Unveiling Vanderbilt University's Rich Undergraduate Research Landscape

Vanderbilt University prides itself as a center for scholarly research, and undergraduates are central to the university’s world-class research efforts. They have a variety of opportunities to take part in transformative discoveries, making research a defining aspect of their Vanderbilt experience. Vanderbilt is dedicated to fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations that can expand the framework for what is possible, drawing on the belief that great breakthroughs happen when different ideas, disciplines and areas of expertise come together. This article explores the diverse undergraduate research opportunities available at Vanderbilt University, highlighting various programs, initiatives, and resources that empower students to engage in meaningful scholarly activities.

A Culture of Interdisciplinary Research

Research at Vanderbilt draws on the belief that great breakthroughs happen when different ideas, disciplines, and areas of expertise come together. As a result, Vanderbilt is dedicated to fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations that can expand the framework for what is possible. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore research questions from multiple angles, fostering innovation and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Diverse Research Avenues for Undergraduates

For many undergraduates, the opportunity to work alongside graduate students and leading faculty experts is a defining aspect of their Vanderbilt experience. Research at Vanderbilt is integrated into many academic courses and majors, and it spans everything from field studies in the natural sciences to laboratory research to historical investigations and projects at the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities. A&S undergraduates can access research opportunities through a number of channels. In addition to approaching faculty on their own, students can choose from a variety of college- and university-sponsored programs, many of which come with financial support.

College of Arts and Science

In the College of Arts and Science, every student has access to world-class research opportunities. Our faculty enthusiastically include undergraduates in their work, whether in the lab, the field, or the library, and enjoy collaborating across disciplines and schools to create unique experiences for students. Many majors include a significant research requirement, while others make research an optional, but encouraged, part of the curriculum.

Immersion Vanderbilt

Immersion at A&S happens as part of Immersion Vanderbilt, a university-wide program that provides students with the opportunity to pursue their passions and cultivate their intellectual interests through experiential learning. The program takes place both in and beyond the classroom and culminates in the creation of a final project.

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Featured Research Programs and Initiatives

Vanderbilt offers a plethora of structured programs designed to facilitate undergraduate research experiences. These programs often provide financial support, mentorship, and structured learning opportunities.

Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA)

Recruitment to the summer research opportunity is through applications to the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy (VSSA). VI4 will support one or two Research Scholarships for the summer program, each up to $5,000.00 for the entire period to cover living expenses. This summer program starts at the beginning of June and runs for the next 9-10 consecutive weeks. The summer program has two components: laboratory research and seminars. The seminar series is organized by the VSSA.

Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair

Students are encouraged to present at the fall or spring Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair. Poster printing costs for those who present at the Undergraduate Research Fair are covered by the Office of the Provost. Specific instructions for how to submit posters to be paid will be shared with students after they are awarded VUSRP or upon registration for the fair.

Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP)

VUSRP provides students with the opportunity to complete ten weeks of full-time summer research under the mentorship of a Vanderbilt faculty member.

Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience for Undergraduates

Vanderbilt University Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience for Undergraduates offers course credit for research. Several Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program Investigators take part in these courses. The program provides opportunities such as:

NSC 190 - Introduction to Research: This course is an introductory course to neuroscience research design to familiarize students with projects, methods, and the literature.
NSC 291 - Independent Reading: A course of independent reading with a faculty mentor. This course is intended for juniors and seniors.
NSC 292 - Undergraduate Research: A course designed for juniors and seniors who wish to learn the intellectual and technical aspects of research in neuroscience. This is a reading and lab course.
NSC 296 - Honors Research: This course is an ongoing research course designed for students in the Neuroscience Honors Program.

Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program faculty will work with a student on a case-by-case basis to learn about your interests and to help structure a program of research experience that will facilitate individual learning goals.

Vanderbilt MARC Scholars Program

The Vanderbilt MARC Scholars Program promotes broad participation in biomedical research by preparing undergraduate students for highly selective Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. biomedical training programs.

VI4 Research Scholarship

Recruitment to the research opportunity during the school year is through faculty nominations. Nominations are solicited from the VI4 research faculty by the program coordinator in September/October of each year. Names and contact information of research faculty can be found at the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation site. In some cases, financial support may be available through a work study program. Most students use this opportunity to earn research credits as part of their undergraduate degree program. Financial support is not provided for research leading to course credits. VI4 will support one or two Research Scholarships for the summer program, each up to $5,000.00 for the entire period to cover living expenses. Questions regarding VI4 research Scholarship can be directed to the program coordinator. Questions? Contact the VI4 Germs, Defenses, & Diseases Program Coordinator, Dr.

Examples of Undergraduate Research

To showcase the breadth and depth of undergraduate research at Vanderbilt, here are a few examples of students actively involved in research:

Asia Miller: Asia Miller is a rising Junior majoring in Biology and is involved in microbiome research in the Bordenstein lab. She is also using her research experience to complete her Immersion project.
Gaby: Gaby is a rising Junior majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society and Political Science. She is working with Dr.’s Ashley Leech and Alvin Jeffery to examine wrap-around services for pregnant women with substance use disorder.
Andres: Andres is a rising Junior majoring in Neuroscience and is doing research in Dr. Gailani’s hematology lab.

Resources and Support for Undergraduate Researchers

Vanderbilt provides a robust network of resources to support undergraduate students in their research endeavors.

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The Wond’ry

The Wond’ry is Vanderbilt’s center for innovation and design. Students may use The Wond’ry as a resource to support individual research activities, or they may participate in one of the center’s unique and engaging co-curricular programs, such as the Coffee Equity Lab.

Honors Programs

Every A&S department has an honors program that centers on independent learning and research. Requirements for honors study vary by department.

Financial Support

A&S undergraduates can access research opportunities through a number of channels. In addition to approaching faculty on their own, students can choose from a variety of college- and university-sponsored programs, many of which come with financial support. One opportunity is part-time that that runs through the school year. This is a great opportunity for sophomores, juniors and seniors attending Vanderbilt or a college/university in the Nashville area. The other opportunity is full-time and runs during the summer months. This opportunity is available to all rising sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Maximizing Research Opportunities: A Proactive Approach

Successful applications are the result of intentional and detailed research plans between a student and a faculty mentor. Students who are considering multiple research opportunities at the same time are strongly encouraged to discuss this with their potential mentors. Taking the initiative to connect with faculty, explore available programs, and develop a well-defined research plan are crucial steps in maximizing research opportunities at Vanderbilt.

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