FCAI News
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan to Deliver TedX Talk on April 20th; Open to the Public!
Apr. 17, 2024—In the spirit of spreading ideas, TEDx is a program that brings people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, live speakers and TEDTalks videos combine to spark profound conversations and connections in a small group. The upcoming TEDxFolsom High School Youth event promises to be an inspiring experience. The speakers are...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Delivers Keynote at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Autism Seminar Series
Apr. 17, 2024—FCAI would like to congratulate Hari Srinivasan on his recent keynote address an the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development’s 2023-24 Autism Seminar Series on April 3, 2024. Hari is a self-advocate, a PhD student in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, and a Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering fellow...
Deputy Director Tim Vogus Interviews with Owen School of Management; Discusses Managements Role in Neuroinclusion
Apr. 13, 2024—In this new article highlighting the importance of ND in the workplace, Owen School of Management interviews FCAI Deputy Director Tim Vogus, discussing a manager’s role in creating an inclusive environment. The article emphasizes the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face and the benefits that workplaces can experience by embracing ND. With a focus on education,...
Frist Center seeking applications for new fellows, affiliates
Apr. 9, 2024—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation has announced its 2024 call for membership, which allows Vanderbilt faculty and staff to apply to become affiliates or fellows of the Center. The work of current fellows and affiliates has resulted in multi-million-dollar grants and was highlighted nationally on CBS’s 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper. Frist Center...
April FCAI Salon Series: Art and Science to Enhance Social Competence for Children and Adults with Autism with Blythe A. Corbett Ph.D.
Apr. 6, 2024—We are thrilled to present this month’s Salon Series talk featuring Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., a distinguished James G. Blakemore Chair and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With her unique blend of art and science, she will delve into how this innovative approach can significantly enhance...
FCAI Deputy Director Dave Caudel Discusses the Strengths and Challenges of Neurodiversity in New Talk
Mar. 30, 2024—Last week, FCAI Deputy Director Dave Caudel spoke for a Disability @ Work session hosted by the UNC Charlotte Career Center. Caudel discussed the strengths and challenges of neurodiversity, and these undeserved and underutilized members of our society. You can view the video below or on YouTube here. Every spring, the UNC Career Center offers programming...
March FCAI Salon Series: A Panel Discussion on Clinical & Services Research In The Neurodiverse World
Mar. 14, 2024—When: Monday 18th March, 2024 —> 12:00pm – 1:00pm Where: Online and in person at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Auditorium We are excited to announce this this month’s FCAI Salon Series, which will be a panel discussion, with panelists Dr. Julie Taylor and Dr. Amy Weitlauf and panel moderator Dr. Jim Bodfish. The topic of...
Applications Now Open for Aspie Bootcamp: Python 2024
Feb. 26, 2024—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce that applications are open for the third year of our summer program Aspie Bootcamp: Python — our free, virtual, summer coding camp. This bootcamp is a great way to become eligible for future internship and employment opportunities with employers who seek job candidates that...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Interviewed for The Special Needs Voice Podcast
Feb. 23, 2024—Our director, Keivan Stassun, was interviewed for the latest Special Needs Voices Podcast episode. You can listen by searching on the Spotify app or at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hmcBoR4vMaqFq4Kefpz6D In this episode, Keivan “will be speaking about topics such as his childhood and how it affected his career progression, his son with Autism that inspired...
FCAI NISE Fellow Publishes Article in Psychology Today Regarding Grief in the Autistic Community
Feb. 13, 2024—Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has published a new article in Psychology Today about the impact of grief on the autistic community. In this article, Hari discusses his own moving experiences with grief after the recent loss of both of his grandparents and how grief as...
February FCAI Salon Series: Taste the Rainbow: Designing with Color and Patterns for Neurodiversity with Kendra Oliver
Feb. 4, 2024—We are excited to announce this month’s Salon Series speaker, Kendra Oliver! This months talk will be held online only, and sign up is available here. Please come and get to know another of our wonderful Frist Center fellows. When: Tuesday 13th February, 2024 at Noon CT Where: Virtual – https://vanderbilt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkc-mpqj8vGdXUQE367brA43pY4q4B075Z#/registration Talk Description: Join us...
FCAI Autism Summer Internship Applications Now Open for 2024!
Jan. 11, 2024—The Frist Center is excited to announce applications are now open for our Autism Summer Internship Program. The program is open to undergraduate students who identify as neurodiverse (either through formal or self-diagnosis). Through this internship, successful applicants will undergo a STEM project with a faculty mentor, under the guidance of the Frist Center for...
