The Vanderbilt Brain Institute (VBI) was founded in 1999 as a transinstitutional entity to oversee and facilitate the extensive neuroscience-related endeavors carried out at Vanderbilt University. As such, the primary missions of the VBI are to promote research, education and training in the brain-related disciplines at Vanderbilt, with the stated goal of fostering excellence in each if these arenas. Read more...

  • VBI Staff
  • VBI Training Faculty
  • VBI Scientist
MarkW

Mark Wallace, Ph.D.
Director, Vanderbilt Brain Institute
Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program.
Professorof Hearing & Speech Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry
Tel: (615) 936-6709
Dr. Wallace oversees all elements of the VBI, including the neuroscience graduate program, neuroscience training faculty, community outreach and development activities.

DougM
Douglas McMahon, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Professor, Biological Sciences
Tel: (615) 936-3933
Dr. McMahon advises students regarding courses and scientific development, as well as, tracking student progress. He also is available for advice on issues related to advancement to the degree, including helping students work more effectively with their advisors.
RozJ

Roz Johnson
Interdisciplinary Program Coordinator
Tel: (615) 936-2610
Roz is your FIRST CONTACT and can answer your questions about Ph.D. requirements.

MaryM
Mary Michael-Woolman
Administrative (i.e., Financial) Officer
Tel: (615) 936-0273
Also known as "Money Mary", Ms Michael-Woolman can resolve any financial, payroll, or insurance glitches that may arise. Also, see Ms Michael-Woolman for travel forms if you are attending a professional meeting.
SteveE

Steve Edminster
Program Assistant
Tel: (615) 322-3532
Steve is in charge of maintaining the VBI website along with other outreach activities.

ShirinP
Shirin Pulous
Office Assistant IV
Tel: (615) 936-3736
Mrs. Pulous is here to answer questions concerning courses, qual exams, and student records.
Name Title Academic Interest
Anderson, Adam W. Associate Professor Biomedical Engineering/Radiology Brain imaging
Aschner, Michael

