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A Note From The Director
On behalf of the entire VINSE team, I wish you all the best for the New Year 2025. We start the year off with great news that we have been awarded an NSF instrumentation grant for a new electron beam lithography system. We have also begun the design process for renovating the bio bay in the cleanroom to become a world-class laboratory for studying ancient DNA. Dr. Jim Crowe and Dr. Katie Van Schaik will lead the new ancient DNA activities in VINSE. We are also thrilled to be working with the 12 inaugural VINSE Industry Affiliates Program (IAP) members – stayed tuned as we announce IAP lunch-and-learn seminars and other activities later this semester and be sure to check out the IAP job board if you are interested in job and internship positions. Also, mark your calendars for the VINSE Friends and Family Day on April 5th, which is an event not to be missed. Finally, let me give a shout out to the tremendous efforts of the VINSE staff, Tech Crew, Superusers, and NanoGuides, without whom VINSE could not carry out our impactful research, immersive education, and STEM outreach initiatives.  Have a great semester!
- Sharon Weiss, Director, VINSE 
Ancient DNA Lab Coming to VINSE Cleanroom
VINSE is excited to announce the addition of a state-of-the-art laboratory within its Cleanroom, dedicated to studying ancient DNA. This innovative facility, launching in late 2025, will advance research into human longevity, disease evolution, and pandemic preparedness, building on Vanderbilt’s commitment to groundbreaking interdisciplinary biomedical research.
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VINSE Faculty Receive NSF Funding for New Electron Beam Lithography Tool
VINSE faculty have been awarded $965,000 by the National Science Foundation to acquire a state-of-the-art 50 kV electron beam lithography tool, enhancing research and education at Vanderbilt. This advanced equipment will be housed in the VINSE cleanroom and foster groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and unique educational opportunities for students.
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Introducing the 12 Inaugural Members of the VINSE Industry Affiliates Program 
We are excited to announce the successful launch of the VINSE Industry Affiliates Program (IAP) in Fall 2024 with 12 inaugural members. This new initiative will foster dynamic collaborations between VINSE and industry leaders. At the IAP kick-off reception and first annual meeting, IAP members had the opportunity to strategize with VINSE leadership, learn about cutting-edge research initiatives in VINSE, and meet with more than 200 students, postdocs, and faculty in the VINSE community.
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2nd Friends & Family Day Coming This April 5th
Mark your calendars for this once-in-three-years event. Explore the world of nanoscience through hands-on demonstrations and exclusive VINSE facility tours. Don't miss the chance to gown up and step into the cleanroom, visit the Advanced Imaging Suite, Analytical Support Core, and experience 3D printing in action!
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Celebrating Our Tech Crew Seniors:  Honoring their dedication and achievements
VINSE celebrates the achievements of our three Tech Crew senior students - Sarah Driscoll Ellis, Will Ford, and David Guiracocha - who will be graduating this spring. Their contributions to research and operations in the cleanroom have been integral to VINSE’s success. From advancing clean energy to bridging medicine and nanoscience, and innovating in microfluidics, each student has shown leadership, dedication, and passion, leaving a lasting impact on both VINSE and the broader community.
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VINSE Researcher Highlights
- Dr. Bashiyar Almarwani, Tennessee State University
- Nathaniel Karom, Physics and Astronomy
- Guodong Zhu, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Vivian Nwosu-Madueke, Interdisciplinary Materials Science 
Explore Opportunities on the VINSE Job Board
Did you know that VINSE has a job board featuring opportunities with our industry partners? Be sure to check out the latest postings from Jana Care and Sensorium Technological Laboratories.
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VINSE livestreamed on Building Stuff with NOVA
Did you catch the VINSE Cleanroom showcased on Building Stuff with NOVA? During the October livestream, the VINSE team demonstrated cleanroom operations and highlighted nanoscale research conducted by Vanderbilt University students. If you missed the livestream, here is your chance to watch it.
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Registration for Summer Short Courses Now Open
VINSE is offering four professional development short courses this summer:  Atomic Force Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Microelectronic Devices, and Microfluidic Device Fabrication. These courses are open to everyone, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand your skills.  Class sizes are limited, so register early! 
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VINSE Cleanroom Extends Consumable Supply Options for Core Facility Users
In an effort to better support fabrication and characterization efforts, VINSE is expanding its consumable supply offerings for core facility users. Beginning in January 2025, cleanroom users will be able to purchase 3-inch silicon wafers and cleanroom-compatible lab notebooks, in addition to other essential supplies.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
VINSE FACULTY
IN THE NEWS

Wellington Pham named NAI Fellow

Episode 11 | Meet Our Faculty: William Fissell

Justus Ndukaife promoted to Associate Professor

Todd Giorgio receives $3.3m ARPA-H award

Xiaoguang Dong awarded NIH Trailblazer

VINSE STUDENTS
IN THE NEWS

'24 REU Brennah Kennedy in Bucknell article

Jojo Pearson, IMS, featured in VU Athletics

'24 REU Kissamy Georges recognized in UMass news

Winners of 24th NanoDay! poster competition

Katja Diaz-Granados wins NanoDay! t-shirt design

VINSE NEW HIRES

Pasha Serrac
Cleanroom Engineer

Rylan Hunt
Tech Crew

Chloe McCulloch

Tech Crew

Sahpar Ozer
Tech Crew

24th NANODAY! PHOTOS
More NanoDay! Photos
2025 VINSE CALENDAR
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