A look at the top stories of 2023
In this issue of Basically Speaking, we reflect on the most viewed Basic Sciences stories of 2023 and another remarkable year of innovative research from our labs. The Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in 2023, solidifying its position at the forefront of groundbreaking research.
As you will see, our dedicated scientists' efforts have been rewarded with industry recognition in the form of awards and new funding. From innovative therapies to cutting-edge discoveries, our researchers consistently push the boundaries of knowledge. Here's to a year of scientific triumphs and a promising future of continued innovation and excellence.
Warm regards,
John Kuriyan
Dean of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine
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Kimryn Rathmell appointed NCI director
Kimryn Rathmell, chair of the Department of Medicine at VUMC, will be appointed Director of the National Cancer Institute. Rathmell will become the NCI’s 17th director and only the second woman to hold this position. She was chosen to serve in this role by President Joe Biden.
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Dani honored with prestigious Rita Allen Foundation Scholar Award
Neil Dani (Cell and Developmental Biology) was named a 2023 Rita Allen Foundation Scholar. The prestigious grant program supports early-career biomedical scholars who adopt bold and innovative approaches to fundamental scientific questions in cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and pain.
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Hodges, Siciliano named Dean’s Faculty Fellows
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Trio earns NIMH grant to aid drug discovery for autism, schizophrenia
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Uddin receives second Phi Beta Psi national research award
Md. Jashim Uddin (Biochemistry) received the Phi Beta Psi national research award for the second year in a row. The grant is funding the ongoing development of an improved cancer imaging platform and technique.
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Vanderbilt, VUMC investigators garner $1.2M Keck Foundation grant for groundbreaking genetic research
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Interview with a Vampire: Sesame Street’s Count von Count
Vice Dean Chuck Sanders (Biochemistry) conducted his annual Halloween interview, this time with Sesame Street’s Count von Count, a much loved and highly respected expert on teaching numerical skills to children.
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Vanderbilt University honors emeritus and emerita faculty, deans
- Lawrence Marnett, Dean Emeritus of the School of Medicine Basic Science
- Owen McGuinness, Professor Emeritus of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
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Nancy Carrasco named SEC Faculty Achievement Award winner
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Simple Beginnings ceremony welcomes doctoral students
Simple Beginnings is Vanderbilt’s annual ceremony to welcome doctoral students in the biomedical and biological sciences. The highlight of the event, hosted by the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training, is the presentation of personalized lab coats to the students.
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NSF grant to advance bio- manufacturing
Alissa Weaver (Cell and Developmental Biology), Ethan Lippmann (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), and John Wilson (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) received a $3 million grant over four years from the National Science Foundation to advance large-scale biomanufacturing of cell-derived nanoparticles that can deliver precisely targeted drugs to the site of disease.
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Osheroff part of effort leading to new antibiotic
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Twelve at Vanderbilt are among world’s highly cited researchers
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Byndloss receives PATH award
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Vanderbilt and Fisk offer new postdoctoral fellowships
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Basic Sciences researchers show their artistic talents at the 2022 winter showcase
Basic Sciences students, postdocs, staff, and faculty shared their talents at the BRET Winter Showcase in Dec. 2022. Learn about everyone involved.
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STEM role models inspire future scientists through storytelling
An immersive writing course designed for fourth and fifth graders features Vanderbilt professors doing research in astronomy, bioarcheology, biomedical informatics, radiation oncology and more. A book featuring Sandra Rosenthal (Chemistry) highlights her career as a quantum dot chemist.
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Seasonal safety reminder
The holiday season tends to come with an increase in petty theft from labs and offices. Please be aware of your personal belongings and refrain from leaving unsupervised laptops, mobile phones, purses, etc., where they might be easily taken. Campus authorities should be informed if you see someone walking through a secure area without an ID badge. Campus Police can be reached at (615) 322-2745. The VandySafe app is also available for download for quick contact with campus police, virtual walks home, and other safety-related options.
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ARC Program
The Advancing Research Careers (F99/K00 and UE5) is part of the National Institutes of Health’s efforts to promote diversity within the biomedical research workforce and is designed as a structured program to enhance participation of trainees from diverse backgrounds as they transition from predoctoral research training to postdoctoral research and career development.
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Have a job opening you’d like to promote? Send us a link or a description and contact info, and we’ll post it here for three issues. Renew postings anytime!
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About this issue's bannerThis acrylic painting was created by Xinyu Dong (Cell Developmental Biology) from the lab of Roy Zent (Medicine). It was inspired by Henri Matisse’s Dance II and shows a nephrologist dancing on a kidney with his favorite cell types: proximal tubule cells and podocytes.
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We regularly update our website with some of the latest VU Basic Sciences news stories. Check it out.
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About the newsletterThis newsletter recognizes the achievements and latest discoveries of students, postdocs, faculty, and staff associated with Basic Sciences departments, centers, and cores or who carry out basic biomedical research at Vanderbilt.
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Keep up with biomedical science seminars
To receive weekly email notices about upcoming seminars focused on the biomedical sciences, please email Tracy O'Brien. To submit your event for the weekly email, send it to the "bioseminar" email address.
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