Alum
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Alum Answers with Denise Zannino Childree
Denise Zannino Childree, PhD’09, used the training from her neuroscience Ph.D. to jump start a career in science policy and science communication. Currently the director of communications and strategic engagement for a geotechnical engineering firm, she reflects on her time at Vanderbilt and shares advice with current trainees. Read MoreJuly 27, 2026
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School of Medicine Basic Sciences Spring 2026 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 MoreJune 17, 2026
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Ten-year anniversary: Ten trainee success stories from the School of Medicine Basic Sciences
Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences by recognizing 10 of our hundreds of exemplary alums who have completed their training in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences Read MoreMay 24, 2026
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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 MoreMarch 13, 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 MoreJanuary 13, 2026
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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 MoreDecember 20, 2025
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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 MoreNovember 20, 2025
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Alum Answers with Chase Spurlock
A Middle Tennessee native, Chase Spurlock, PhD’14, was drawn to Vanderbilt University for its excellence in healthcare and science. A project he completed in graduate school ignited in him a desire to impact patient lives through academic-industry partnerships, and he has not looked back since. Read MoreOctober 13, 2025
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Vanderbilt basic science alum Q&A: Richard Gustin
Richard Gustin, PhD’10, sat down with us to discuss his experience studying basic science and pharmacology at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in his career. Gustin is now a senior director of innovation and strategic initiatives at Neurelis, Inc. Read MoreAugust 5, 2025
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Vanderbilt alumnus Walt Gall applies basic sciences to AI and space innovation
Walt Gall, PhD’02, sat down with us to discuss his experience studying basic science at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in his career. Gall is an entrepreneur in residence at the Exploration Institute. Read MoreJuly 16, 2025