Alexandra Scammell

Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders, which influence memory, cognition, behavior, and overall quality of life, affect millions of people worldwide. In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, learn how researchers within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences are advancing discoveries across neuroscience, pharmacology, drug discovery, and more. Read More

The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences has named eight Ph.D. students as recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Graduate Studies, recognizing their outstanding research accomplishments and excellence in graduate education. Read More

The BRET Office of Career Development’s 2026 annual career symposium brought together Vanderbilt alums and other professionals to showcase the diverse career paths available to biomedical trainees once they graduate. Through panel discussions, networking opportunities, and personal career stories, trainees gained valuable insights into careers spanning medical communications, medical affairs, industry, consulting, and beyond. Read More

Meet Kelly O’Rourke, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Doug Kojetin in the Department of Biochemistry. Read More

Congratulations to our School of Medicine Basic Sciences faculty members who were promoted or received new appointments between January and March 2026! These individuals significantly enrich our pursuit of pathbreaking research and contribute to the growth and success of our school. Read More

Meet Caroline Bodnya, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Vivian Gama in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. Read More

Alcohol use disorder and addiction continue to shape public health in widespread and complex ways, influencing everything from metabolic disease and cancer risk to brain function and behavior. During Alcohol Awareness Month, we highlight the remarkable work of our community, whose research spans from molecules to behavior to shed light on this disorder. Read More

Meet Kirsty Erickson, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Cody Siciliano in the Department of Pharmacology. Read More

A new study from the laboratory of Cody Siciliano suggests that two widely used medications for alcohol use disorder—naltrexone and nalmefene—may be equally effective overall but individuals only respond to one of the two medications. The findings could help explain why clinical trials of naltrexone and nalmefene have produced conflicting results and may point toward a precision-medicine strategy for treating alcohol use disorder. Read More

Researchers identified a small molecule that improves the localization of a potassium channel frequently mislocalized and impaired in the genetic heart rhythm disorder known as long QT syndrome. The study provides proof of principle that future therapies aimed at correcting the underlying molecular defect in this potentially fatal genetic disorder could be viable. Read More