices from universities across the U.S. met at Vanderbilt Sept. 5–7 to discuss research findings related to a national study of postdoctoral fellows, including those at Vanderbilt and fellows of Vanderbilt’s Academic Pathways initiative.