Research
Vanderbilt University Native Meadow flourishing with collaborative research projects
Apr. 29, 2024—Tucked behind the 6 Magnolia Building on Vanderbilt’s Peabody Campus is what might look to some like a lush garden of weeds. In reality, it’s a strategic Native Meadow full of pollinator-friendly plants. Funded by the Vanderbilt Green Fund in 2021, students proposed filling a meadow with plants native to the Tennessee/Nashville area to increase...
Tapping into the past
Apr. 29, 2024—With a prestigious new grant, archaeologist Ari Caramanica will explore what ancient people can teach us about dealing with the most pressing environmental issue of our time. By Michael Blanding Among the dry hills of the north coast of Peru are massive earth mounds that appear to be natural features. Archaeologist Ari Caramanica has revealed them...
Seven Vanderbilt faculty members named fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Apr. 25, 2024—After a rigorous nomination and review process, seven distinguished Vanderbilt University professors were named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The class of 2023, announced on April 18, included 502 scientists, engineers and innovators spanning all 24 of the AAAS disciplinary sections who were recognized for their scientific achievements. “At Vanderbilt, we’re...
Vanderbilt University launches sustainable lab program
Apr. 18, 2024—The new Vanderbilt Sustainable Labs program, an initiative from Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability in the Division of Administration, provides guidance and a voluntary certification designation for laboratory members to reduce the environmental impact of their lab activities. Laboratory spaces traditionally consume about five times more energy per square foot than standard office spaces, making them a crucial...
Vanderbilt creates Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate
Apr. 1, 2024—Vanderbilt University will harness its global expertise in scientific discovery, technological innovation, public policy, law and education to launch the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC). The multimillion-dollar investment follows a recommendation by an interdisciplinary working group to address the crucial societal challenge of ensuring a sustainable world. It is the latest center...
Voluntary Household Actions Contribute 40% of Cumulative Emissions Reductions under the IIJA and IRA
Mar. 4, 2024—The role of household actions in reducing carbon emissions worldwide has been hotly debated, but the United States data confirm their significance. In 2021, households accounted for roughly one third of U.S. CO2 emissions, with the residential sector representing over 19% and passenger and light duty vehicles representing another 22%. A new paper from Vanderbilt...
Vanderbilt highlights smart mobility research, innovative solutions at Nashville expo
Dec. 5, 2023—Over the next two days, leaders from across the state will convene at Nashville’s Music City Center, where the latest advancements in smart mobility will be experienced firsthand. Vanderbilt is a sponsor and a participant in the event, where faculty and students will exhibit the latest in their smart mobility research and innovation work. The...
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...