Professor of Pediatrics
Professor of Pharmacology
Aschner Lab

Cellular & molecular mechanisms of heavy metal neurotoxicity; neurodegeneration; neuron-glia interaction; Gulf War syndrome
Avison, Malcolm J. Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Professor of Pharmacology
Imaging science
Bacorowski, Jo-Anne Associate Professor
Bacorowski Lab
Vocal accoustics and emotion
Balser, Jeffery R. Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
Dean, Vanderbilt School of Medicine
Professor of Anesthesiology
Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Medicine
James Tayloe Gwathmey Clinician-Scientist
The Biophysics of voltage-gated ion channel channels
Blackford, Jennifer Urbano Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Blackford Lab
Neuroimaging and genetics in temperament and anxiety disorders
Blake, Randolph Centennial Professor of Psychology
Professor
Blake Lab
Visual neuroscience, brain imaging, visual perception
Blakely, Randy D. Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Psychiatry
Blakely Lab
Depression, Obessive-compulsive Disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Congestive Heart Failure
Bowman, Aaron B. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Bowman Lab
Gene-environment interactions underlying neurodegenerative diseases using human and mouse models
Broadie, Kendal S. Stevenson Professor of Neurobiology
Professor
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Stevenson Professor of Neurobiology
Broadie Lab
Genetic dissection of nervous system development, function and plasticity
Calkins, David J. Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Associate Professor of Psychology
Calkins Lab
Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and molecular architecture of visual pathways in health and disease
Carter, Bruce D. Professor of Biochemistry
Carter Lab
Molecular mechanisms of neurotrophin signaling
Casagrande, Vivien A. Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Casagrande Lab
Visual cortical organization of the brain
Cascio, Carissa J. Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry  
Catania, Kenneth C. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Catania Lab
The neurobiology and behavior of mammals
Chen, Li Min Assistant Professor  
Chiang, Chin Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Chiang Lab
Early development of central nervous systems
Colbran, Roger J. Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Colbran Lab
Structure, function and subcellular targeting of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in health and disease
Cone, Roger D. Chair of the Department
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Regulation of energy homeostasis by the central nervous system; Biology of melanocortin peptides and receptors
Conn, Jeffrey P. Professor of Pharmacology
Conn Lab
Cellular/molecular mechanisms of regulation of neuronal function. Novel treatments for CNS disorders
Cooper, Michael K. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Cooper Lab
Movement disorders
Cowan, Ronald L. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Assistant Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Cowan Lab
Depression and drug abuse
Currie, Kevin P.M. Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Regulation of calcium channels and deurotransmitter/hormone release
Delpire, Eric Professor of Anesthesiology
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biopyhsics
Molecular physiology of CNS and PNS cation-chloride cotransporters
Deutch, Ariel Y. Professor of Psychiatry
Professor of Pharmacology
Deutch Lab
Dopamine and it's role in neuropsychiatric disorders
Dykens, Elizabeth M. Professor & Deputy Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Mental retardation/Clinical psychology
Ebner, Ford F. Professor of Psychology
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Experience-related brain plasticity
Emeson, Ronald B Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Psychiatry
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Molecular neurobiology
Ess, Kevin C. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Ess Lab
Mechanisms of cortical development using mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCs)
Gallagher, Martin J. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Gallagher Lab
Nedical and surgical epilepsy treatments scalp and intracranial video/EEG monitoring evoked potentials clinical neurophysiology general neurology
Galli, Aurelio Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Trafficking and biophysics of neurotransmitter transporters with emphasis on metabolic regulation of dopamine signaling
Gamse, Joshua T. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Assistant Professor
Gamse Lab
Genetics and development of left-right asymmetry in the vertebrate brain
Geroge, Alfred L. Professor of Medicine
Professor of Pharmacology
George Lab
Identification and characterizaton of human ion channel mutations
Gore, John C. Director, Institute for Imaging Science
University Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Professor of Physics
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Gore Lab
Imaging science, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Gurevich, Eugenia V. Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Role of dopamine receptor trafficking in neural pathology and development
Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Professor of Pharmacology
Gurevich Lab
Structural basis of arrestin runction
Haas, Kevin F. Assistant Professor of Neurology Epilepsy and Angelman syndrome
Hackett, Troy Alan Associate Professor Anatomy and physiology of auditory cortex
Hahn, Maureen K. Assistant Professor of Medicine
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Molecular and systems neuroscience and genetics of norepinephrine transporters and the link to ADHD and depression
Haines, Jonathan L. Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Haines Lab
Gene discovery in complex human disease
Hamm, Heidi E. Chair of the Department
Professor of Pharmacology
Earl W. Sutherland Jr. Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Professor of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation
Hamm Lab
Sturcture, function and interactions of G-protein coupled receptors, Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, Vascular Biology
Heckers, Stephan H. Chair of the Department
Professor of Psychiatry
Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences
Heckers Lab
Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, neuroimaging, neuroanatomy
Hedera, Peter Assistant Professor of Neurology
Hedera Lab
Hereditary spastic paraplegia/epilepsy
Hood, Darryl B. Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Hood Lab
 
Johnson, Carl H. Professor of Biological Sciences
Professor
Johnson Lab
Cellular and molecular biology of biological clocks
Kaas, Jon H. Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Professor
Professor
Distinguished Prof of Psychology
Sensori-motor systems, brain plasticity, mammalian brain evolution
Kearney, Jennifer A. Assistant Professor of Medicine
Kearney Lab
Genetic modifiers of neurological disease
Konradi, Christine L. Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Psychiatry
Konradi Lab
Gene expression in the brain
Macdonald, Robert L. Chair of the Department
Professor of Neurology
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Professor of Pharmacology
Macdonald Lab
Structure and function of recombinant/native GABAA receptor channels; basic mechanisms of genetic epilepsy; pharmacological properties of neurotransmitter receptors; antiepileptic drug mechanisms of action
Marois, Rene Associate Professor of Psychology
Associate Professor
Marois Lab
Neural basis of attention in the brain using fMRI and psychophysical tools
Mathews, Gregory C. Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Mathews Lab
Epilepsy
McCandliss, Bruce D. Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor
McCandliss Lab
 
