Diermeier, university leaders answer questions, share resources with VU community after Covenant School tragedy
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier hosted an online all-community meeting on Wednesday, March 29, to discuss the tragic shooting at The Covenant School on Monday, March 27. Diermeier was joined by fellow university leaders, who offered valuable insight into campus safety policies and procedures, shared resources for mental health and processing traumatic events, and answered questions from the university community. Speakers included C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; G.L. Black, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students; Pam Jones, associate vice chancellor for health and wellness; and August Washington, senior associate vice chancellor for public safety and special initiatives. University leaders strongly encourage all members of the Vanderbilt community to take opportunities to care for one another during this incredibly difficult time. MORE
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FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH
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Department of Energy—International collaboration yields breakthrough that could revolutionize computing technologies
Researchers from Vanderbilt University and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a significant advancement in understanding the correlation of the vibrational patterns of atoms at the level of chemical bonds in conducting materials silicon and graphene. Atomic vibrational patterns are necessary to understand because they underlie a material’s ability to conduct heat, among other things. Heat management is critical to keeping the chips behind computers and phones operational. Heat management is also necessary for nanophotonics, a component of nanotechnology that includes new optical devices in the infrared. The team, led by Sokrates T. Pantelides, University Distinguished Professor of Physics and Engineering, William A. and Nancy F. McMinn Professor of Physics and professor of electrical engineering, and Wu Zhou, physical sciences professor at UCAS, successfully push the sensitivity of single-atom vibrational spectroscopy to the chemical-bonding-configuration extreme. The work at Vanderbilt University was supported [in part] by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences. MORE
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Vanderbilt kicks off Sesquicentennial in style with ceremony, conversation, music and moreVanderbilt University launched the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with a formal ceremony in Langford Auditorium March 24. A cross-section of the Vanderbilt community—including administrators, staff, students, faculty and alumni—took to the stage in academic regalia to recount details of the university’s founding in 1873 and reflect on key moments in Vanderbilt’s history for invited guests inside the auditorium and those watching the event via livestream. The university was founded eight years after the end of the Civil War with a $1 million gift from Cornelius Vanderbilt and his wife, Frank Armstrong Crawford Vanderbilt. It was the largest philanthropic commitment in U.S. history at the time. Other speakers at the ceremony described Vanderbilt’s story as that of educational excellence and societal impact; a powerhouse community of scholars, leaders, innovators and creatives; and one that is distinctly forward-looking and still being written. MORE
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Latest Vanderbilt Trailblazers portraits unveiled during Sesquicentennial celebrationSix pioneering members of the Vanderbilt community who played significant roles in the university’s history were honored at a portrait unveiling and reception as part of festivities kicking off Vanderbilt’s yearlong Sesquicentennial celebration. The latest portraits in the Vanderbilt Trailblazers initiative on view at E. Bronson Ingram College March 25 were those of the Rev. Beverly Asbury, Susan Gray, Russell G. Hamilton, Janie Greenwood Harris, Tommie Morton-Young and Susan R. Wente. The Vanderbilt Trailblazers initiative recognizes individuals in the Vanderbilt community who have broken barriers and made a positive impact both at the university and in society at large. Established in 2018, the portrait series seeks to expand the visual narrative of Vanderbilt’s history and create welcoming, inclusive and accessible spaces with art that recognizes, reflects and celebrates the diversity within the Vanderbilt community. Through this project, the Trailblazers’ legacy and heritage is preserved for future generations of students, staff and faculty. MORE
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WATCH: Vanderbilt’s forward-thinking approach to large-scale renewable energyVanderbilt is taking major steps forward in its sustainability goals. The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm in Bedford County, Tennessee, will mitigate approximately 70 percent of the university’s annual indirect greenhouse gas emissions. A planned second solar farm in Coffee County, Tennessee, will supply enough renewable energy to mitigate the remaining 30 percent of emissions. Vanderbilt is a leader in developing ways to combat climate change through public-private partnerships—a model of innovation for other institutions. These solar farms were the result of a pioneering Green Invest partnership of Vanderbilt, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Nashville Electric Service in 2020 and a collaboration with Nashville-based Silicon Ranch. There will also be engagement opportunities for students and faculty to learn more about solar energy. MORE
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Vanderbilt public policy studies student named 2023 Truman Scholar finalist
Rohit Kataria, public policy studies Class of 2024, has been named a 2023 Truman Scholar finalist. The Truman Scholarship, a living memorial of President Harry S. Truman, is merit-based and given to college students who plan to pursue careers in public service. The scholars receive funds for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities and have opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. While at Vanderbilt, Kataria has become a leader and has focused on projects and research aimed at improving equity and belonging across campus. Kataria joins 199 students from 133 institutions around the United States who are being honored for their excellence in academics, service and leadership. Ultimately, about 60 students will receive a Truman Scholarship. One Truman Scholar is selected annually to represent each state and U.S. territory. MORE
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