Research
Vanderbilt researchers explore new science education approach to build youths’ agency amid climate anxiety
Nov. 29, 2023—By Jenna Somers Heidi Carlone A three-year, nearly $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation supports a trans-institutional research team at Vanderbilt University investigating an innovative approach to STEM education that could help young people develop STEM identities and agency amidst climate anxiety. Children around the world experience growing levels of climate anxiety as they witness the worsening...
Vanderbilt sophomore attends release of National Climate Assessment at the White House
Nov. 27, 2023—Gabrielle Beck, a sophomore studying neuroscience and environmental policy, attended the release of the fifth annual National Climate Assessment on Nov. 14 after receiving an all-expense-paid invitation from program Director Allison Crimmins. The National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report released by the White House every four years, provides scientific information about climate change risks, impacts and responses...
Vanderbilt welcomes ORNL researchers for collaborative climate and justice workshop
Oct. 30, 2023—Vanderbilt hosted the Vanderbilt University–Oak Ridge National Laboratory Workshop on Climate Change and Environmental Justice on Oct. 9, welcoming ORNL researchers for a dynamic discussion on the climate change research the organizations are undertaking and to explore potential collaborations. The workshop, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, was the...
From blackberry juice solar cells to forensic labs: VINSE outreach is shaping the next generation of scientists
Oct. 19, 2023—There’s a good chance many Middle Tennessee high school kids know more about nanotechnology than you do thanks to the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, which has been making strides in its educational outreach for more than a decade. VINSE’s mission is to drive innovation in science, nanotechnology and education that benefits society. ...
Vanderbilt contributes civil engineering and operational expertise to Nashville mayor’s climate adaptation and resilience plan
Sep. 26, 2023—Vanderbilt faculty and staff have been key contributors to a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan that was released by Metro Nashville on Sept. 19. Jaclyn Mothupi, director of social innovation at the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, and Janey Camp, research professor of civil and environmental engineering, co-chaired the subcommittee on adaptation and resilience as part of Mayor John Cooper’s Sustainability...
Jonathan Gilligan receives 2023–24 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Aug. 18, 2023—Jonathan Gilligan, Vanderbilt University professor of earth and environmental sciences and of civil and environmental engineering, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the 2023–24 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Gilligan will be the visiting Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Digital Technologies and Sustainability...
Vanderbilt hosts SmartComp 2023, prestigious IEEE international conference on smart computing
Jul. 28, 2023—Vanderbilt University recently hosted the ninth Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Conference on Smart Computing, a reflection of the university’s leading role in AI and its involvement in advanced smart community projects. Organized with the support of the Institute for Software Integrated Systems, the conference drew a diverse mix of academics, community leaders and professionals from across...
New study in ‘Nature Water’ demonstrates a vastly more sustainable, cost-effective method to desalinate industrial wastewater
Jun. 22, 2023—Vanderbilt researchers are part of a team that has developed a cutting-edge method that seeks to make the removal of salt from hypersaline industrial wastewater far more energy-efficient and cost-effective. While desalination through reverse osmosis has made tremendous strides—allowing for salt removal from seawater for less than a penny per gallon—it still falls short in...
Philips and Vanderbilt University Medical Center unite to define roadmap for decarbonizing radiology
Jun. 16, 2023—From the VUMC Reporter Amsterdam-based Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have announced a collaboration that aims to reduce the health system’s carbon footprint while determining a blueprint to guide industry efforts. The project is with VUMC’s Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, where efforts will focus on...
Vanderbilt part of coalition awarded $1M engine development award to advance sustainable manufacturing and supply chain innovation
May. 19, 2023—Vanderbilt University, in partnership with other institutions across Tennessee and Kentucky, has been awarded $1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program. The team’s proposal, “Advancing carbon-centric circular economy technologies for advanced manufacturing solutions (KY, TN),” is led by a coalition named Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME...