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Dr. Charleson Bell in the News

Charleson Bell Speaks About Race and STEM

Innovation Activism and Altruism is taught by veteran innovator and entrepreneur Dr. Charleson Bell. His status in the STEM world made him the perfect person to speak about the disparities in the field of STEM. Black Professionals make up only 9% of STEM workers in the United States. Students in the field of STEM have put together an art exhibit at the Wond'ry on Vanderbilt's campus.

Speaking frankly to news channel 5, Dr. Bell noted that having people become aware of disparities will make the situation better.

“That's the first step into making a change that happens with the individual realizing that yes, I do have bias. Yes, I do recognize that there's disparities here and after that recognition, you have to make that recognition and transform it into action. What am I going to do about it,” Bell said.

Please read more in the linked article and consider viewing the art work online.

February Forums

Nick Bartelt spoke for the MIDP on February 9th. An expert in the industry with Electrical and Biomedical Engineering degrees from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Owen School of Management, Nick works with high-potential professionals to plan for future success. During his talk, our students (all of whom have PhDs, are completing medical school and developing business models) learned about visioning goals, rediscovering passions and exploring strengths. Developing a plan to achieve goals is what Nick does best!!

Samar Ali spoke to the MIDP on February 16th. A storied attorney who specializes in the intersection of national security, economic development and human rights, she is currently an adviser to the Aspen Institute’s initiative, “Who Is Us: A Project On American Identity”. Her own research initiative is centered on positive compromise through promoting conflict-resolution, best practices among people, communities and nations experiencing polarization due to the connection between violence and labeling. Working to promote equity in healthcare, the MIDP had an opportunity to listen to her Millions of Conversations initiative.

Expected Value Update

The MIDP's 4th year medical students are making big strides as they move into the 4th week of the intense I-Corp experience. Leading the boards each week so far in customer interviews, Adam Hetzler, Hunter Sceat and Emily Thomas are making important progress in how to make their product marketable. The team has completed 65 customer interviews and is in the lead of the 20 teams that are also in the in the I-Corps program. Meeting with veteran entrepreneur and former MIDP leadership team member, Stryker Warren for 3 hours each week rounds out a busy season of residency interviews and finishing up their time at Vanderbilt University's Medical School.

Photography by Dr. Trent Rosenbloom

Associate Director of the MIDP, Dr. Trent Rosebloom caught Nashville in the rainiest of seasons, using his drone to fully capture Nashville's low lying areas affected by heavy rains through the month of February.