TIPs Archives
Legalizing same-sex marriage increased health care access for gay men: Vanderbilt study
Jul. 11, 2018—One of the first studies to examine the health impacts of legal marriage for LGBT individuals has found gay men were more likely to receive routine medical care following marriage legalization.
Political scientist and strategic leader John Geer named dean of College of Arts and Science
Jun. 14, 2018—John G. Geer, a distinguished political scientist and a seasoned academic leader, has been named the next dean of the Vanderbilt University College of Arts and Science. He will begin a five-year term as dean July 1, pending approval of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
Building the tiniest recording studios in Music City to understand vocal learning
Jun. 4, 2018—Humans aren't the only animals who can learn vocal communication from others. By studying the process in zebra finches, we may better understand how it works in humans, too.
VU BreakThru: Leveraging quality improvement efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee
May. 31, 2018—Although HPV vaccination in adolescence can successfully prevent six kinds of cancer, rates in Tennessee remain relatively low, while occurrence of these cancers remains relatively high compared to the rest of the country. Pamela Hull, assistant professor of medicine, and her colleagues are conducting a study funded by the HPV ACTIVE TIPs award, in collaboration with the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation, to test a model for disseminating a web-based quality improvement coaching program to pediatric clinics.
Wernke receives ACLS grant to develop a digital platform for virtual archaeological survey in the Andes
May. 24, 2018—The $150,000 digital extension grant from the American Council of Learned Societies funds the development of a digital platform that promises to greatly expand our understanding of Andean culture.
Seven interdisciplinary programs land TIPs awards for 2018
May. 24, 2018—Vanderbilt University’s transformational Trans-Institutional Programs initiative heads into a fourth year with grants awarded to seven interdisciplinary projects that involve more than 60 faculty members.
Insect gene allows reproductive organs to cope with harmful bacteria
May. 17, 2018—Bordenstein’s team studied Nasonia parasitic wasps, which are about the size of a sesame seed, and they serve as one of the best models to dissect and characterize the evolution of insect genomes.
VU BreakThru: TIPs grant funds innovative research into the microbiome
May. 15, 2018—Right under your nose but unseen by the human eye is the microbiome—the totality of microbes in an environment. The Vanderbilt Microbiome Initiative, funded by a TIPs grant, is coordinating basic, translational and clinical scholarship to help unlock the mysteries of these bacteria, viruses and more. Learn about the initiative and its new website in this VU BreakThru blog post. Read more about TIPs grants and other internal faculty funding programs—including University Courses, Research Scholar Grants and Discovery Grants—at the VU BreakThru blog.
Working group recommends new data sciences institute, faculty and educational programs
May. 14, 2018—A data science institute, new faculty and technical staff, and expanded educational offerings are the key investments recommended by the Data Science Visions Working Group.
Initiative for young adults with autism adds distance learning
Apr. 26, 2018—The leaders of a new Vanderbilt initiative for young adults with autism are looking to expand its reach through distance learning. Launched a year ago to primarily serve Middle Tennessee residents, Spectrum Pathways has generated out-of-state interest with some participants flying into Nashville to take part.
VU BreakThru: Can you do good and make good at the same time?
Apr. 18, 2018—What’s the most important thing for people just out of prison? What’s the hardest thing to find for people just out of prison? If you guessed “a job” for both, you’re right. A new University Course on social change and social entrepreneurship looks at how local nonprofit Project Return helps bridge the gap between prison and long-term employment. HOD Professor Paul Speer and Associate Professor of Sociology Richard Pitt write about what they are teaching and learning in this VU BreakThru blog post. Read more about University Courses and other internal faculty funding programs—including TIPs grants, Research Scholar Grants and Discovery Grants —at the VU BreakThru blog.
VU BreakThru: What can a finch teach us about language?
Apr. 4, 2018—Is the mystery of human speech hidden in the song of a finch? Vanderbilt researchers in the Music, Mind and Society TIPs program are analyzing the songs of zebra finches to study the development and nuance of spoken language. Learn more in this fascinating VUBreakThru blog post written by Ph.D. candidate Kate T. Snyder. Read more about TIPs grants and other internal faculty funding programs—including University Courses, Discovery Grants and Research Scholar Grants—at the VU BreakThru blog.