McLaughlin, BethAnn Assistant Professor of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
McLaughlin Lab
Neurodegenerative and neuroprotective cell signaling pathways
McMahon, Douglas G. Professor of Biological Sciences
Professor
McMahon Lab
Molecular neurobiology of the visual, circadian, and serotonergic systems and their interactions
McNamara, Timothy P. Professor Human memory; spatial cognition; the psychology of language; nathematical and computational modeling of cognitive processes; applications of research on cognition to education
Miller, David M. Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Miller Lab
Molecular genetics of neural specificity
Mirnics, Karoly Professor of Psychiatry
Mirnics Lab
Gene Expression in Schizophrenia
Muglia Louis Joseph Professor of Pediatrics
Edward Claiborne Stahlman Professor of Pediatrics
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
 
Page, Terry L. Director of Neuroscience
Professor of Biological Sciences
Neurobiology of circadian rhythms
Palmeri, Thomas J. Associate Professor
Palmeri Lab
Human learning and memory, perceptual categorization, conceptual represention, computational modeling, functional brain imaging
Park, Sohee Professor of Psychology
Professor
Park Lab
Meurobiological bases of psychoses
Penn, John S. Assistant Dean for Faculty Development
Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Phyllis G. and William B. Snyder, MD Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Penn Lab
Molecular and Cellular charaterization of ocular angiogenesis (blindness)
Polley, Daniel B. Assistant Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Polley Lab
Experience-dependent plasticity in the central auditory system
Ritchie, Marylyn DeRiggi Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics
Ritchie Lab
Neurological disease/pharmacogenomics
Roe, Anna Wang Associate Professor
Roe Lab
Optical imaging of intrinsic cortical signals: studying fundamental modules of brain function
Rousseau, Bernard Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Rousseua Lab
Speech-language pathology, voice disorders
Sanders-Bush, Elaine Professor of Pharmacology
Professor of Psychiatry
Sanders-Bush Lab
Function and regulation of specific serotonin receptor subtypes in the brain
Sappington-Calkins, Rebecca Assistant Professor  
Schall, Jeffrey D. E. Bronson Ingram Professor of Neuroscience
E. Bronson Ingram Professor of Neuroscience
Schall Lab
Neural basis of visually guided behavior
Shieh, Bih-Hwa Associate Professor of Pharmacology Regulation of visual transduction by a novel macromolecular complex containing PKC, PLC-beta and the TRP calcium channels
Solnica-Krezel, Lilianna University Professor of Biological Sciences, Cell and Developmental Biology and Pediatrics
Martha Rivers Ingram Professor of Developmental Genetics
Professor of Pediatrics
Professor of Biological Sciences
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Solnica-Krezel Lab
Mechanisms of gastrulation during vertebrate embryogenesis
Southard-Smith, E. Michelle Associate Professor of Medicine
Associate Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Developmental genetics of the enteric nervous system
Sriram, Subramaniam Professor of Neurology
William C. Weaver Professor of Experimental Neurology
Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Sirram Lab
Mechanism of CNS demyelination
Stanwood, Gregg D. Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Stanwood Lab
Neuropharmacology, drug addiction, G-protein coupled receptors, developmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disease
Strange, Kevin Professor of Anesthesiology
Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Professor of Pharmacology
Strange Lab
Molecular physiology of ion channels and the cellular osmotic stress response
Tong, Frank Associate Professor
Tong Lab
fMRI and behavioral studies of visual perception, object recognition, attention, and visual awareness
Valentine, William M Associate Professor of Pathology
Mechanisms of environmental neurotoxicants and neurodegenerative disease
