Graduate Research and Education Advisory Council

The purpose of the Graduate Research and Education Advisory Council is to support and foster the achievement of excellence in all aspects of graduate studies and research at Vanderbilt University. This shall be accomplished by proactive commitment to the following activities.

  • Advising and supporting the Dean of the Graduate School.
  • Assisting in securing funds for important programs and needs in graduate education and research.
  • Making individual financial commitments to support the Graduate School.
  • Assisting in developing beneficial relationships with industry, government, and other academic institutions.
  • Reviewing and supporting the Graduate School's strategic plans.
  • Reporting to the Chancellor and Provost on the status and opportunities related to graduate education and research.

Council members have all demonstrated professional achievements in fields of importance to graduate education and research and contribute to the balance of the Council's breadth and diversity.

2025-2026 Members of the Council

  • Thomas Doub III (MS '94, PhD '01)

    Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy
    Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    • Franklin, TN

  • Kirk Elifson (MA '68, PhD '73)

    Research Professor, Rollins School of Public Health
    Emory University

    • Atlanta, GA

  • Julie Fischer (PhD '97)

    Associate Research Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
    Director, Elizabeth R. Griffin Program
    Georgetown University

    • Washington, DC

  • David Hobbs (PhD '79)

    Savannah River National Laboratory
    Retired

    • Goodlettsville, TN

  • Donna Hobbs (PhD '80)

    Augusta State University
    Retired

    • Goodlettsville, TN

  • Barbara J. Johnson (PhD '99)

    Dean, Perimeter College
    Georgia State University

    • Talladega, AL

  • Lawrence Kerr (PhD '90)

    Graduate Research and Education Advisory Council Chair
    Deputy Vice President for Global Health and Multilateral Affairs
    PhRMA

    • Washington, DC

  • Tan Lu (PhD '08)

    Partner
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

    • Houston, TX

  • Suzanne T. Ortega (MA '76, PhD '79)

    • Washington, DC

  • Mateo Perezrodriguez (MA '11)

    Managing Director
    MCA Financial Group

    • Miami, FL

  • Martin Singer (MA '75, PhD '77)

    Executive Director
    Jeffrey Seller Family Foundation

    • Northbrook, IL