News

We are thrilled to announce that our director, Dr. Keivan Stassun, has been awarded the prestigious National Medal of Science, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to astronomy and diversity, equity, and inclusion. This honor not only highlights Dr. Stassun’s individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on the vital… Read More

We are excited to announce the addition of the Neurodiversity Employment Toolkit to our resources page, a comprehensive resource designed for employers seeking to understand, recruit, and support neurodivergent talent. This Toolkit was expertly developed by a neurodiverse team, incorporating insights from individuals with lived experience, professionals in the… Read More

Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Dr. Keivan G. Stassun, a professor at Vanderbilt University, recently appeared on an episode of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Discovery Files podcast. In this episode, Dr. Stassun discusses his groundbreaking work in astronomy, efforts to enhance diversity in STEM fields, and… Read More

FCAI are excited to announce a free, hybrid, Autistic-led panel discussion titled “Introduction to Autistic Culture.” This event is the first in a series funded by HumanitiesTN and hosted by AutismTN. Additionally Associate Director Dave Caudel, a valued member of the AutismTN Advisory Board, is involved… Read More

We are thrilled to share that our Program and Communications manager, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, launched her non-profit, The Neuroverse Initiative (TNI), last week. This unique initiative operates at the intersection of space science and neurodiversity, with a mission to support neurodivergent space scientists in training, research, and advocacy. Read More

We are thrilled to announce that our Director, Keivan G. Stassun, has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “Genius Grant.” This incredible honor has been awarded to Director Stassun for his work “expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers for… Read More

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… Read More

Exhibitors filled the Student Life Center ballroom with excitement and buzz. 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.’… Read More

Kurt Jones, software testing analyst, works alongside colleagues from HCA Healthcare’s Information Technology Group. (Image from HCA). 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… Read More

  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… Read More