Veenstra-VanderWeele, Jeremy Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Wadzinski, Brian E. Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Wadzinski Lab
Structure, function, and regulation of protein serine/threonine phosphatases
Wallace, Mark T. Director Vanderbilt Brain Institute
Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences
Professor of Psychiatry
Associate Professor of Psychology
Wallace Lab
Multisensory processing, sensorimotor transformations, perception, dyslexia
Webb, Donna J. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology
Signal transduction pathways that regulate adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics in migration and synapse formation, cell biology, neurobiology
Wiley, Ronald G Professor of Neurology
Professor of Pharmacology
Wiley Lab
General neurology - central and peripheral; neuro-oncology; pain, particularly neuropathic pain
Winder, Danny G. Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Winder Lab
Synaptic mechanisms in addiction and anxiety
Zald, David H Assoiciate Professor of Psychology
Associate Professor
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Cognitive, affective and sensory functions of orbitofrontal cortex; OCD; fMRI
Zwiebel, Laurence J. Professor of Biological Sciences
Professor of Pharmacology
Zwiebel Lab
The comprehensive study of olfactory-based behaviors in malaria and other disease vector mosquitoes
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  • W-X
  • Y-Z
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Aaronson, Oran S. Neurological Surgery (615) 322-1883 Brain Surgery/Spina Bifida
Abou-Khalil, Bassel W. Neurology (615) 936-2027 Seizures/Epilepsy research
Agarwal, Anita Ophtalmolgy and Visual Sciences (615) 936-2020 Retinal vascular diseases
Allen, George S. Neurological Surgery (615) 322-1053 Brain tumors including pituita
Anderson, Adam W. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-8353 Diffusion tensor imaging
Arain, Amir M. Neurogy - Epilepsy (615) 936-2591 Epilepsy - Neurology
Aschner, Michael Pediatrics (615) 322-8024 Cellular & Molecular mechanism
Ashford, Linda Psychology (615) 936-0271 Psychological assessment
Ashmead, Daniel Psychology (615) 936-5114 Spatial hearing
Aulino, Joseph M. Medical School radiology (615) 322-3557 Neuroradiology
Avison, Malcolm J. Radiology & Radiological sciences & Pharmacology (615) 343-0522 Imaging Science
Bachorowski, Jo-Anne Psychology (615) 343-5915 Vocal acoustics and emotion
Balser, Jeffrey R. Anesthesiology & Pharmacology (615) 936-3030 Biophysics of voltage-gated Ion channels
Barnes, Gregory Neal Pediatrics (615) 936-2537 or (615) 936-5239 Epilepsy, child neurology
Barrett, Randy L. Smith Pharmacology (615) 343-4300 Serotonin signal transduction
Becher, Mark W. Neurological surgery (615) 322-3998 Neuropathology study
Benbow, Camilla P. Psychology & Human development (615) 322-7130 Gifted youth
Bernet, William Psychiatry (615) 327-7130 Rorensic psychiatry
Bess, Fred H. Audiology/Otolarynology & Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-5001 The effects of hearing loss
Biaggioni, Italo Medicine (615) 936-3420 Neuropathic postural tachycard
Bickman, Leonard Psychology, Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8694 Quantitative, Community, and Clinical
Blackford, Jennifer Urbano Psychiatry (615) 343-0715 Neuroimaging and genetics
Blake, Randolph Psychology (615) 343-7010 Visual perception
Blakely, Randy D. Pharmacology & Psychiatry (615) 936-3705 Molecular and genetic basis of neurotransmitter transporter function
Bolian, George C. Psychiatry (615) 322-4569 Educational & research activities in child psychiatry
Bowman, Aaron B. Neurology (615) 322-2651 Molecular genetics, biochemistry
Broadie, Kendal S. Biological Sciences (615) 936-3937 Nervous system development
Brooks, Penelope H. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Children's beliefs about drinking
Brown, Laurel Leslie Psychiatry (615) 343-2131 Learning & memory/adult psychiatry
Bubser, Michael Psychiatry (615) 327-7092-lab (615) 322-4260-office  
