Research
Vanderbilt University launches sustainable lab program
Apr. 18, 2024—The new Vanderbilt Sustainable Labs program, an initiative from Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability in the Division of Administration, provides guidance and a voluntary certification designation for laboratory members to reduce the environmental impact of their lab activities. Laboratory spaces traditionally consume about five times more energy per square foot than standard office spaces, making them a crucial...
Vanderbilt creates Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate
Apr. 1, 2024—Vanderbilt University will harness its global expertise in scientific discovery, technological innovation, public policy, law and education to launch the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC). The multimillion-dollar investment follows a recommendation by an interdisciplinary working group to address the crucial societal challenge of ensuring a sustainable world. It is the latest center...
Voluntary Household Actions Contribute 40% of Cumulative Emissions Reductions under the IIJA and IRA
Mar. 4, 2024—The role of household actions in reducing carbon emissions worldwide has been hotly debated, but the United States data confirm their significance. In 2021, households accounted for roughly one third of U.S. CO2 emissions, with the residential sector representing over 19% and passenger and light duty vehicles representing another 22%. A new paper from Vanderbilt...
Vanderbilt highlights smart mobility research, innovative solutions at Nashville expo
Dec. 5, 2023—Over the next two days, leaders from across the state will convene at Nashville’s Music City Center, where the latest advancements in smart mobility will be experienced firsthand. Vanderbilt is a sponsor and a participant in the event, where faculty and students will exhibit the latest in their smart mobility research and innovation work. The...
Vanderbilt researchers explore new science education approach to build youths’ agency amid climate anxiety
Nov. 29, 2023—By Jenna Somers Heidi Carlone A three-year, nearly $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation supports a trans-institutional research team at Vanderbilt University investigating an innovative approach to STEM education that could help young people develop STEM identities and agency amidst climate anxiety. Children around the world experience growing levels of climate anxiety as they witness the worsening...
Vanderbilt sophomore attends release of National Climate Assessment at the White House
Nov. 27, 2023—Gabrielle Beck, a sophomore studying neuroscience and environmental policy, attended the release of the fifth annual National Climate Assessment on Nov. 14 after receiving an all-expense-paid invitation from program Director Allison Crimmins. The National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report released by the White House every four years, provides scientific information about climate change risks, impacts and responses...
Vanderbilt welcomes ORNL researchers for collaborative climate and justice workshop
Oct. 30, 2023—Vanderbilt hosted the Vanderbilt University–Oak Ridge National Laboratory Workshop on Climate Change and Environmental Justice on Oct. 9, welcoming ORNL researchers for a dynamic discussion on the climate change research the organizations are undertaking and to explore potential collaborations. The workshop, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, was the...
From blackberry juice solar cells to forensic labs: VINSE outreach is shaping the next generation of scientists
Oct. 19, 2023—There’s a good chance many Middle Tennessee high school kids know more about nanotechnology than you do thanks to the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, which has been making strides in its educational outreach for more than a decade. VINSE’s mission is to drive innovation in science, nanotechnology and education that benefits society. ...
Vanderbilt contributes civil engineering and operational expertise to Nashville mayor’s climate adaptation and resilience plan
Sep. 26, 2023—Vanderbilt faculty and staff have been key contributors to a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan that was released by Metro Nashville on Sept. 19. Jaclyn Mothupi, director of social innovation at the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, and Janey Camp, research professor of civil and environmental engineering, co-chaired the subcommittee on adaptation and resilience as part of Mayor John Cooper’s Sustainability...
Jonathan Gilligan receives 2023–24 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Aug. 18, 2023—Jonathan Gilligan, Vanderbilt University professor of earth and environmental sciences and of civil and environmental engineering, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the 2023–24 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Gilligan will be the visiting Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Digital Technologies and Sustainability...