Inspiring the Future Archive — Page 1 of 3

Child wearing safety goggles and a purple glove uses a pipette at a hands-on science demonstration while an adult assists from behind.
October 29, 2026

MEGAMicrobe event brings students into the wonderful world of microbes

Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Health led activities to demonstrate how the “power” of science can reveal the important roles microscopic organisms play in the environment and human health.

Graduate student Chiamaka Okoye shows Nora Tidwell, 6, and Avah Floyd, 7, how the gastrointestinal bacterium H. pylori swims through stomach mucus by having them dip their gloved hands into a tub of slime and dried pasta.
October 15, 2026

MEGAMicrobe: Free, fun science event for students 5-15 on Oct. 24

Hosted by the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, the ninth annual MEGAMicrobe event invites students to conduct science experiments, join in hands-on activities, and win prizes and giveaways.

Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. wearing glasses, a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned yellow tie, seated indoors near a window.
September 25, 2026

John Tarpley to deliver annual Levi Watkins Jr. Lecture Oct. 5

This annual lecture celebrates Dr. Levi Watkins Jr., VUSM’s first African American student and graduate and pioneering cardiac surgeon.

Since 1981, Scholastic Book Fairs have been a much-loved pop-up tradition around the country. Scholastic partners with schools nationwide to host over 100,000 events annually, providing 30 million students and families with access to thousands of affordable books. (Submitted photo)
September 16, 2026

Scholastic Book Fair set to arrive at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for the first time

Since 1981, Scholastic Book Fairs have been a much-loved pop-up tradition around the country. Scholastic partners with schools nationwide to host over 100,000 events annually, providing 30 million students and families with access to thousands of affordable books.

Dolly Parton and a red-haired woman smile beside broadcast microphones in a Seacrest Studios room; the “Seacrest Studios” sign is visible behind them.
August 26, 2026

Vanderbilt Health mourns passing of global icon Dolly Parton

Legendary songwriter, singer, actress, author and businesswoman, Parton will be remembered for her lasting impact on the lives of millions through her support of everything from pediatric cancer care to infectious disease research at Vanderbilt Health.

Large group portrait of Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology participants and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center team members posing together indoors.
July 22, 2026

Move over, Instagram: The screen teens are obsessed with this summer is SHE 

Nearly 160 students from 58 high schools applied this year across the entire region served by Vanderbilt-Ingram, which spans Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. Twenty-five girls and five boys were accepted.