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Alumni

  • 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

  • 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

  • Headshot of Chase Spurlock

    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 More

    Oct. 13, 2025

  • Ashley Brady (left) and Lee Limbird image over Vanderbilt gold background

    Vanderbilt basic science alum Q&A: Ashley Brady

    Ashley Brady, PhD’03, assistant dean of biomedical career engagement and strategic partnerships in the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program and associate professor of medical education and administration, sat down with us to discuss her experience studying basic science at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in her career. Read More

    Jan. 21, 2025

  • People in a classroom

    From the bench to biotech executive: Alum Lori Rudolph-Owen’s career path

    Lori Rudolph-Owen, an accomplished figure in the biotechnology industry and a Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences alum, shared her insights on career progression and drug development on Oct. 3 as part of BRET’s Ph.D. Career Stories, a series focused on various alums and their professions. Read More

    Dec. 17, 2024

  • Three women with name tags sit at the front of an audience as a panel.

    Fall 2024 Class Notes

    Our School of Medicine Basic Sciences alums go far and wide. Check out the latest accomplishments from some of our alums! Read More

    Dec. 11, 2024

  • Sonja Fulmer headshot over Vanderbilt gold background

    Vanderbilt basic science alum Q&A: Sonja Fulmer

    Sonja Fulmer, a graduate of Chemical and Physical Biology Program who is now the deputy director of the FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence, sat down with us to discuss her experience studying basic science at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in her successful career. Read More

    Dec. 10, 2024

  • Efrain Garcia headshot over Vanderbilt gold background

    Vanderbilt basic science alum Q&A: Efrain Garcia

    Efrain Garcia, a graduate of the pharmacology department who is now a Senior Project Officer & Health Scientist at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, sat down with us to discuss his experience studying basic science at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in his career.  Read More

    Nov. 14, 2024

  • Alum speakers at the 2024 ASPIRE Career Symposium

    BRET’s annual career symposium helps students explore a variety of biomedical career paths

    Vanderbilt’s ASPIRE program recently hosted its yearly career symposium, bringing biomedical science professionals, including biomedical sciences alums, to speak about their jobs and share diverse career pathways available to our trainees. Read More

    Aug. 1, 2024