‘Natural Sciences’
How One Mathematical Theory Could Unlock Consciousness | inter+SECTIONS (Student Research Series)
Apr. 28, 2023—Undergraduate students at A&S have unique opportunities to conduct a wide range of research, discovery, and scholarship during their time on campus. As an undergraduate researcher, Pax Poggi BA’25 studies the intersection of mathematics and consciousness. Hear about his work with the integrated information theory of consciousness, the first mathematical framework for evaluating awareness.
Paving the Way: Developing future leaders in science
Feb. 11, 2022—On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, listen to some of our talented faculty describe how they’re helping to mold future generations of scientists and make the field more inclusive.
Rate of Change: Sandra Rosenthal & the Patterns of Bipolar Disorder
Oct. 5, 2021—Sandra Rosenthal, Jack and Pamela Egan Chair and professor of chemistry, shares how her personal struggle with bipolar disorder has influenced her research.
Former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen talks problem-solving, cross-cultural respect at physics colloquium
Apr. 20, 2021—The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosted former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen at an April 8 colloquium attended by students, faculty, and other members of the Vanderbilt community. In a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees, Bredesen shared the value of scientific frameworks for problem-solving and emphasized the need for cross-cultural respect in...
Renã Robinson: Helping others through the power of research and representation
Feb. 11, 2021—For Associate Professor of Chemistry Renã Robinson, science has long been about helping people. She was an avid scientist-in-training throughout her childhood and went to college intending to become a cardiac surgeon. But when she got close to the end of her undergraduate career, she said, “I realized I just didn’t have another 12 years...
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...
The Power of Mentoring: Susan Gessner Stewart, BS’90
Jul. 20, 2020—When Susan Gessner Stewart, BS’90, first came to the College of Arts and Science, her mind was firmly grounded on this planet—in the world of architecture, to be precise. Then a string of unexpected circumstances led her to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where one professor’s mentoring changed the path of her life. Now...
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...