Support Innovation and Design on Giving Day:
Mark your calendars—Vanderbilt Giving Day is Thursday, April 10, and we’re celebrating next week by showcasing some of the incredible student projects happening in our innovation center! Your support helps bring these ideas to life, providing students of all disciplines with the resources they need to create, experiment, and solve real-world problems.
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Innovation Spotlight: Radical Shoots
For Vanderbilt alum, James Valencia, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. What started as a small experiment with microgreens in a 100-square-foot space has blossomed into Radical Shoots, a thriving business supplying fresh, nutrient-dense greens to clients all over the Nashville region. But Valencia’s journey into urban farming wasn’t a straightforward one. Read more.
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Collaboration Corridor: the Wond'ry Fab Lab
Utilizing upcycled materials, the Wond’ry dino workshops were originally developed as an exercise in creative expression and sustainability. This simple and fun workshop has now evolved into a foundation for an international collaboration that began at Vanderbilt and expanded to Helsinki, Finland. Read more.
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SXSW Immersive Cohort
The 2nd Mid-South Hub SXSW Immersive Cohort wrapped up an incredible week in Austin, where 33 innovators from 7+ universities explored the intersection of creativity and technology. Through customer discovery, mentorship, and industry connections, they gained invaluable insights and experiences.
“The thing I enjoyed most was being able to collaborate, interact, and network with people of different cultures and understand how business is done abroad and how they interact with the United States.” – Farouk Ramzan, Vanderbilt Junior in Psychology and Economics
Check out the recap video below!
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Be Inspired
From Idea to Reality: Unlocking the Wond'ry Makerspace - Professor Kevin Galloway, Director of Making, the Wond'ry. Read More.
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Important Dates & Reminders
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Upcoming Makerspace Workshops
We are constantly adding workshops each month, so make sure to subscribe to our event calendar, to see all of the current offerings. Here are a few open workshops that you can join right now:
Intro to Flex PCB design | Apr. 7 | 5:15 - 6:45 PM
Waterproofing your electronics | Apr. 8 | 5:15 - 6:00 PM
Cross-Stitch Embroidery for Beginners | Apr. 23 | 2:30 - 4:00 PM
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The Sullivan Family Ideator Program has open apps for Summer 2025
The Sullivan Family Ideator Program at the Wond’ry helps aspiring university-affiliated innovators (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) evaluate and develop their ideas by teaching an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation and offering expert mentorship and access to resources.
Application Deadline: May 6th
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Save the Date: TN Maker Fest returns to the Wond'ry on Oct. 4th
TN Maker Fest is BACK! Get ready for a day filled with innovation, creativity, and hands-on fun as TN Maker Fest returns! Whether you're into robotics, 3D printing, woodworking, or just love seeing amazing creations, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and bring your curiosity! Click here to learn more.
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Vanderbilt Fashion Week
Vanderbilt Fashion Week promotes fashion by showcasing sustainable practices, celebrating diversity, and featuring industry innovation. Check below for this year's list of events:
- -Sustainability Symposium – April 6 | 12:00–2:00 PM | the Wond’ry
- -Cultural Fashion Showcase – April 7 | 5:00 PM | on the bottom floor of he Wond’ry by the VFW display
- -Speaker Series – April 8 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Zoom
-Workshop Day – April 9 | 4:00–5:00 PM | the Wond’ry Fab Lab
-Student Thrift Store – April 11 | 12:00–2:00 PM | Alumni Lawn
-Future of Fashion Show – April 12 | 7:00 PM | the Wond’ry
- Click here to learn more!
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Join the VIEWE Summit at Vanderbilt!
The Vanderbilt Inspiring Emerging Women in Engineering (VIEWE) Summit is happening on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Featheringill Hall, Vanderbilt University.
This free, full-day event is designed for young women from 7th grade through undergraduate who are interested in exploring careers in engineering. Click here to register.
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Challenges and Opportunities
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Support the Wond'ry:
By making your tax-deductible gift to our Student Innovation Fund, you help us provide students with the funding they need to turn their ideas into reality. Donate here.
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