Vanderbilt Student Philip Butcher’s Groundbreaking Drone Technology Revolutionizes Global Law Enforcement
In a landmark collaboration between the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, a revolutionary drone-control goggle mount has been developed, marking a significant advancement in law enforcement technology. This pioneering project, led by third year mechanical engineering student Philip Butcher, represents a significant leap in operational efficiency and safety for first responders nationwide. Click here to read more.
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Innovative Solutions at the Forefront: Yidi Wang, Yichi Liu, & Xiyu Wang Clinch Victory at 2024 Vanderbilt Map the System Competition
In an outstanding demonstration of creativity and dedication to solving critical societal challenges, three second-year Vanderbilt students—Yidi Wang, Yichi Liu, and Xiyu Wang—triumphed in the 2024 Vanderbilt Map the System Student Pitch competition. The competition was fierce, showcasing a variety of creative solutions. However, it was the trio's project, "Challenges to a Just Transition for Coal Workers in a Coal-Dominated Economy in Shanxi, China," that secured the top spot.
Map the System is a prestigious international contest that prompts students to explore complex social and environmental issues using a thorough systems thinking approach. Over fourteen weeks, participants undertake extensive research projects, culminating in a presentation of their findings to an expert panel of judges at Vanderbilt University's annual event. The winning Vanderbilt team received a cash prize of $2,500 and a personalized Wond’ry Map the System trophy.
Click here to read more.
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Social Innovation Launches New Team Lead Model to Foster Student-Led Programming:
In our latest stride towards cultivating socially conscious leaders, the social innovation team launched it's inaugural Team Lead cohort within our spring programing, including the Social Changemakers and Climate Innovation Accelerator initiatives.
These team leads have successfully completed an intensive training session, emerging as equipped and inspired champions for the Social Innovation programming. This paid position will dedicate 6-10 hours weekly over our structured 10-week programming to lead their peers to advance a project with our 15+ community partner projects. Skills gained include community relations, project management, equity-centered design and innovative frameworks.
We can't wait to see the positive waves of change they will create.
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The Mid-South Hub Innovation Summit Returns, Showcasing Regional Ingenuity and Collaborative Spirit
The Mid-South Hub Innovation Summit, set for March 1st, is poised to be a pivotal event for driving collaboration and innovation in the region. This year's one-day summit will feature a comprehensive agenda, including specialized I-Corps Hub trainings and the prestigious Ceremonial Hub Convocation, enriched by the Mid-South Innovator Showcase. These sessions are designed to highlight the remarkable achievements and deep insights of the region's foremost innovators. Serving as a nexus for innovators, educators, founders, and community partners, the Summit is committed to fostering an atmosphere of inclusive innovation and shared prosperity, ultimately shaping the future of the region's innovative landscape. Click here to learn more.
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Caterpillar Inc. Participates in a Design Workshop at the Wond'ry:
The Wond'ry recently hosted a three-day design workshop in collaboration with Caterpillar Inc., skillfully led by Vervint. The event was a vibrant and engaging experience for participants, who delved into the principles of design thinking and prototyping the student selection process in the education system. Attendees actively participated in customer discovery, engaging directly with the market to gather valuable insights. The workshop culminated in the creation and testing of prototypes, where participants received hands-on experience and feedback from volunteers on and off campus.
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Learn about the amazing ventures chosen to compete in the Reniassance Women's Summit on Feb. 24
We're excited to announce the remarkable ventures participating in the Renaissance Women's Summit Pitch Competition! Meet the innovators:
Lactote by Kellie Geisel: This pioneering business is dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of breastfeeding mothers. The Lactote, a thoughtfully designed weekender bag, features insulated compartments to safely store breastmilk and pumping equipment, ensuring mothers can travel without stress.
RUBY by Emily Untermeyer and Riley Decker: Empowering female athletes, RUBY crafts all-natural, scientifically formulated drink mixes. These mixes combat cramping, bloating, and fatigue, ensuring that periods never sideline athletes again.
Brace Cap by Sudiksha Singhal: Revolutionizing orthodontic care, Brace Cap introduces patented covered ligature ties. These ties provide a protective cushion between orthodontic brackets and the mouth's soft tissues, significantly reducing injuries and unscheduled emergency visits, and streamlining clinic schedules.
Join us in supporting these innovators as they showcase their groundbreaking solutions at the summit!
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2023 Most Disruptive MBA Startups: TuneHatch
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Upcoming Events: Our events are not only area-focused but also collaborative efforts with both campus-led and community partner initiatives.
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Hearts & Crafts: Feb. 13
Join us to craft a delightful Valentine's Day surprise, whether it's for someone special or a treat for yourself! Click here to learn more.
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Innovation Open Mic: Feb. 14
Design best-practices suggest a large font size for easy readability both on desktop and mobile devices. Click here to learn more.
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Make a Sustainably Sourced Tote Bag: Feb. 19
Dive into the world of sustainable fashion. We provide all materials, spotlighting recycled denim for an eco-chic touch. Feel free to drop in anytime between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Note: Prerequisite - Fundamentals of Sewing Click here to register.
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I-Corps Info Session: Feb. 21
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Social Innovation Bootcamp: Mar. 1
Participants will engage in a 4-session, half-day, crash course where they will experience hands on learning and expand their social innovation network to become equipped with the necessary tools and skills to drive social change. Click here to apply.
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Exhibit - Drawing on my Style: Fashionista in the Classroom
Exhibit titled "Drawing on My Style: Fashionista in the Classroom" opens this week at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center to celebrate inclusive classrooms. The artwork was produced by Next Steps students Bailey Duncan and Rachel Sarrubi in Alex Sargent Capps' Sustainable Fashion, Adaptive Fashion, and Costume Design classes that all took place at the Wond'ry.
