Colleen Niswender

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

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 More

Niswender’s project seeks to understand why levels of mGlu7 are reduced in Rett syndrome and to test a new therapeutic approach using DNA molecules to restore those levels. This work could pave the way for new drug therapies to address symptoms of Rett syndrome and related disorders, while also advancing advocacy and visibility for these conditions in the scientific community. Read More

Vanderbilt University has announced this year’s Master Innovators including Carrie Jones, Colleen Niswender, and Alex Waterson. The recognition, presented by the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, honors faculty whose groundbreaking research has been translated into transformative innovations, advancing their fields and making a significant impact on society. Read More

Phase I clinical trial of a drug was successfully completed at the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, with promise to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The compound, named VU319, is the first Vanderbilt end-to-end drug discovery effort related to memory loss, starting from the earliest basic science research through human clinical trials. Read More