ASPIRE Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit
Explore topics specific to the professional development of Ph.D. students and postdocs in the biomedical sciences.
The ASPIRE Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit is a career development workshop series focused on equipping biomedical Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows with the skills and insight to achieve their highest potential during their training period and beyond.
Add the sessions to your calendar!
Past session handouts can be found via the special Vanderbilt Box ASPIRE Biomedical Scientist’s Toolkit
Download the 2023-2024 schedule poster here to hang on your lab!
Training Stage Key
Sessions are open to Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students at any stage of their training and all are welcome to attend. However, many topics are most relevant at specific stages. Each session is designated as such. Please use this key as a guide to determine which would be most beneficial to you.
 |  |  |
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| Graduate students | Year 1/2 | Year 3+ | All years |
| Postdoctoral fellows | First half of training period | Second half of training period | All years |
All sessions are held on Thursdays from 11am – 12pm unless otherwise noted.
Fall 2023
| Date | Title | Speaker | Location | Training Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Tuesday, August 15, 2023 3:30pm-4:30pm | Overview of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) (Workshop 1 of 2) Advance registration requested here | NSF Graduate Research Fellow Kathleen McClanahan | Light Hall 202 | *PhD Students |
| *Monday, September 11, 2023 4pm-5:30pm | Writing the NSF GRFP Personal Statement and Graduate Research Plan (Workshop 2 of 2) Advance registration requested here | NSF Graduate Research Fellow Andreanna Burman | Light Hall 407 | *PhD Students |
| October 5, 2023 | Efficiency of information transfer – how to present a poster for interest and understanding | Chris Wright, D. Phil. Louise B. McGavock Chair Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology Director, Vanderbilt University Program in Developmental Biology Associate Director, Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology | Light Hall 411 | |
| March 21, 2024 | Preparing to Mentor | Ashley Brady, PhD Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration | Light Hall 411 | |
| May 2, 2024 | Applying for Fellowships & NRSAs | Kim Petrie, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Development, Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration | Light Hall 411 | |
Spring 2024
| Date | Title | Speaker | Location | Training Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Tuesday, August 15, 2023 3:30pm-4:30pm | Overview of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) (Workshop 1 of 2) Advance registration requested here | NSF Graduate Research Fellow Kathleen McClanahan | Light Hall 202 | *PhD Students |
| *Monday, September 11, 2023 4pm-5:30pm | Writing the NSF GRFP Personal Statement and Graduate Research Plan (Workshop 2 of 2) Advance registration requested here | NSF Graduate Research Fellow Andreanna Burman | Light Hall 407 | *PhD Students |
| October 5, 2023 | Efficiency of information transfer – how to present a poster for interest and understanding | Chris Wright, D. Phil. Louise B. McGavock Chair Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology Director, Vanderbilt University Program in Developmental Biology Associate Director, Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology | Light Hall 411 | |
| March 21, 2024 | Preparing to Mentor | Ashley Brady, PhD Assistant Dean of Biomedical Career Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration | Light Hall 411 | |
| May 2, 2024 | Applying for Fellowships & NRSAs | Kim Petrie, Ph.D. Assistant Dean for Biomedical Career Development, Associate Professor of Medical Education and Administration | Light Hall 411 | |
Questions or suggestions for other topics? Email Angela Zito at angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu.