Media
Frist Center for Autism & Innovation Convenes Inaugural NeuroCorps Cohort
Nov. 12, 2025—The Frist Center for Autism & Innovation (FCAI) at Vanderbilt University is proud to announce the successful convening of the inaugural NeuroCorps cohort on Monday and Tuesday this week. This brand-new program brings together six neurodivergent leaders, entrepreneurs, and business and non-profit leaders, comprising staff and visiting scholars, to advance neuroinclusion in the workplace and...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Guests on Imperfect Leaders Podcast
Sep. 23, 2025—On September 7th, FCAI Director Keivan Stassun guested on the Imperfect Leaders Podcast, hosted by Jeffrey Cohn. From the Imperfect Leaders website: “There is no such thing as a perfect leader. We invite the country’s most admired leaders to talk about their imperfections and leadership journey.” Listen to the episode at this link or wherever...
FCAI Fellow Amber Crabtree Featured on CBS This Morning Alongside FCAI
Aug. 1, 2025—We would love to extend our congratulations to Amber Crabtree, PhD Candidate and Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, candidly discussing her experience of autism, sensory issues, her research, and the importance of it on CBS’s This Morning. This piece also features the Frist Center Director, Keivan...
FCAI Partner TACT in Dedicated Episode of Mike Rowe’s New Show “People You Should Know”
May. 27, 2025—We are so excited to share that TACT, one of our partner organizations, is featured in a dedicated episode of Mike Rowe’s new show, “People You Should Know.” Watching this episode will give you a tour around TACT’s new 19,000 sqft facility, introduce you to some of the many awesome students that TACT train, and...
NISE Fellow Hari Srinivasan Co-Authors Foreword with Temple Grandin in Autism for Dummies
May. 25, 2025—We want to extend our deepest congratulations to Hari Srinivasan, one of our Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) fellows. Hari co-authored the foreword for the new book Autism for Dummies with Temple Grandin. Hari’s section of the foreword is provided below, along with a link for those interested in buying the book. Congratulations again,...
Vanderbilt Magazine Article Tells Story of FCAI and Autism Research
May. 24, 2025—We are thrilled to announce the release of an exciting article in Vanderbilt Magazine celebrating the groundbreaking work of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation! By highlighting our mission to empower neurodivergent and autistic individuals and spotlighting the dedication and passion of our director and staff, this article is a testament to the incredible...
Free Nashville Movie Screening of Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis
Apr. 17, 2025—We are excited to advertise a free viewing of the new documentary “Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis” in Nashville this month. This movie dives into a struggle many with autism face: gaining employment and remaining employed. Following the movie, there will be a panel discussion and open forum on the challenges faced by...
Media Covers $7 Million in Canceled Grants to FCAI
Mar. 13, 2025—Due to funding cuts to the National Science Foundation made after the executive orders in the last several weeks, FCAI has lost $7 million in expected federal grant funding, and along with it some of our cornerstone programs for national impact. The $7 million in funding had been rigorously reviewed by NSF and was authorized...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Wins Highest Science Award in the US
Jan. 5, 2025—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 work being done at the Frist Center,...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun Featured on the NSF Discovery Files Podcast
Dec. 2, 2024—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 the significance of neurodiversity in driving innovative...