Burk, Raymond F. Medicine & Pathology (615) 343-7740 Selenium metabollism & functions
Burkey, Brian Bernard Otolaryngology (615) 322-6180 Quality of life after head and neck cancer surgery
Burnette, W. Bryan Neurology (615) 936-6145 Pediatric Neuromuscular disorders
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Cai, Jiyang Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 936-6414 Vision loss
Calkins, David J. Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 936-6412 Neurodegeneration
Camarata, Stephen M. Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-5111 Early language development
Caprioli, Richard M. Biochemistry, Chemistry & Pharmacology (615) 322-4336 Mass spectrometry
Carroll, Frank E. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-6759 Brain, spinal cord, and breast imaging
Carter, Bruce D. Biochemistry (615) 936-3041 Molecular mechanisms of neurotrophin signaling
Carvelli, Lucia Pharmacology (615) 936-3707 Neurogenerative Alzheimer's desease
Casagrande, Vivien A. Cell & Developmental Biology, Psychology & Ophthalmology Visual cortical organization of the brain
Cascio, Carissa J. Psychiatry (615) 936-3598  
Catania, Kenneth C. Biological Sciences (615) 936-8277 Neurobiology and behavior of mammals
Chen, Li Min Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 936-7069  
Charles, P. David Neurology (615) 936-0060 Treatment of Parkinson's disease
Cheng, Joseph S. Neurological Surgery (615) 322-1883 Neurosurgery spinal surgery
Chiang, Chin Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 343-4922 Early development of central nervous system
Chirwa, Sanika S. Pharmacology (615) 327-6288 Learning & memory
Chung, Ok Yung Anesthesiology (615) 936-1206 Neurosurgical anesthesia/pain control
Clayton, Ellen Wright Pediatrics & Law Law & genetics; the intersection of law, medicine and public health
Cmelak, Anthony J. Radiation Oncology Center (615) 322-2555 Head & neck carcinomas & Intracranial neoplasms
Colbran, Roger J. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Biochemical signaling
Cole, David A. Psychology & Human Development Psychopathology & childhood depression
Compass, Bruce E. Pediatrics (615) 322-8306 Coping & self-regulation
Compton, Donald L. Special Education (615) 356-4177 Cognitive & social/evnironmental factors that affect children
Cone, Roger D. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 936-2478  
Conn, P. Jeffrey Pharmacology (615) 936-2478 Neuropharmacology/drug therapies for brain disorders
Conture, Edward G. Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-5100 Speech-language planning production
Cooper, Michael K. Neurology (615) 322-5979 Molecular signaling in brain development
Cordray, David S. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Quantitative methods
Corn, Anne L. Special Education & Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 322-2247 Education of children with visual disabilities
Couch, R. Steven Pediatrics (615) 936-0287 Children & developmental disorders
Cowan, Ronald L. Med Psych-General Adult Psych (615) 322-2303 Depression and drug abuse
Creasy, Jeffrey L. Radiology & Radiological Sciences Neuroradiology PACS/Teleradiology
Cuevas, Ramon Fontanilla Neurology (615) 936-2026 Sleep disorders, child neurology
Cull, Michael John Psychiatry  
Currie, Kevin P.M. Anesthesiology & Pharmacology (615) 322-8514 Regulation of ion channels, calcium signaling and neurotransmitter release
Dai, Qi Institute of Medicine & Public Health (615) 936-0707 Alzheimer Disease, Vascular Dementia
Damon, Bruce M. Radiology & Radiological Sciences & Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 322-8355 Evaluation of structure-function
Davis, Thomas L. Neurology (615) 936-2025 Parkinson's disease, Dystonia/spasticity, movement disorders
Dawant, Benoit Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-7343 Medical imaging
Delpire, Eric Anesthesiology & Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 343-7409 Molecular neurophysiology
Deutch, Ariel Y. Psychiatry, Pharmacology (615) 327-7080 Neuropsychiatric disorders
Diedrich, Andre Michael Medicine (615) 936-0454 Autonomic nervious system
