Ted Fischer

A new Vanderbilt University study challenges traditional views on childhood, emphasizing the role of cultural, social and historical factors in shaping policies on children’s health and well-being. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the “Rethinking Childhoods” study by the Vanderbilt Cultural Contexts of Health and Wellbeing Initiative proposes a more inclusive approach to health policy, incorporating global perspectives to redefine childhood beyond Western norms.  Read More

At the coffee shop, we are asked to pay more, sometimes a lot more, for “quality.” But how do we determine the quality of a sensory experience? Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Anthropology Ted Fischer’s research examines the quest for quality among always-changing tastes. He discusses it in this Q&A—just in time for International Coffee Day on Oct. 1. Read More

Focusing on diet and exercise to curb childhood obesity may be counterproductive and lead to missing other root causes of becoming overweight, according to a newly released report from Vanderbilt University researchers. Read More

While populations’ access to health care is crucial to combating the spread of COVID-19, a team of Vanderbilt researchers has found that understanding the cultural context of health within a community is an equally significant factor—and can help leaders better prepare for future crises. Read More

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier presented prestigious awards to seven academic leaders at the Spring Faculty Assembly on April 1. He also announced the establishment of the Chancellor's Award for University Service. Read More

Manuel Zapata Olivella, an Afro-Colombian novelist who became known throughout Latin America as the dean of Black Hispanic writers, will be celebrated during an international conference April 8–10 hosted virtually by Vanderbilt. Read More

Beginning in September 2020, join us for the first annual speaker series on various topics in the coffee sector. The speaker series is open to the public. Read More

A $600,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation  will fund a three-year project with the World Health Organization, led by anthropology professor Ted Fischer, to develop a new model for health care that incorporates the consideration of cultural attitudes and practices that affect health in the United States. Read More

Faculty have been named to a new subcommittee formed by the Vanderbilt University Research Council to provide governance for the GlobalVU initiative. Read More

Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente has announced a new Global Fellows Program that will increase opportunities for the campus to engage with thought leaders from around the world. Read More

Interim Chancellor and Provost Susan R. Wente pledged to keep Vanderbilt on a strong path moving forward, with continued investments in faculty and the student experience, during her Fall Faculty Assembly address on Aug. 22. Read More

Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies has launched an interdisciplinary summer institute aimed at helping K-12 teachers and students make the connection between environmental concerns in Latin America and their impact on the larger world. Read More

The Department of Education grant allows Vanderbilt's Center for Latin American Studies to retain its status as one of the nation's top educational resources for subjects pertaining to Latin American society and culture. Read More

Several Vanderbilt faculty and students will present papers and serve on panels at the Southeastern Council of Latin American Studies conference, scheduled for March 8-11 at Vanderbilt. Read More

Physician, anthropologist and UN adviser Paul Farmer discusses HIV, Haiti and other global health issues at Langford Auditorium Feb. 19. Read More

Author Edwidge Danticat, considered a voice of both Haiti and the United States on topics of immigration and citizenship, is a strong advocate for issues affecting Haitians abroad and at home. Read More

To strengthen Vanderbilt’s international research, scholarship and creative expression efforts and to raise the global profile of the university as a research institution, the new International Strategy Report recommends a four-point strategy to build on Vanderbilt’s strengths while supporting the university’s Academic Strategic Plan and its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Read More

The species selected reflect the Vanderbilt Center for Latin American Studies’ particular research strengths in Mexico, Central America, Brazil, the Andes, and the Black Atlantic regions and will serve as a multidisciplinary teaching tool. Read More

The International Strategy Working Group, charged by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente last September with developing a plan to strengthen Vanderbilt’s international research, scholarship and creative expression efforts while raising the global profile of the university as a research institution, has produced a draft Executive Summary of its work. Read More

The InDigital conference is the only conference examining how indigenous people in Latin America use digital media and technology to express themselves and engage with others. Read More