‘Biological Sciences’
Heard that Bird: Creanza Lab develops free curriculum to teach birdsong identification
Jun. 28, 2024—Since 2020, a question has nagged at Nicole Creanza: What type of bird is singing in the background of Taylor Swift and Bon Iver’s song “Exile”? Creanza, associate professor of biological sciences, is an expert in the evolution of human language and bird songs, but she also enjoys trying to identify popular music by ear....
Ph.D. Candidate Lantana Grub wins NDSEG Fellowship
Jul. 5, 2022—Second-year biological sciences Ph.D. student Lantana Grub has been named to the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (NDSEG). The incredibly competitive program awarded just 165 of 3,142 applicants this year. The program supports students working toward doctoral degrees in science and engineering whose study has relevance to the...
Vanderbilt Debate overcomes COVID-19 challenges to break new ground in civic engagement
Jan. 22, 2021—One year ago, Sahil “Sael” Soni ’21, a chemistry and economics double major, had just returned from a blue-ribbon performance in Vanderbilt Debate’s first-ever international competition. He was looking forward to finishing the 2019-2020 season on a high note, as were his teammates. For the last 30 years, Vanderbilt Debate has been a national leader,...
Antonis Rokas elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Dec. 9, 2020—Antonis Rokas, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Biological Sciences, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The lifetime honor, first awarded in 1874, recognizes pre-eminent scientists who engage in pioneering research; excel at teaching, mentoring, and collaborating; and advance public understanding of science. The AAAS said in a...
Friedman lab finds unexpected opportunities in COVID-adjusted research activities
Nov. 30, 2020—When Vanderbilt ramped down research activities early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friedman Lab was better-positioned than many. Led by Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Biological Sciences Katherine Friedman, the lab conducts cell-based research on DNA replication and repair. Experiments run for just one week at a time, so Friedman and her staff were...
Persistence in a pandemic: College of Arts and Science students complete enriching summer experiences in science-based art, research
Oct. 16, 2020—Though the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled many students’ original summer plans, College of Arts and Science students adapted quickly. Through technology, creativity, and determination, they found ways to expand their horizons and continue preparing for life after Vanderbilt. Juniors Navya Thakkar, Skylar Cuevas, and Natalie Elliott all used their summers to complete hands-on research and art...
Biological Sciences Ph.D. Student Finds Creative Outlet in Science-Themed Art
Jun. 30, 2020—It’s no surprise that Jacob Steenwyk became interested in art at a young age. Both his parents are artists: his father served as art director for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his mother was a recognized art critic who has published in major magazines in the Philippines. Steenwyk loved making art as a child and...
Brandt Eichman Wins International Biochemistry Award
May. 8, 2020—William R. Kenan, Jr. Chair Brandt Eichman has been named the recipient of the Biochemical Society’s 2021 International Award for outstanding and independent research that demonstrates the importance of the molecular biosciences. The Biochemical Society, the UK’s leading organization of biochemists, gives the award each year to an early- to mid-career scientist who has conducted...
Biological Sciences Lecturer Converts Lab Course to Teach Students About Coronavirus
Apr. 21, 2020—When Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences Thomas Clements first came to Vanderbilt, he realized right away that he would have to be intentional about connecting with his students. His fall teaching load typically includes BiSci 1510, an intro-level lecture that sometimes draws hundreds of students, and he wanted them to feel like more than just...
Biological Sciences, Psychology Faculty Named Among Top Researchers in U.S. and Canada
Apr. 8, 2020—Two College of Arts and Science faculty members have been named Alfred P. Sloan Foundation 2020 Research Fellows. Assistant Professor of Psychology Antonia Kaczkurkin and Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Ann Tate will each receive a $75,000 award, which can be used over a two-year term to support their research. They were among a small...