Lourdes Estrada, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cancer Biology, has been named associate director for Academic Programs and Operations for the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).

The discoveries that can change the course of human health forever often begin in the tiniest places: in molecules and cells, at the most fundamental intersection of physics, chemistry and biology. Understanding how these cellular and molecular processes work is the focus of basic biomedical research at Vanderbilt.

Kevin Johnson, M.D., M.S., Senior Vice President for Health Information Technology, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor and Chair of Biomedical Informatics and professor of Pediatrics, will be the keynote speaker at the 15th annual Levi Watkins Jr. Lecture.

Nine faculty members who hold endowed chairs were honored and donors were thanked during a festive celebration Sept. 26 at the Student Life Center.

Dr. Kevin B. Johnson will deliver the 15th annual Levi Watkins Jr., M.D. Lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The event will begin at noon in Light Hall, Room 208.

Nominations are being sought for the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Student Awards, presented annually to at least one graduate student and one medical student associated with Vanderbilt University School of Medicine who have made outstanding contributions to the institution by fostering a more diverse environment.