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Design for America Speaker Sessions
All are welcome to attend this amazing lineup of design speaker sessions, hosted by Vanderbilt's Design for America. Sessions include:
- UX Careers: Feb. 7
Chelsea Yip (Senior User Researcher at Bubble) will lead discussions on UX careers, recruitment, and portfolio! - Design Projects in the Real World: Feb. 21
Design for America National Fellow Ally Merrett will lead a session on how design projects are done in the real world (with a focus on design research). - Brand Identity and Personal Branding: Feb. 28
Michael Maerlender (Branding and Marketing Manager at HearstLab) will lead a session on how to do personal branding in portfolios and understanding brand identity for projects.
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Executive Women in Leadership: New Leadership Strategies for 2024: Feb. 7 at 5:00 PM
Iinfluential voices within the Nashville business community will share their leadership perspectives on how they navigate change, create opportunity, and invest in themselves as the business world transforms. Distinguished guests include:
Kimberly Pace (Moderator), Professor of the Practice of Management, and Co-Founder and CEO of Executive Aura
Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor, Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director
Jennifer Hutcheson, EVP, Chief Financial Officer at Ryman Hospitality Properties
Allie Feiner, Vice President, Head of Professional and Organizational Development, Global Technology and Operations, AllianceBernstein
Click here to register your attendance.
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Discovery Lecture Series
Vanderbilt University Medical Center has launched the Discovery Lecture Series featuring the world's most eminent scientists, who will speak on the highest-impact research and policy issues in science and medicine today.
February 8 | 4:00 PM | Location: 208 Light Hall
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Annual Green-A-Thon: Feb. 16
Do you have an idea to make Vanderbilt’s campus greener? If yes, come join us for the Green-a-thon, Vanderbilt Green Fund’s annual pitch competition, taking place on Friday, February 16 (3:30-5:30 pm) in the Wond’ry 3rd floor lounge. The Green Fund is a $150,000 budget set aside to fund students’ proposals for projects that make campus more sustainable. Work in-person (either in teams or individually) to get feedback from experts and potentially win up to $75 in prizes! Dinner will be provided! Click here to sign up here.
And if you can’t attend in-person but still want to submit a proposal, you may do so here.
This is one of the best/most direct ways to have Vanderbilt turn your idea for a more sustainable campus into a physical reality, so don't miss out!
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Vanderbilt Women in Business Speaker Series: Miller Morris
Join Vanderbilt Women in Business on February 13 at 4:30 PM in Alumni 206 to hear from Miller Morris. Miller Morris is a women’s health researcher turned social entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Comma, an integrated period care company bringing autonomy, sustainability, and clinical science to menstruation.
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TOM Toy Adaptation for Accessibility: Feb. 17
Tikkun Olam Makers is pleased to announce our next event hosted by the Wondry: Toy Adaptation for Accessibility. This event, scheduled for February 17 from 1 - 4 pm, invites all Vanderbilt students to engage in an initiative to enhance the accessibility of stuffed animals for children with hand mobility challenges.
Participants will have the opportunity to acquire valuable skills in sewing and soldering, equipping them to rewire toys and modify buttons for improved accessibility. No prior experience is necessary, as our instructors will provide guidance throughout the process.
Stop by anytime on the 17 to help create a more inclusive environment for all children!
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Renaissance Women's Summit: February 24
The Renaissance Women's Summit is back for another year, and we at the Wond'ry are thrilled to be part of this empowering event! Join us on February 24, 2024, for a day filled with inspiration, networking, and growth. This summit is a celebration of women entrepreneurs, offering a space to learn, connect, and ignite the powerful woman within. Let's rise, thrive, and create our renaissance together!
Click here to learn more!
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Challenges and Opportunities:
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Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment
The Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment (VOICE) provides students with the unique opportunity to engage with the Nashville community through service. This year-long immersive experience gives students the opportunity to complete service with a local community partner, engage in facilitated discussions to enhance their service and leadership development, and gain 1:1 mentorship. Click here to learn more. Applications are due by March 15.
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Apply to be on Jeopardy!
Jeopardy is seeking new contestants! Do you have what it takes to be the next Jeopardy champion? If you pass the test and meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you will be placed into a random selection process for an invitation to an audition. Assuming you perform well at the audition, you will be placed into the contestant pool and could be invited to compete up to 18 months from your audition date. Making it to an audition is not a guarantee of being invited to compete on the show. Click here to take the test!
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Join the Wond'ry Internship Network:
The Wond’ry Internship Network (WIN) provides a platform for undergraduate and graduate students from Tennessee-based institutions of higher learning to reach their inner innovator. Students can explore their passions by choosing between a variety of opportunities within one of the many Wond’ry practice areas (Biomedical Innovation, Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Research & Design, Making, the Launch Incubator, and the Wond’ry itself). Through each project, interns not only learn relevant skills but also make an impact by assisting in trailblazing work. Click here to sign up for the newsletter and receive opportunities to apply.
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More Opportunities:
- Heartland Challenge- Learn More
Apr. 11-13 | Deadline: Feb. 9 - Keeling Curve Prize- Learn More
Summer | Deadline: Feb. 12 - Swift Student Challenge- Learn More
Spring | Deadline: Feb. 26 - Founders Live Prime Time Pitch Challenge- Learn More
Nov. 27 | Deadline: Mar. 15
- ARPA-E Summit PITCHES Session- Learn More
May 22-24 | Deadline: Mar. 22 - Collegiate Inventors Competition- Learn More
Oct. 16-17 | Deadline: Jun. 3
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Support Our StudentsBy making your tax-deductible gift to our Wond’ry Student Project Fund, you help us award students with the funding they need to turn their ideas into reality. Donate here.
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