Student Profiles

We’re excited to celebrate Serena Sweet for successfully defending her dissertation! Throughout her time in the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Serena has approached her research with creativity, determination, and a clear passion for scientific discovery. Her work not only deepens our understanding in the field but also sets… Read More

Congratulations to Jared Phillips on successfully defending his dissertation! As a member of the Department of Pharmacology, Jared has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his research and academic development. His work is a significant contribution to the field and reflects the perseverance and passion that characterize our graduate student community. We… Read More

A big congratulations to Yasminye Pettway on successfully defending her dissertation! As a scholar in the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Yasminye has demonstrated incredible perseverance, curiosity, and dedication to her research. Her work contributes valuable knowledge to the field and reflects the strength and promise of graduate scholarship… Read More

Join us in congratulating Matt Jenkins of the Pharmacology department on the successful defense of his dissertation! Matt’s research reflects years of dedication, critical thinking, and a deep passion for advancing the field. His contributions have added meaningful insight to the study of pharmacology and represent the very best of… Read More

Congratulations to Alejandro Esteban on successfully defending his dissertation! A dedicated scholar in the Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Alejandro’s research showcases the depth of inquiry and innovation that define graduate education at Vanderbilt. His work not only advances our understanding in the field but also highlights his commitment… Read More

Ph.D. Sociology student Savannah Bastian has published her first-author paper on aging and sexual pleasure, titled “Heterosexual Women’s Pleasure Trajectories: How Aging Helps Undo Gendered Sexual Scripts,” in the Sociological Forum. In her research, she discovers that aging allows some heterosexual women to cultivate self-focused motivations… Read More

Congratulations to Conor Smithson for winning the Provost’s Pathbreaking Discovery Award! This prestigious award, presented by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs as well as the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School, honors doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional research and scholarship. Conor earned… Read More

Ph.D. student, Miguel Cuj, received the Gil Kushner Student Award at the Society for Applied Anthropology’s 85th Annual Meeting in Portland! He will present his research, contributing to the ongoing discourse in applied anthropology. In addition, Miguel has been selected as a Doctoral Student Member of the Wenner-Gren Advisory… Read More

The Vanderbilt Graduate School recognizes the exceptional research conducted by its Ph.D. candidates through endowed scholarships funded by generous donors. This year there were ten distinct awards available across various disciplines, each designed to honor outstanding scholarship and academic achievement. Each award comes with its own specific criteria, number of… Read More

Kevin McCarty, a Ph.D. student in Biochemistry training in Dr. Fred Guengerich’s lab, was awarded the Leon W. Cunningham Graduate Student Award on December 2, 2024. This award includes an individual plaque and a nameplate on the departmental perpetual award plaque displayed in the hallway. Additionally, it… Read More