Research, News & Discoveries
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School of Medicine Basic Sciences Staff Spotlight: Prashant Singh
Meet Prashant Singh, senior research associate in the Tina Iverson lab within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read MoreFeb. 6, 2026
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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 MoreFeb. 2, 2026
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Trainee Tribute: Jen Silverman
Meet Jen Silverman, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Matthew Tyska in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. Read MoreJan. 20, 2026
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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 MoreJan. 14, 2026
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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 MoreJan. 13, 2026
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Ron Emeson retires from decades-long career devoted to science, students, and service
Emeson was one of the first scientists to explore a newly discovered biological process called RNA editing, a mechanism by which cells can subtly change the function of proteins and non-coding RNAs to fine-tune their activities. His team’s pioneering research made seminal contributions to the field and laid the foundation for understanding how RNA editing contributes to the regulation of neuronal function. Reflecting on his career, Emeson said the best things have been “the science, the students, the opportunity to work with talented colleagues, and the IACUC.” Read MoreJan. 6, 2026
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Prominent molecular biologist André Nussenzweig delivers Apex Lecture on genome stability in both mitotic and post-mitotic cells
National Cancer Institute molecular biologist André Nussenzweig delivered a School of Medicine Basic Sciences Apex Lecture on Dec. 15 about genome stability in mitotic and post-mitotic cells. Read MoreDec. 22, 2025
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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 MoreDec. 20, 2025
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School of Medicine Basic Sciences: 2025 in review
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the achievements and contributions to science made by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences community over the past year. SOMBS facilitates outstanding fundamental science research across four departments, two institutes, 10 centers, and 18 core facilities. The work of our faculty,… Read MoreDec. 17, 2025