FCAI NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Pens Second Op-Ed for Time Magazine
Jan. 5, 2024—On January 3rd, 2024, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan published his second article in Time magazine, entitled “The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism”. In this thought-provoking article, Srinivasan discusses how the epidemic of loneliness disproportionally effects the autistic population, and is only exacerbated by U.S. notions of...
FCAI November Webinar Hosts Filmmakers from “In A Different Key” to Discuss Toolkit
Nov. 30, 2023—This month’s FCAI webinar hosted filmmakers Caren Zucker and John Donvan to discuss their new educational toolkit, inspired by their documentary In A Different Key, which is available to stream for free on PBS. FCAI Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik led the conversation with Zucker and Donvan to discuss how the toolkit at film works in harmony...
FCAI Associate Director and Program Manager Speak at OCALICONLINE 2023
Nov. 30, 2023—On November 16th, FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel and Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2023 OCALICONLINE Autism and Disabilities Conference about the programs and opportunities available at the Frist Center. OCALICONLINE is run by OCALI who are “a model agency for inspiring change and promoting access for people with disabilities. But...
FCAI Program and Communications Manager Speaks at the International Forum on Research Excellence
Nov. 11, 2023—On Saturday, 11th November, First Center for Autism and Innovation Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik spoke at the 2nd Annual International Forum on Research Excellence in Long Beach, California. The session Jessica led opened with a talk about Neurodiversity in STEM: How Great Supports Lead to Great Endeavors, where Jessica told her own story...
FCAI Director and Floreo CEO Present at The Tennessee Enabling Technologies Summit
Nov. 10, 2023—On Thursday November 9th, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Director, Keivan Stassun, and Floreo CEO Vijay Ravindran, presented at The Tennessee Enabling Technologies Summit, giving a presentation called Advancing Independence and Employment with Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence Technologies. Stassun and Ravindran spoke alongside others from the Tennessee tech sector to discuss various topics in...
WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT: INDK Filmmakers Meeting to Discuss New Educational Tool
Nov. 7, 2023—The Frist Center team are so excited to announce our November Webinar. The team from “In A Different Key” the movie, will be joining us to discuss their new toolkit, designed to support understanding around autism. The In A Different Key movie is available on PBS for free, and the toolkit contains discussion booklets and...
SDSU and Vanderbilt Driving Training Program Featured on Fox 5 San Diego
Nov. 4, 2023—On November 4th, 2023, Fox 5 San Diego visited the NSF funded Vanderbilt and San Diego State partnership program for new driver training for people with autism. This AI-based program, which the NSF has funded, teaches potential drivers everything they need to know about driving before getting on the road, with lessons involving virtual reality...
FCAI Director, Visiting Fellow and Program Manager Speak at Neurowrx Conference
Oct. 30, 2023—Last week, FCAI Director Keivan Stassun, Program and Communications Manager Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, and Visiting Fellow Judy Reilly spoke at the 3rd International Gathering for Neurowrx, hosted by Aspiritech. Neurowrx is a global alliance of corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals working together to foster and inspire employment for people on the autism spectrum in science, technology, engineering, arts,...
College Autism Summit Returns to Nashville for Biggest Summit Yet!
Oct. 30, 2023—The College Autism Network returned this year to Vanderbilt University’s Student Life Center for the largest summit yet, the 7th College Autism Summit, with the theme ‘Finding a Balance.’ The College Autism Summit gathers nationwide educators, researchers, advocates, and other professionals together to discuss tensions and opportunities in the college autism space over three days in October. This...
HCA Healthcare National Disability Employment Awareness Month; Highlights Partnership with TPI
Oct. 30, 2023—One of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare, celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month with an article highlighting neurodiversity employment opportunity efforts across their organizations. A highlighted effort included FCAI partner The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), showcasing the September announcement of the expansion of TPI’s neurodiversity employment program in Nashville. “We’re proud to work with TPI to help...
College Autism Summit Returning to Vanderbilt University October 18-20 2023
Sep. 30, 2023— We are so proud to be the home of the College Autism Network and so happy to announce the return of the College Autism Summit to the Student Life Center at Vanderbilt University from October 18-20. In just two and a half weeks, we will join scholars, practitioners, administrators, employers, and self-advocates to discuss evidence-driven strategies that help...
Frist Center Partners with InclYOUsion Summit 2023; Sees 110,000 Participants on Livestream Over Three Days
Sep. 23, 2023—On 20th – 23rd September 2023, the Frist Center partnered with Indian non-profit Kidskintha to conduct the first International Neurodiversity at Work conference. The conference, which the Frist Center also sponsored, saw 47 speakers across 8 time zones speak about neurodiversity in the workplace. Themes such as education, transitions to work, success strategies, and global initiatives for...
