New Courses at the Wond'ry

This Fall, the Wond’ry is turning up the innovation on campus with brand-new courses that are paving the way for a proposed and in-development minor in Innovation and Design Strategy! Get ready to dive into the world of human-centered design thinking, master the art of need-finding and user research, and bring your ideas to life with hands-on making and prototyping skills. These Fall 2025 courses aren’t just classes – they’re the core foundational blocks of a forward-thinking minor that’s designed to spark creativity, fuel problem-solving, and prepare you to tackle real-world challenges head-on through design. The following courses being offered this Fall:

Design Discovery (ENGM 3890)

This course offers a deep dive into best practices for engaging in the early stage innovation and design thinking processes. Students will learn to analyze problem contexts in ways that make design solutions more likely to be adopted by end-users, including learning how to observe users, ask the right questions, and develop and articulate insights that lead to better solutions. This class is a foundational and practical design process course for anyone considering future work in design, including User Experience (UX), Interaction Design (UI), Human-Centered Research and Design (HCR/HCD), technological innovation (R&D), or early-stage entrepreneurial activities.

Class Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:45PM - 4:00PM

Location: ESB 300 (Wond'ry 3rd Floor Lounge)

Need-Finding in Deep Tech (ES 1115-03)

A first-year Engineering Seminar. Innovation begins with identifying the right problem. This seminar launches the "Uncover" phase of Vanderbilt's Innovation Market-Driven Productization And Commercialization of [Deep] Technologies (IMPACT) program, empowering students to apply human-centered need-finding methods and stakeholder engagement to identify genuine user and societal challenges. Through interactive lectures, studio-style workshops, case studies, and insights from deep-tech industry leaders, students will master the core competencies required to frame real-world needs. The semester culminates in the production of a validated challenge statement and a need-finding portfolio.

Class Time: Wednesdays, 3:35PM - 4:25PM

Location: ESB 302 (Wond'ry 3rd Floor Conference Room)

Vanderbilt Innovation Fellowship Applications Open

The Vanderbilt Innovation Fellowship Program at the Wond'ry is a pioneering educational initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. This program offers students a unique, paid immersive learning experience that integrates real-world innovation frameworks with hands-on application. Students explore a variety of innovation methodologies and apply them to actual projects sourced from across campus departments and industry collaborators.

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Apply Here.

Innovation Spotlights

A collage showing Vanderbilt students and Nissan employees working together to design an electric vehicle study

Celebrating Ongoing Innovation with Nissan

We’re proud to celebrate another year of partnership with Nissan North America, a collaboration that has already produced multiple impactful outcomes. Over the past year, our Vanderbilt Innovation Fellows and Wond’ry staff have worked closely with Nissan teams on challenges ranging from vehicle user experience to accessibility and future mobility concepts.
These projects not only generated valuable insights for Nissan but also gave students hands-on experience in innovation strategy, systems thinking, and human-centered design, preparing them to lead in complex, real-world environments.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to launch new projects and programs that will deepen the collaboration between our two organizations and expand opportunities for innovation and learning.

Is your company interested in partnering with the Wond'ry?

To explore how your organization can get involved, please contact Mandy Lalrindiki.

Wond'ry Evans Family Executive Director Dave Owens speaks on an Innovation Panel hosted by the Nashville Post

Wond'ry Evans Family Executive Director David Owens was invited by the Nashville Post to speak on a panel with representatives from Lipscomb University and Fisk University about the state of innovation in higher education. Read More.

Important Dates & Reminders

TN Maker Fest returns to the Wond'ry on Oct. 4th

Join us for an action-packed, family-friendly, one-day celebration of creativity and innovation at the Wond’ry! With over 60 exhibitors, from kid entrepreneurs and university labs to artisans and tech hobbyists, this festival is a showcase of passion, ingenuity, and community spirit. Explore the latest in robotics, 3D printing, woodworking, and more across three exciting floors of hands-on fun. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or simply curious, you’ll find endless inspiration around every corner. Free parking included!

This event is FREE and open to the public, so everyone can experience the magic of making! But if you love what TN Maker Fest is all about, we invite you to support it when you grab your tickets. Your donations help us keep this event accessible, vibrant, and growing year after year. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!

Click here to learn more.

TN Maker Fest Sponsorship

Show your support for creativity, innovation, and community engagement by sponsoring this year’s TN Maker Fest. Your brand will be front and center as we welcome thousands of makers, innovators, and curious minds from across the Middle Tennessee region. Sponsors receive high-visibility recognition across all TN Maker Fest marketing channels, including our website, social media, and printed materials, and can qualify for customized design-thinking sessions from our experienced practitioners. Fuel one of Tennessee’s most dynamic public innovation events!

To explore the levels of sponsorship, including in-kind opportunities, email Kevin.C.Galloway@vanderbilt.edu.

Challenges and Opportunities

-Techstars | Deadline: Open-Ended

-TTAC Innovation Fellowship | Deadline: September 12, 2025

Fall Semester Hours

Offices

Monday-Friday: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Makerspaces

Monday-Thursday: 1:00pm - 8:00pm

Friday: 1:00pm - 6:00pm

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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