FCAI News
Frist Center Partners with InclYOUsion Summit 2023; Sees 110,000 Participants on Livestream Over Three Days
Sep. 23, 2023—On 20th – 23rd September 2023, the Frist Center partnered with Indian non-profit Kidskintha to conduct the first International Neurodiversity at Work conference. The conference, which the Frist Center also sponsored, saw 47 speakers across 8 time zones speak about neurodiversity in the workplace. Themes such as education, transitions to work, success strategies, and global initiatives for...
Frist Center Researchers Seeking to Aid Neurodiverse Adults Receive Prestigious NSF CIVIC Stage 2 Award
Sep. 21, 2023—Two Frist Center researchers are part of a collaborative effort receiving a distinguished Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Stage 2 Award from the National Science Foundation that the team will use to improve equity for neurodiverse adults by completing and commercializing a novel virtual reality driving instruction system that will help autistic adults have the independence they need...
Partnership with The Precisionists: Career Opportunities for 500 Neurodiverse Individuals in Nashville
Sep. 20, 2023—On September 19th, FCAI partner The Precisionists announced the expansion of their neurodiversity employment program to Nashville, with an event hosted at the Frist Center. The event was led by Director Keivan Stassun, with remarks from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and a quote from the Governor of Tennessee. Through their partnership with the Frist...
Deputy Director Dave Caudel Interviewed for CMA Today Article
Aug. 7, 2023—Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for an article released in CMA today entitled “Opening Minds: Unlock Strategies for Making Workplaces Inclusive of Neurodiversity”. Part of the article discusses accommodations in the workplace and how accommodations are often provided, unconsciously, for everyone. Dr. Caudel makes this point clear when...
FCAI Deputy Director Interviewed for Neurodiversity Empowerment YouTube
Jul. 24, 2023—Last week, Dave Caudel, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation Deputy Director, was interviewed for Episode 88 of the Dr. Gwen Empowered YouTube channel. This YouTube channel seeks to “empower neurodiverse and disabled individuals, their support systems, and anyone who deeply cares about this community.” Dr. Caudel was interviewed about how FCAI is working to transform...
Recording Available for FCAI June Webinar
Jul. 4, 2023—On June 29, 2023, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation monthly webinar series partnered with virtual reality company Floreo to discuss Workforce Skill Development and Virtual Reality. The panel was moderated by FCAI project coordinator Jessica Schonhut-Stasik and included four panelists (see bios below). We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation from these enthusiastic...
Frist Center Faculty Fellow Tyler Derr wins prestigious NSF CAREER award
Jun. 16, 2023—Tyler Derr, assistant professor of computer science and a Frist Center Faculty Fellow, has been awarded a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. Read the press release here: https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/news/2023/vanderbilt-researcher-wins-nsf-career-award-to-close-a-gap-in-network-analysis-by-better-modeling-negative-online-interactions-like-unfollowing-and-blocking/
FCAI Project Coordinator, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, is Guest on Square Pegs Podcast
May. 26, 2023—“Square Pegs,” is a thought-provoking podcast with engaging content and insightful discussions, surrounding the experiences of neurodiverse graduate students. With a keen focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, Arash Zaghi brings together a wide range of guests who challenge societal norms and share their unique perspectives. On the latest episode of Square Pegs, Arash interviews...
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun One of Four Vanderbilt VUMC Faculty to be Elected as AAAS Members
May. 1, 2023—The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the election of four Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty among its 2023 cohort of 270 new members, including Frist Center for Autism and Innovation director Keivan Stassun. The academy is an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Application OPEN!
Apr. 18, 2023—We are thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) graduate fellowship for the upcoming academic year. NISE is a unique fellowship program that seeks to advance the field of science and engineering by embracing the strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals. Fellows will receive financial support and...