VINSE Outreach

How can differences in designs alter the behavior of the fluid? On Thursday, February 12, 2026, VINSE welcomed 16 students from Lebanon High School to our Cleanroom Microfluidics Lab. They went inside the VINSE cleanroom, home of the cleanest air in Middle Tennessee, and found out with hands-on activities! The students… Read More

How do design choices impact the way fluids move? On Friday, February 6th, VINSE hosted 7 students from Summit High School in the Cleanroom Microfluidics Lab. During their visit, students entered the VINSE cleanroom, containing the cleanest air in Middle Tennessee, and participated in immersive, hands-on learning! They created microscopic… Read More

What secrets can a “crime scene” reveal if you know where to look? On Thursday, January 15th, VINSE welcomed 16 students from Giles County High School to our Forensics Lab for a hands-on investigation into the science behind solving mysteries. During the program, students tackled a whodunnit-themed challenge using… Read More

  Can you measure electricity generated by simply shining light on a solar cell? On Wednesday, November 19, VINSE welcomed 15 students from Station Camp High School to the Cleanroom Solar Cell Lab. Inside the VINSE… Read More

On Wednesday November 5th, VINSE welcomed 15 students from White House Heritage High School to our Forensics Lab. Imagine arriving as the first detective at a murder scene – how do find the hidden clues? The students became forensic scientists for the day, using a range of advanced spectroscopy… Read More

To share the excitement of making science on a tiny scale, the Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) participated in the Tennessee Maker Fest on October 4, hosted by the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt University. Guided by VINSE NanoGuides, festival attendees explored nanoscale… Read More

On Friday, October 3, the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) went retro for the RETROspective Rewind Way Late Play Date at the Adventure Science Center. VINSE hosted three interactive demonstrations that showcased pivotal nanoscience discoveries and innovations spanning the past 70 years—tailored for a curious… Read More

The program introduces students to core concepts in nanoengineering, including nanoparticle behavior, materials science, and nanoscale problem-solving. Students will participate in lectures, hands-on labs, and research activities alongside Vanderbilt faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. The course is led by instructors Greg Walker and Sarah Ross, with teaching support from… Read More

Middle Tennessee teachers — take your classroom beyond the textbook with the VINSE-VSVS Rural Teacher Program! Sign-ups are now open for the VINSE-VSVS Rural Teacher Program—apply by June 20th! This program provides middle school science teachers with hands-on lesson kits… Read More

On Wednesday, April 9, Dr. Christina McGahan from the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) visited the STEM club at Jonathan Edwards Classical Academy in Whites Creek, Tennessee, to present an overview of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Dr. McGahan shared her academic and professional journey, from having no background… Read More