Simple Beginnings Archive — Page 1 of 1

Hugh Barrington Lawrence III, from Beacon, New York, admitted to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Pathway, receives his white coat from IGP Director Madhvi Venkatesh, DPhil, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

September 9, 2026

New graduate students are urged to forge reputations ‘others can trust’

White lab coats symbolize academic rigor, scientific excellence and commitment to benefit society through research and discovery.

Walter Chazin, PhD, helps Aylar Atadurdyyeva, a student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, into her lab coat. Atadurdyyeva, who is originally from Turkmenistan, is a graduate of the University of Kansas. (photo by Susan Urmy)

September 4, 2024

New biomedical sciences graduate students encouraged to ‘change the world’

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of white lab coats to the students. A symbol of academic rigor and scientific excellence, the lab coat also reflects a commitment to benefiting society through research and discovery.

New graduate student Kaitlyn Gallagher, right, is all smiles after Kathy Gould, PhD, senior associate dean for Biomedical Research Education and Training, helps her into her lab coat. Admitted to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Gallagher was among 117 new PhD students welcomed during the recent ceremony in Langford Auditorium. (All photos by Erin O. Smith)

September 15, 2023

‘Simple Beginnings’ ceremony welcomes doctoral students

“Simple Beginnings” is Vanderbilt University’s annual ceremony that welcomes each new class of doctoral students in the biomedical and biological sciences.

August 18, 2023

Simple Beginnings ceremony is Sept.1; donations accepted for white coats for students

September 8, 2022

Simple Beginnings

Vanderbilt held its annual Simple Beginnings ceremony for new doctoral students last week in Light Hall.

By Vanderbilt Health News

September 5, 2019

Science educations start from Simple Beginnings

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine welcomed 118 new doctoral students last week during the 10th annual Simple Beginnings ceremony.

September 6, 2018
Biomedical sciences journey starts from Simple Beginnings

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine welcomed 112 new doctoral students on Aug. 31 during the ninth annual Simple Beginnings ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room filled with family members and other well-wishers.
By Bill Snyder
September 7, 2017
Journey of discovery starts from Simple Beginnings

Vanderbilt University welcomed 104 new doctoral students Sept. 1 during the eighth annual Simple Beginnings ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room filled with family members and other well-wishers.
By Bill Snyder
September 8, 2016
Simple Beginnings ceremony celebrates new doctoral students

Vanderbilt University welcomed 92 new doctoral students Sept. 2 during the seventh annual Simple Beginnings ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room packed with family members and other well wishers.
By Bill Snyder
September 10, 2015
‘Simple Beginnings’ ceremony welcomes doctoral students

Vanderbilt University welcomed 97 new doctoral students on Sept. 4 during the sixth annual “Simple Beginnings” ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room packed with family members and other well-wishers.
By Bill Snyder
September 4, 2014
Science educations bloom from ‘Simple Beginnings’

Vanderbilt University welcomed 99 new doctoral students last Friday, Aug. 29, during the fifth annual “Simple Beginnings” ceremony in a Light Hall lecture room packed with family members and other well-wishers.
By Bill Snyder
September 5, 2013
‘Simple Beginnings’ ceremony welcomes 98 doctoral students
By Bill Snyder
September 6, 2012
New doctoral students welcomed

Vanderbilt University Medical Center welcomed 109 new doctoral students into the scientific community last week in the third annual “Simple Beginnings” ceremony.
By Leigh MacMillan