outreach

A young woman presents a bright pink scientific poster titled "Genomic comparison of Aspergillus..." to a small group of adults in a hallway with gray brick walls and fluorescent lighting. She gestures animatedly while explaining her work. The group listens attentively, their backs partially turned to the camera.

Vanderbilt Trainees Bring Evolution Education to Classrooms Across Tennessee

Jun. 6, 2025—By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator From rural high schools to elementary classrooms, trainees of the Evolutionary Studies Initiative (ESI) are bringing evolutionary science directly to the next generation. On May 9, a team of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers visited McGavock Elementary School in Nashville to lead a series of hands-on science activities...

National Center for Science Education Hosts Conference at Vanderbilt University

Jul. 19, 2023—By: Andy Flick, Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator The National Center for Science Education supports teachers in accurately conveying what can often be seen as the difficult or even politicized concepts in science. Making strides to help teachers understand topics like climate change and evolution are high priorities for the organization. This year, NCSE chose Vanderbilt...

New outreach partnership with Dismas House

Mar. 16, 2023—By Dr. Andy Flick Evolutionary Studies scientific coordinator This spring, a new partnership formed between Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt and Dismas House, a residential reentry program for men leaving Tennessee state prisons and jails. Dr. Kyle David, a postdoctoral researcher in the Rokas lab, founded this partnership with coordination from Natalie McMillan, program coordinator for...