Dina, Thomas S. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-7146 Neuroradiology / radiology & radiological sciences
Ding, Zhaohua Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-7889 Medical image analysis
Donahue, Sean P. Neurology (615) 936-2020 Pediatric ophthalmology
Dong, Changhong Christine Neurology  
Donofrio, Peter D. Neurology Peripheral Neuropathy
Duncan, Gary W. Hearing and Speech Sciences (615) 936-0060 Dementia
Dyken, Elizabeth M. Psychology (615) 322-8945 Mental retardation/clinical psychology
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Ebner, Ford F. Psychology (615) 343-0239 Experience related brain plasticity
Edgeworth, Michale Ladd Neurology (615) 936-2016 Neuro oncology
Emeson, Ronald B. Pharmacology (615) 936-1688 or (615) 936-4113 Neuronal communication
Engstorm, Stefan T.J. Neurology (615) 936-1522 Pain/neuromagnetics
Ess, Kevin C. Neurology (615) 936-4113 Pediatric Neurology
Fang, John Y. Neurology (615) 936-2025 Parkinson's disease, Dystonia/spasticity
Farren, Dale Education & Psychology (615) 343-955 Scholastic competence
Feng, Hua-Jun Neurology (615) 936-3742 Epilepsy
Fenichel, Gerald M. Neurology & Pediatrics/Neurologist Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Fielstein, Elliot M. Psychiatry  
Finlayson, A. J. Reid Psychiatry (615) 322-4567 Sexual addictions
Fitzpatrick, J. Michael Neurology Surgery, Radiology & Radiological Sciences, Computer Science and Computer Engineering (615) 322-2793 Medical imaging
Fox, Bob Psychology (615) 322-0063 Visual perception
Franks, Jeffery J. Psychology (615) 322-0059 Cognitive science
Fuchs, Douglas H. Special Education (615) 343-4782 Educational intervention
Fuchs, Lynn S. Special Education (615) 343-4782 Educational intervention
Fuchs, D. Catherine Psychiatry (615) 343-3840 Bipolar disorders in childhood
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Gaines, Lawrence S. Psychiatry (615) 327-7295  
Gallagher, Martin J. Neurology (615) 936-0060 lab (615) 322-5979 patient access Epilepsy
Gualli, Aurelio Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 936-3891 Trafficking & Biophysics
Galloway, Robert Lee Surgery (615) 343-8102 Surgical imaging
Gamse Joshua T. Biological Sciences (615) 936-5574 Developmental genetics
Garber, Judy Psychiatry (615) 343-8714 (615) 322-8141 Depression
George, Alfred L. Medicine & Pharmacology (615) 936-2660 Ion channels
Gochberg, Daniel Frank Radiology & Radiological (615) 322-6924 NMR physics, MT, relaxation
Goldfarb, Michael Mechanical Engineering (615) 343-6924 Intelligent mechatronics
Gore, John C. Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Molecular Physiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-8357 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Groomes, Thomas E. Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation (615) 936-4488 Brain rehabilitation
Gurevich, Eugenia V. Pharmacolgoy (615) 936-2720 Dopamine receptor trafficking
Gurevich, Vsevolod V. Pharmacology (615) 322-7070 Structural basis of Arrestin function
Gwirtsman, Harry E. Psychiatry (615) 322-0325 Alzheimer's disease/eating disorders
Haas, Kevin F. Neurology (615) 936-6047 Epilepsy
Hackett, Troy Alan Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 322-7491 Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology
Hahn, Maureen K. Medicine, Pharmacology (615) 936-8424 The neurotransmitter no repinephrine (NE)
Haines, Jonathan L. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 343-5851 Genetics of neurodegenerative disease
Haman, Kriten L. Psychiatry (615) 343-0717 Impact of cancer and treatment
Hamm, Heidi E. Pharmacology (615) 343-3533 G protein signaling
Harris, Vicki S. Psychiatry (615) 343-1896 Development of children's and families' coping abilities
Hatfield, Helen E. Psychiatry (615) 322-6840  
Haworth, Brian D. Psychiatry (615) 327-7009  
Haynes, David S. Otolaryngology (615) 322-6180 Neurotology and disorders of hearing and balance
Haywood, Carl H. Psychology and Human Development (615) 383-8349 Mental retardation
