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Guide to onboarding undergraduate students and minors into Basic Sciences labs
School of Medicine Basic Sciences faculty are encouraged to engage undergraduate students in scientific research. This quick-start guide provides an overview of the programs available on campus and the policies and procedures that SOMBS faculty should follow.
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Understanding how proteins get from point A to point B
Stephanie Wankowicz (Molecular Physiology and Biophysics) explores how protein movement influences function with the goal of laying groundwork for future breakthroughs targeting diseases, understanding the mutations that drive them, or designing new proteins for biomedical and environmental applications.
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Study details genetic architecture of congenital diarrheal disorders in infants
A research consortium co-led by James Goldenring (Cell and Developmental Biology) has identified three previously unknown genes that cause severe congenital diarrheal disorders in infants. The findings, published April 4 in The New England Journal of Medicine, represent a significant advance toward development of more effective, targeted therapies for congenital diarrhea and enteropathies.
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C. diff uses toxic compound to fuel growth advantage
A new research study by Eric Skaar (Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology) and graduate student Matthew Munneke (Microbe-Host Interactions) increases our understanding of the molecular drivers of Clostridioides difficile infection and points to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at a pathogen that causes about half a million infections in the U.S. each year.
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Prashant Singh’s research recognized at research staff award ceremony
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A lot of nerve: One undergraduate’s path to treating brain cancer
Shanay Desai, a senior double majoring in neuroscience and drug discovery and biotechnology, relies on mentors like Carrie Jones (Pharmacology) to pursue his scienfitic journey from undergrad to graduate student studying novel ways to treat brain cancer.
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DARPA Biological Technologies Office – New Funding Updates
DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office has updated its Broad Agency Announcement, which now includes an accelerated award option, guidance on classified submissions, and the use of Special Notices for targeted studies.
Topics of interest include:
- AI/ML in biological systems
- Human performance and resilience
- Bioinspired materials and sensors
- Environmental threat response
- Biosecurity and biosafety
- Biomedical and biodefense research
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 18, 2025. Need help applying? Contact Research Development Service via email or REDCap.
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Thursday, April 24: 2025 VI4 Annual Research Symposium
The Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation Annual Symposium brings together hundreds of researchers, across the VU, VUMC and MMC campuses, with interests in clinical and basic science, aspects of infectious disease, immunology, inflammation, and microbiology.
8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Student Life Center. Visit the VI4 symposium page for additional information and to register.
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Friday, Apr. 25: How To — SOMBS: Well-being Resources for Staff
Discover tools and initiatives designed to help you thrive both at work and beyond. Join this How To session for a refresher on the many well-being resources available to staff and how to access them, presented by Amy Silvers.
10:00 am, Microsoft Teams: Meeting link for the “How To – SOMBS” Session
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Friday, April 25: Arbor Day Tour
Celebrate the beauty of nature at Vanderbilt University this Arbor Day! Join University Landscape Architect James Moore for an exclusive tour of the stunning Vanderbilt Arboretum. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of the university’s most cherished treasures.
1:00 p.m., in front of Kirkland Hall. Advance registration is not required.
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Tuesday, Apr. 29–Friday, May 2: Advanced Imaging Mass Spectrometry short course
This course is designed for mid-level to senior investigators who are familiar with MALDI and have a practical knowledge of mass spectrometry. The course will cover details of sample preparation, matrix application, practical instrumentation, and image and data processing.
Contact Michelle Reyzer for more information.
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Friday, May 2: Vanderbilt-Bruker Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence Symposium
Featuring John McLean (Chemistry), Peggi Angel (Medical University of South Carolina), and Blaine Roberts (Emory University). Lunch will be provided.
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1220 MRBIII. Contact Michelle Reyzer for more information.
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To be added to our weekly email dedicated to upcoming biomedical seminars, email Stephen Doster.
Submissions to the events calendar are manually approved; please submit your event at least two weeks in advance to ensure it is included. If your submission requires updates or edits, email university-calender@vanderbilt.edu.
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Bracket busters: SOMBS March Madness champions crowned!
In a remarkable display of prognostication, the winners of both our men’s and women’s SOMBS March Madness bracket competitions correctly predicted all Final Four teams and their outcomes. Nicky Eleuteri (Cell and Developmental Biology, Bill Tansey lab) emerged victorious in the women’s bracket, while Todd Graham (Biological Sciences) claimed the top spot in the men’s division.
Congratulations to our champions, and a round of applause to everyone who joined in the excitement of this year’s tournament! We can’t wait to see what thrilling upsets and buzzer-beaters await next season.
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Apply now: The Business of VU
The Business of VU program is accepting applications for fall 2025 through April 30. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance, the program offers participants insights into the university’s business operations within the higher education landscape. Sessions are held biweekly on Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Banner background image courtesy of José Maldonado.
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Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences
MRB III U-1200
465 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Phone: (615) 322-0907 | basicsciences@vanderbilt.edu
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Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
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