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Center for Global Democracy extends the work begun by LAPOP Lab

Sep. 18, 2024—The College of Arts and Science has launched the Center for Global Democracy, a premier social science institute dedicated to pioneering research and innovation in democratic politics around the world. Noam Lupu, professor of political science, directs the new center. Public support for democracy and trust in democratic institutions is eroding across many parts of...

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Michelle Young: Modeling ethical practices in Peruvian archaeology

Aug. 20, 2024—By Ann Marie Deer Owens When Vanderbilt archaeologist Michelle Young travels to the Peruvian Andes to study  ancient Indigenous societies, her itinerary is filled with much more than field surveys and excavations. “I put a priority on forging local partnerships based on communication and mutual respect with the Quechua-speaking and mestizo (mixed Indigenous-European) communities in...

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Analyzing Evolutionary Trade-Offs in Immune Systems: Computational Biology with Reese Martin

Aug. 6, 2024—By Nick McCoy, Evolutionary Studies undergraduate communications assistant  Reese Martin has always been drawn to biology and exploring the behaviors of different organisms. During his childhood, he dug in anthills, and now he observes the life history traits of flower beetles and other taxa. Martin’s new first-author paper, “Pleiotropy Alleviates the Fitness Costs Associated With...

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Auer, founder of the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation, has died

May. 23, 2024—James Auer, senior lecturer of Asian studies, emeritus, died May 16, 2024, as a result of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 82. Auer founded the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies and Cooperation at Vanderbilt in 1988, which was an active hub promoting cooperation between the two countries in the areas of economics, national security, and...

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Vanderbilt scientists develop an algae time machine, advancing biomedicine

May. 13, 2024—Carl H. Johnson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Biological Sciences, along with a team of Vanderbilt scientists, have succeeded in adjusting the daily biological clock of cyanobacteria, making the blue-green algae a more prolific producer of renewable fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, like insulin. The ultimate solar-powered machines, cyanobacteria are like tiny workshops churning out everything from...

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Students help build a more equitable coffee supply chain through innovative design challenge

Apr. 29, 2024—By Ann Marie Deer Owens Imagine going to a coffee shop and ordering your favorite drink. You see a QR code next to your menu item. The code’s link connects you to global music from where the coffee beans were grown, as well as information about the local farmers who harvested the beans. That is...

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Cognitive scientist and respected leader Tim McNamara named dean of College of Arts and Science

Apr. 18, 2024—Vanderbilt University has named Timothy P. McNamara, a visionary leader, trusted peer and mentor, as Ginny and Conner Searcy Dean of the College of Arts and Science. McNamara’s appointment for a two-year term, announced by C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, follows McNamara’s exemplary service as interim dean since July 2023. 

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CLACX: A legacy and future of leadership and evolution

Apr. 5, 2024—For more than 75 years, Vanderbilt has been a pioneer in the study of the Americas, forging new paths to innovate, shape, and advance the field. Now, the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACX) once again finds itself at the forefront, driving important changes in education, research, and programming, both at the...

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15 years of the Beckman Scholars Program: Providing unparalleled undergrad research opportunities

Apr. 2, 2024—The highly selective Beckman Scholars Program is celebrating 15 years of partnership with the College of Arts and Science. Over the years, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation has provided more than $543,000 in support of 23 undergraduate Beckman Scholars at Vanderbilt who engage in unique, hands-on, mentored research. The Beckman Scholars Program (BSP) supports...

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McLean awarded Herty Medal for chemistry achievements, distinguished service

Mar. 25, 2024—John A. McLean, Stevenson Professor of Chemistry and dean of graduate education and research in the College of Arts and Science, has been named the winner of this year’s Charles H. Herty Medal by the Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society. The award recognizes outstanding work and service by a chemist in the Southeast....

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