News

VINSE NanoGuides Darby Heffer and Madison Walker were recognized through the American Chemical Society (ACS) Graduate Student Recognition Program at ACS Fall 2026. The program recognizes graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for exemplary achievements in leadership and service within the chemical sciences. Heffer was… Read More

VINSE brought nanoscale science to life at the 2026 Tennessee Maker Fest on September 26, hosted by the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University. Through interactive demonstrations led by VINSE NanoGuides, visitors explored how nanoscale science and fabrication techniques shape the technologies around us. Festival-goers participated in three hands-on activities showcasing… Read More

DISSERTATION DEFENSE Theodore Anyika, Electrical and Computer Engineering *under the supervision of Justus Ndukaife “Multiphysics Nanotweezers for Manipulation and Characterization of Individual Nanoparticles: From Nanoplastics to Extracellular Vesicles” 9.29.26 | 10:00 am | 308 Featheringill Hall | Zoom Devices that enable single-particle trapping, manipulation, and characterization have become… Read More

Emma Bartelsen Graduate Student, Interdisciplinary Materials Science Caldwell Research Group I was inspired to pursue research in nanophotonics after taking Introduction to Spectroscopic Methods with my advisor, Dr. Joshua Caldwell. Learning how light–matter interactions allow us to probe materials, manipulate light, and develop technologies for sensing, communications,… Read More

Congratulations to Jason Valentine, VINSE Deputy Director and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, for receiving his second Chancellor’s Award for Research. Presented annually to up to 10 faculty, the Chancellor’s Award for Research recognizes excellence in published research, scholarship, or creative expression. The award celebrates outstanding work that advances knowledge,… Read More

DISSERTATION DEFENSE Matthew Vasuta, Interdisciplinary Materials Science *under the supervision of Kane Jennings “Multicomponent Thin Films and Membranes by Combined Spin Coating and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization” 9.21.26 | 1:00 pm | 209 Furman Hall Thermally driven separations such as distillation necessitate large energy demands, motivating the development of selective… Read More

Interdisciplinary Materials Science Ph.D. students Vikash Khokhar and Andrew Steiner received Outstanding Poster Awards at the 4th International MXene Conference, held Aug. 20-22, 2026, in Chicago. Both Steiner and Khokhar are Ph.D. students in Vanderbilt University’s Interdisciplinary Materials Science program and conduct research under the direction of Dr. De-en Jiang… Read More

Mark your calendars! VINSE and Interdisciplinary Materials Science (IMS) are co-hosting a tailgate party on Saturday, November 14, before the Alabama vs. Vanderbilt football game. Kickoff time has not yet been announced, but we encourage you to save the date. Join us at Tailgate Lot 2 for hot… Read More

A new VINSE shirt designed by Sarah Ross showcases the many areas connected through nanoscience. With nano at the center of what we do, the design highlights key research thrusts at VINSE: materials, energy, biology, medicine, computation, electronics, quantum science, and optics. The design reflects the interdisciplinary nature of… Read More

We are excited to introduce Alexis Alvarez, our newest member of the VINSE Tech Crew. Alexis, class of 2029, is majoring in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Nanoscience. He joined Tech Crew in Fall 2026 and is eager to deepen his understanding of nanoscience and how it’s shaping future… Read More