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FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH
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Research Snapshot: New microscopy technique of electron distributions and theory unveils a feature that can shape applications of a class of quantum materialsA team of researchers led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory microscopist Miaofang Chi and Vanderbilt theoretical physicist Sokrates Pantelides has used a new Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope technique to image the electron distribution in ionic compounds known as electrides—especially the electrons that float loosely within pockets and appear separate from the atomic network. The new technique . . . measures and maps electric fields and charge distributions inside a material. Pantelides expects that many physicists and engineers will be using the results of this study to inform their research, as all modern technology is built on electronic properties of materials. [This research was funded in part by a Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE Science) Early Career project and the DOE Science Basic Energy Sciences.] MORE
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Vanderbilt’s Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows arrive in Nashville to complete 10-month professional development programIn January, nine mid-career professionals from nine countries arrived in Nashville to complete the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Humphrey fellowship program focuses on professional development and mutual exchange for applicants who have shown a commitment to leadership and service in their home countries. The fellows in the 2020–21 cohort come from Algeria, Belize, Egypt, Guatemala, Israel, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda. MORE
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Research Snapshot: Media consumption and political attentiveness data shed new light on political polarization in U.S.People pay attention to politics like they do sports: When their “team” is “winning,” they tune in to news more than when they are “losing.” Eunji Kim, assistant professor of political science, and Jin Woo Kim at the University of Pennsylvania have discerned this by studying 70 years of national election surveys to learn when people pay more attention to politics. Understanding when people across the political spectrum choose to consume news is more important than knowing where they get their information. Dubbed “temporal selective exposure” by the researchers, this phenomenon shows that people more often receive biased information based on timing, not on the source. MORE
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Wente, Kopstain launch COVID-19 Safety Protocols Working GroupProvost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente and Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain have announced the launch of a new working group to focus on reviewing the university’s current COVID-19 protocols in light of changing CDC guidelines with a goal of making recommendations on any potential updates for the summer and fall 2021 semesters. Faculty and staff will comprise the new working group, which will be co-chaired by Cleo Rucker, incoming chief human resources officer, and Tracey George, vice provost for faculty affairs. The group will provide recommendations to university leadership by May 15. MORE
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Chancellor says Vanderbilt emerged stronger, ready for the future after year of challengesChancellor Daniel Diermeier credits Vanderbilt’s uniquely collaborative spirit—coupled with a willingness to take bold action when needed—for the university’s strong position after the triple crises of 2020. Diermeier reported that the university is in “great shape” after weathering three crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, financial challenges sweeping higher education, and a moral crisis with renewed calls for racial and social justice in a deeply divided nation. MORE
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ASCE chapter wins nine awards in 2021 regional conferenceVanderbilt civil engineering undergraduates reimagined infrastructure of a future megacity to support vertical gardens as an answer to food shortages. They devised ways to make in-person conferences more sustainable. In a timed transportation engineering challenge, they [completed] tasks such as documenting traffic light signal timing and redesigning an existing street for safer pedestrian use. Those were among the competitions in the American Society of Civil Engineering 2021 Southeast Student Conference on March 25-27. Vanderbilt and Lipscomb universities “hosted” the event, which involved more than 400 students from about 20 universities. Though planning for an in-person conference in Nashville began in 2019, student organizers last fall decided to move it online. The ASCE Vanderbilt chapter placed third in overall conference rankings and also won top awards in eight categories. MORE
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Parker appointed chief of staff for vice chancellor for government and community relationsSally Parker, senior assistant provost, has been named chief of staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations, effective May 3, Vice Chancellor Nathan Green has announced. In a role that is new for Green’s office, she will have responsibility for overseeing the division’s operations and for managing strategic projects requiring cross-team collaboration. She will serve as a member of the vice chancellor’s core leadership team and will work closely with other members of the university leadership to provide meaningful synergy for external community activities. She will also serve as the vice chancellor’s liaison or representative in institutional initiatives and other university-wide projects as needed. MORE
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Rucker named Vanderbilt University’s chief human resources officerCleo D. Rucker, who has worked over the past decade to build strong workplace culture, support employee growth and meet organizational goals at Vanderbilt University, has been promoted to the new position of chief human resources officer. Rucker, who has served as senior director of HR Consulting, Employee, and Labor Relations for the past three years, will assume to his new position by mid-May. MORE
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VUbrief summarizes Vanderbilt news items to inform our Congressional community of developments at the university. Visit our website for past issues of VUbrief. Vanderbilt University Office of Federal Relations (202) 216-4361
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