Research

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center are excited to present a distinguished lecture by Prof. Santoshi Halder, Ph.D., current Fulbright Scholar in Residence at Bluefield State University, on December 10, 2024. The presentation, “Exploring Autism Traits and Addressing their Challenges and… 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

FCAI Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Hari Srinivasan has been awarded the 2024 Autistic and Neurodivergent Scholars Working for Equity in Research (ANSWER) Scholars Program Award for his project “Navigating the Near: Virtual Reality Investigations of Peripersonal Space in Autism.” Srinivasan will receive a $10,000 award next… Read More

Check out the groundbreaking commentary “Recruiting and Retaining Autistic Talent in STEMM” by Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow Amber Crabtree, with collaboration from FCAI fellow AJ Hinton and FCAI Associate Director Dave Caudel. Published in iScience, the article addresses the… Read More

With great pride, we announce the selection of graduate student and FCAI NISE Fellow Amber Crabtreeas the recipient of the prestigious Fisk-Vanderbilt postdoctoral fellowship. This achievement is a testament to Amber’s hard work and the guidance she has received from her mentors, including FCAI Fellow AJ Hinton… Read More

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… Read More

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:… Read More

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… Read More

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,… Read More