Frist Center Researchers Seeking to Aid Neurodiverse Adults Receive Prestigious NSF CIVIC Stage 2 Award
Sep. 21, 2023—Two Frist Center researchers are part of a collaborative effort receiving a distinguished Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Stage 2 Award from the National Science Foundation that the team will use to improve equity for neurodiverse adults by completing and commercializing a novel virtual reality driving instruction system that will help autistic adults have the independence they need...
Partnership with The Precisionists: Career Opportunities for 500 Neurodiverse Individuals in Nashville
Sep. 20, 2023—On September 19th, FCAI partner The Precisionists announced the expansion of their neurodiversity employment program to Nashville, with an event hosted at the Frist Center. The event was led by Director Keivan Stassun, with remarks from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and a quote from the Governor of Tennessee. Through their partnership with the Frist...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Interviewed for CMA Today Article
Aug. 7, 2023—Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for an article released in CMA today entitled “Opening Minds: Unlock Strategies for Making Workplaces Inclusive of Neurodiversity”. Part of the article discusses accommodations in the workplace and how accommodations are often provided, unconsciously, for everyone. Dr. Caudel makes this point clear when...
FCAI Deputy Director Interviewed for Neurodiversity Empowerment YouTube
Jul. 24, 2023—Last week, Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for Episode 88 of the Dr. Gwen Empowered YouTube channel. This YouTube channel seeks to “empower neurodiverse and disabled individuals, their support systems, and anyone who deeply cares about this community.” Dr. Caudel was interviewed about how FCAI is working to transform...
Recording Available for FCAI June Webinar
Jul. 4, 2023—On June 29, 2023, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation monthly webinar series partnered with virtual reality company Floreo to discuss Workforce Skill Development and Virtual Reality. The panel was moderated by FCAI project coordinator Jessica Schonhut-Stasik and included four panelists (see bios below). We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation from these enthusiastic...
Frist Center Faculty Fellow Tyler Derr wins prestigious NSF CAREER award
Jun. 16, 2023—Tyler Derr, assistant professor of computer science and a Frist Center Faculty Fellow, has been awarded a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. Read the press release here: https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/news/2023/vanderbilt-researcher-wins-nsf-career-award-to-close-a-gap-in-network-analysis-by-better-modeling-negative-online-interactions-like-unfollowing-and-blocking/
FCAI Project Coordinator, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, is Guest on Square Pegs Podcast
May. 26, 2023—“Square Pegs,” is a thought-provoking podcast with engaging content and insightful discussions, surrounding the experiences of neurodiverse graduate students. With a keen focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, Arash Zaghi brings together a wide range of guests who challenge societal norms and share their unique perspectives. On the latest episode of Square Pegs, Arash interviews...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun One of Four Vanderbilt VUMC Faculty to be Elected as AAAS Members
May. 1, 2023—The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the election of four Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty among its 2023 cohort of 270 new members, including Frist Center for Autism and Innovation director Keivan Stassun. The academy is an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Application OPEN!
Apr. 18, 2023—We are thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) graduate fellowship for the upcoming academic year. NISE is a unique fellowship program that seeks to advance the field of science and engineering by embracing the strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals. Fellows will receive financial support and...
Project PEACES Receives Prestigious Spencer Foundation Grant
Apr. 5, 2023—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation extends the warmest congratulations to Brad Cox, Associate Professor of Higher Education at Florida State University, and Brett Nachman, Assistant Professor of adult and lifelong learning in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, whose team has been awarded the prestigious Spencer Foundation...
Deputy Director of FCAI, Tim Vogus, Appears on News Channel 5
Apr. 2, 2023—Last week, our deputy directory Tim Vogus appeared on an episode of Openline through News Channel 5 Nashville, to discuss the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and take callers’ questions. In his interview, Tim discusses the history and work of the Frist Center, before moving on to answer callers’ questions. We especially loved hearing...
Floreo Launches Immersive Learning Program to Bring VR to Neurodiverse Students
Mar. 28, 2023—We are thrilled to announce that the wonderful behavioral therapy metaverse, Floreo, has launched its Immersive Learning Program, a unique opportunity for schools to bring Floreo to neurodiverse students. In collaboration with Meta, the program is for neurodiverse students ages 13+ and includes free Meta Quest 2 headsets for schools. In addition, Floreo are providing...