Heckers, Stephen H. W. Psychiatry (615) 322-2665 Mechanisms of major psychiatric disorders
Hedera, Peter Neurology (615) 936-3920 Hereditary spastic paraplegia
Henderson, Lynnette M. Pediatrics (615) 936-0448 Brain development in children
Higgins, Michael S. Anesthesiology (615) 936-1595 Pain control/multi-speciality
Hogge, James H. Psychology & Human Development Quantitative psychology/judgement analysis
Holcomb, Robert Ray Neurology (615) 322-2783 Pain/neuromagnetics
Hollon, Steven D. Psychiatry (615) 322-3369 Treatment of depression
Honegger, Hans-Willi Biological Sciences (615) 343-6217 Insect neuropeptides and behavior
Hood, Darryl B. Pharmacology  
Hood, Linda Jean Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-4612 Efferent auditory function
Hoover-Dempsey, Kathleen V. Psychology & Human development (615) 343-4962 Developmental psychology
Howard, Jane Ellen Neurology (615) 343-4016 Amytrophic lateral sclerosis
Hughes, Carolyn Special Education (615) 322-8186 High shcool students with disabilities
Hutchison, Kimberly Nixon Neurology (615) 936-0060 Sleep disorders
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Jacobson, Gary P. Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 322-4568 Auditory brainstem response
Jansen, E. Duco Neurological Surgery (615) 343-1911 Neurosurgical applications
Jarquin-Valdivia, Adrian A. Anesthesiology (615) 936-1354 Critical care/Neurocritical care
Joers, James A. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-8350 Chemical shift imaging in alcoholism
Johnson, Carl H. Biological Sciences (615) 322-2384 Biological clocks
Johnson, Mahlon D. Pathology & Cell Biology (615) 322-2217 Neurosurgical pathology of the sella
Jones, Owen D. Law & Biological Sciences (615) 322-7191 Law and behavioral biology
Joos, Karen M. Ophtalmology (615) 936-1957 Ophthalmology & visual science
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Kaas, Jon H. Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 322-6029 Organization & plasticity in adult mammalian
Kaiser, Ann Special Education, Psychology, and Human Development (615) 322-8160 Preventing conduct disorders in children
Kang, Jingqiong Neurology (615) 936-8399 Epilepsy and GABA-A receptors
Kao, Changqing Chris Neurological Surgery (615) 343-8933 Microelectrobe brain mapping
Kawamura, Kazuhiko Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (615) 322-2735 or (615) 343-0697 Intelligent systems, cognitive robotics
Kearney, Jennifer A. Genetic Medicine (615) 936-8544 Neurological disease targeting
Kessler, Robert M. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-3938 Cerebral meurotransmission
Key, Alexandrea Fonaryova Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 322-3498  
Kilroy, Anthony W. Neurology & Pediatrics (615) 322-0660 Epilepsy, developmental medicine
Kirshner, Howard S. Neuro-Stroke Divison Behavioral neurology
Konrad, Peter E. Neurosurgery (615) 343-9822 Functional Surgery in movement
Konradi, Christine L. Pharmacology (615) 936-1021 Gene Expression in the brain
Kuttech, John F. Pediatrics (615) 936-1762 Treatment of brain tumors
Lagrange, Andre H. Neurology (615) 322-5979 Epilepsy/sleep
Lappin, Joseph S. Psychology (615) 322-2398 Perception of 3-D form and motion
Lavin, Patrick Neurology (615) 936-0060 Headache, neuro-ophthalmology
Levin, Daniel Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Interface between concepts and visual perception
Logan, Gordon D. Psychology (615) 322-2529 Attention, performance, automaticity, and stopping behavior
Loosen, Peter T. Psychiatry (615) 327-5398 Phoneuroendocinology
Lubinski, David Psychology & Human Development (615) 343-1195 Cognitive development in children
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Mcdonald, Robert L. Neurology; Molecular Physiology & Biophysics; Pharmacology (615) 936-2287 Structure, function & regulation of GABAA receptors for epilepsy
Magnuson, Mark A. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 322-7006 Stem cell research
Mahadevan-Jansen, Anita Neurological Surgery (615) 343-4787 Optical detection of tumors
Malow, Beth Ann Neurology (615) 322-0283

