Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar

January 15, 2026

Nominations sought for 2026 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science

The prize recognizes a scientist with a national reputation who has a stellar record of research accomplishments and is known for mentoring others in science.

By Bill Snyder
The 2025 Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar, Kimberly Bress, left, poses with her mentor, Vanderbilt Prize winner Huda Akil, PhD. (photo by Susan Urmy)
September 19, 2025

Vanderbilt Prize recipient calls for a new science of resilience

Huda Akil’s research at the University of Michigan and Michigan Neuroscience Institute has helped reveal the fundamental nature of anxiety, depression, pain and addiction.

By Bill Snyder
August 20, 2025

Vanderbilt Prize winner Huda Akil to discuss how science can aid mental health on Sept. 11

Akil is an internationally known neuroscientist at the University of Michigan and Michigan Neuroscience Institute whose research has helped reveal the fundamental nature of anxiety, depression, pain and addiction.

By Bill Snyder
August 13, 2025

Kimberly Bress selected as 2025 Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar

Bress is an MD-PhD candidate who is interested in the application of neuroimaging technology to understand cognition and behavior in adults with neurodevelopmental differences.

By Leigh MacMillan
June 3, 2025

Nominations invited for the 2025  Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar

Candidates are graduate students in biomedical sciences at Vanderbilt who have completed the qualifying exam and have at least one year left to complete the PhD degree.

By Bill Snyder
From left, 2024 Vanderbilt Prize winner Sarah Tishkoff and Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar Kimberlyn Ellis. (photo by Susan Urmy)
March 10, 2025

Evolution, genomics and disease: a very special Discovery Lecture

Sarah Tishkoff described her groundbreaking research during a talk titled “African Evolutionary Genomics: Reconstructing Human Evolution and the Genetic Basis of Complex Adaptive Traits.”

By Bill Snyder
February 13, 2025

Vanderbilt Prize winner to discuss ‘evolutionary genomics’ on March 6

Tishkoff's groundbreaking research at the University of Pennsylvania has broad implications for understanding and treating human disease.
By Bill Snyder
October 7, 2024

Kimberlyn Ellis selected as 2024 Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar

Ellis is a computational geneticist with a long-term goal of bridging genomics, bioethics and health policy to promote equitable precision medicine for minority populations.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 26, 2024

Vanderbilt Prize winner’s lecture focused on the joy of discovery

During her Discovery Lecture on March 21, Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft, recipient of the 2023 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, spoke on the joy science has given her.
By Bill Snyder
September 6, 2023

Update: Dame Frances Ashcroft to deliver Sept. 14 Vanderbilt Prize Lecture

Renowned diabetes expert Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft, recipient of the 2023 Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, will deliver her Vanderbilt Prize Discovery Lecture at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in 208 Light Hall.
By Bill Snyder
July 6, 2023

Yasminye Pettway selected as the 2023 Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar

Yasminye Pettway has been selected as the 2023 Vanderbilt Prize Student Scholar.
By Bill Snyder
May 18, 2023

Vanderbilt Prize lecture highlights diversity, mentoring

Ruth Lehmann, PhD, director of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts, delivered last week's Vanderbilt Prize Discovery Lecture.
By Bill Snyder
April 26, 2023

Lehmann’s Vanderbilt Prize Lecture set for May 11

Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science winner Ruth Lehmann, PhD, will deliver her Vanderbilt Prize Discovery Lecture at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in 208 Light Hall.
By Bill Snyder