Frist Center and Mentra Team Up For Webinar About Accommodations (March 21)
Mar. 19, 2023—The team at the Frist Center are teaming up with our colleagues at the neurodiversity recruitment network Mentra for our first collaborative webinar! Not one to miss! We will start with a talk by Mentra CEO Jhillika Kumar about accommodation resources before moving on to a panel of experts in education and employment to discuss best...
Frist Center Director and Project Manager Featured in Physics Today Article on Accessibility
Mar. 2, 2023—This month’s edition of Physics Today, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Physics and the world’s most influential and closely followed physics magazine, featured the Frist Center’s Director Keivan Stassun, and Frist Center project manager and doctoral candidate in astronomy, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik. The article discusses the growing attention to accessibility for physicists and...
Frist Center seeking applications for new fellows, affiliates
Feb. 14, 2023—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation has announced its 2023 call for membership, which allows Vanderbilt faculty and staff to apply to become affiliates or fellows of the Center. The work of current fellows and affiliates has resulted in multi-million-dollar grants and was recently highlighted nationally on CBS’s 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper. Frist...
Frist Center’s Autism Summer Internship Open for Applications!
Jan. 31, 2023—The Frist Center is excited to announce applications are now open for our Autism Summer Internship Program. The program is open to undergraduate students who identify as neurodiverse (either through formal or self-diagnosis). Through this internship, successful applicants will undergo a STEM project with a faculty mentor, under the guidance of the Frist Center for...
Frist Center Director Keivan Stassun Appointed to National Science Board by President Biden
Jan. 28, 2023—The Frist Center is excited to announce that director Keivan Stassun has been appointed to the National Science Board. The National Science Board was created, along with the National Science Foundation (NSF) but the National Science Foundation Act of 1950. The National Science Board, along with the NSF director pursue the goals and function of the...
Applications Open for Python Bootcamp
Jan. 25, 2023—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce applications are open for the second year of our summer program Aspie Bootcamp: Python. Our free, virtual, summer coding camp. This online course was created by and for autistic and neurodivergent folks who want to learn the basics of coding in the programming language...
Frist Center featured on NPR’s “This Is Nashville.”
Dec. 7, 2022—The Frist Center for Autism & Innovation is truly excited about the upcoming premiere of the documentary film, In a Different Key, airing nationally on PBS on Tuesday, December 13. We have several exciting events to promote this premiere coming up next week. On Monday, 12th December, This Is Nashville on NPR’s WPLN News station...
“In A Different Key” Premieres December 13th
Nov. 28, 2022—We at the Frist Center are excited to support the release of a new PBS documentary, “In A Different Key.” Throughout the rest of November and into December, we will post great content about this upcoming premiere, the documentary, and the story it tells. Follow us on Instagram at @fcai.vanderbilt and Facebook for some sneak...
Frist Center Driver Training Project receives CIVIC Grant from NSF
Oct. 26, 2022—On October 17, The Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) — a partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) — announced 56 teams of civic and academic partners to be awarded Stage 1 Planning Grants of $50,000 to “support the strengthening of their partnerships and plans for ready-to-implement, research-based pilot...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Attends White House’s ADA Event
Oct. 7, 2022—Hari Srinivasan, Neurodiversity in Science and Engineering (NISE) Fellow, was invited to the White House on Wednesday, 28th September. The event celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which President Joe Biden co-sponsored as a bill in 1990. This Vanderbilt University neuroscience graduate student shook hands with the president twice and...
FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel on Innovation Research Interchange Podcast
Sep. 19, 2022—Earlier this month, Frist Center Associate Director Dave Caudel was interviewed by the Innovation Research Interchange podcast, which aims to “cultivates resources for the innovation leaders”. Click here to listen!
Frist Center to Host 2022 Autism Summit – Register Today!
Aug. 27, 2022—The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce that this year’s College Autism Summit will be hosted at Vanderbilt University from 12th – 14th October. The College Autism Summit is organized by the College Autism Network, a collection of researchers, colleges, self-advocates, and other stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access,...
Frist Center wins big NSF grant to support neurodiverse engineers
Aug. 4, 2022—The Vanderbilt School of Engineering’s Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, working in partnership with Fisk University, has won a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a system of programs to support neurodiverse students in engineering majors and careers. The Autism Self-advocacy Center for Equity and Neurodiversity in Engineering (A-SCENE) at...
Frist Center researchers publish study on depression and employment
Jul. 14, 2022—Two Frist Center Faculty Fellows, Drs. Jessica Schwartzman and Blythe Corbett, have published a new literature review on depression and employment outcomes in autism. The paper’s abstract is copied below and is available at this link. Abstract Autistic adults face elevated risks for depression and unemployment, yet a systematic review of studies on the intersection...