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Lorena Infante Lara

  • 3D graphic of a human neck in which the spine is visible, but the focus of the image is a thyroid gland over the spine. The image seems to glow in pinkish tones and the thyroid has yellow/orange light emanating from it.

    PFAS—‘forever chemicals’—directly shown to alter thyroid structure and function

    Recent work from the labs of Vivian Weiss and Ethan Lee show that PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals—directly connects PFAS exposure with changes in the morphology and function of thyroid tissue. Read More

    Mar. 23, 2026

  • Headshot of Joyonna Gamble-George. The image is overlaid over a golden background emblazoned with the Vanderbilt name.

    Alum Answers with Joyonna Gamble-George

    Joyonna Gamble-George, PhD’16, believes that science is humanitarianism. Thanks to her upbringing and her Vanderbilt training, through the roles she has had—from entrepreneur to research scientist to policy fellow—she has focused on helping people in her personal and professional lives. Read More

    Mar. 13, 2026

  • 3D graphic of neurons with clumps of tiny, bacteria-like rods clustered on a few places.

    Novel compounds open new research avenues for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics

    Two new compounds developed at the Vanderbilt University Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery will enable research into a protein family with ties to Alzheimer’s disease, setting the stage for the development of a different kind of therapeutic than is currently available. Read More

    Feb. 24, 2026

  • Vanderbilt University

    Celebrating love found

    Whether they met at the bench or bonded over research setbacks, these alums prove that meaningful relationships can flourish alongside rigorous scientific training. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked them to share how they did it. Read More

    Feb. 12, 2026

  • Stylized microscopy image showing a matrix of holes in green on the left and magenta on the right.

    Aging researchers find new puzzle piece in the game of longevity

    The lab of Kris Burkewitz just made a key discovery: How cellular machineries are structured and organized within a cell has implications for healthy aging. “We didn't just add a piece to the puzzle—we found a whole section that hasn't even been touched,” Eric Donahue, first author of the study, said. Read More

    Feb. 2, 2026

  • Illustration of a human head made up of blue, orange, and purple geometric shapes and gears.

    A more realistic way to study cocaine use could accelerate addiction research

    Millions of Americans struggle with cocaine use, yet research tools don’t yet reflect real-world drug use. Vanderbilt scientists have developed a new approach that more accurately models how people use cocaine, strengthening efforts to understand addiction and develop better therapies Read More

    Jan. 14, 2026

  • Kavya Sharman, in a white blazer, holding a microphone and smiling at her audience. In the background, out of focus, you can see a projector screen and three people seated in front of it, as if they were a panel of speakers. The image is set over a gold background with Vanderbilt University branding.

    Alum Answers with Kavya Sharman

    Kavya Sharman, BS’16, PhD’22, channeled dual expertise in science and business into launching Phase Capital, a Nashville-based venture capital firm focused on tech bio. Today, she supports founders working to transform scientific discoveries into scalable applications across the U.S., all while maintaining close ties to her Vanderbilt alma mater and home. Read More

    Jan. 13, 2026

  • Photo of Kristin Kwakwa (front) and Kalen Petersen in their Vanderbilt doctoral graduation regalia. The image is overlaid over a golden background emblazoned with the Vanderbilt name.

    Fall 2025 Class Notes

    Our School of Medicine Basic Sciences alums go far and wide. Check out the latest accomplishments from some of our alums! If you're an alum, let us know of any recent developments in your life. Read More

    Dec. 20, 2025

  • White medical pills coming out of a glass bottle on its side on a black background.

    Osheroff lab provides mechanistic data in successful FDA application for new gonorrhea treatment

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the new antibiotic gepotidacin for use against uncomplicated gonorrhea. The biochemistry lab of Neil Osheroff provided all mechanism of action data in the FDA application. Read More

    Dec. 11, 2025

  • Headshot of Dave Vigerust in a navy suit on a gray background. The image is overlaid over a golden background emblazoned with the Vanderbilt name.

    Alum Answers with Dave Vigerust

    For our latest Alum Answers feature, meet Dave Vigerust, PhD’04, who trained as a scientist in Vanderbilt’s IGP umbrella program and then in the Cellular and Molecular Pathology program. He has spent his career interfacing between basic research and the clinic and is now the chief scientific and strategy officer of three companies. Read More

    Nov. 20, 2025