Sleep & neurological disorders

Marois, Rene Radiology & Radiological Sciences Neural basis of attention in the human brain
Martin, Peter R. Psychiatry (615) 322-3527 Neurobiology of addiction
Mathews, Gregory C. Neurology (615) 322-5979 Synaptic transmision in the hippocamps
Matthews, Robert T. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615)343-5023  
Mawn, Louise Ann Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 936-1960 Neuro-ophthalmology
McCandliss, Bruce D. Psychology  
McCarty, Richard Pharmacology (615) 322-2851 Regulation of sympathetic-adrenal medullary responsivness
McGrew, Susan G. Pediatrics (615) 936-3959 Autism in children
McKanna, James A. Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 322-2337 Brain injury current studies
McLaughlin, BethAnn Neurology & Pharmacology (615) 936-3847 Neurodegenerative & neuroprotective cell signaling pathways
McLean, Michael J. Neurology, Pharmacology, & Psychiatry Seizures/epilepsy, Pain/neuromagnetics
McMahon, Douglas G. Biological Sciences (615) 936-3933 Molecular neurobiology of visual and circadian systems
McNamara, Timothy P. Ophtalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 322-0070 Human memory; spatial connition
McWilliam, Robert A. Pediatrics (615) 936-2985 Child engagement, models of service delivery
Mchaourab, Hassane S. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 322-3307 Spectroscopic and biochemical
Meltzer, Herbert Y. Psychiatry & Pharmacology (615) 327-7049 The role of dopamine and serotonin in schizophrenia
Mericle, Robert Alan Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-2452 Neurovascular surgery and brain tumor surgery
Miga, Michael I. Biomedical Engineering (615) 343-8336  
Miller, David M. Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 343-3447 Molecular genetics of neural specficity
Mirnics, Karoly Psychiatry (615) 936-0216 Gene expression in schizophrenia
Moots, Paul L. Neurology (615) 936-0216 Brain tumors, neuropathic pain
Morgan, Victoria L. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-5720 Oxygenation in the brain
Muglia, Louis Joseph Pediatrics (615) 322-5893  
Murphy, Barbara A. Medicine (615) 343-4677 Pain and symptom management
Niarhos, Frances Johnson Pediatrics (615) 936-5337 Diagnosis of childhood cancer
Niswender, Kevin Dean Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 936-0500 Diabetes, Endocrinology, and metabolism
Noland, Julia S. Psychology & Human Development, and Pediatrics (615) 322-1835 Cognitive control young alcohol
Norden, Jeanette J. Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 343-3425 Cell biology and neuroscience
Novick, Laura R. Psychology & Human Development Cognitive studies/human problem solving and reasoning
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
O'Duffy, Anne Elizabeth Neurology (615) 936-1354 Stroke
Ohede, Ralph N. Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-5117 Children's speech perception and production
Page, Terry L. Biological Sciences (615) 343-1853 Neurobiology of circadian rhythms
Palmeri, Thomas J. Psychology (615) 343-7900 Perceptual categorization
Park, Sohee

Psychiatry (615) 322-2532

Memory, attention, and emotion
Pearson, Matthew Marshall Neurological Surgery (615) 322-7417 Pediatric neurosurgery, and epilepsy
Peltier, Amanda C. Neurology (615) 936-0060 Nerve & muscle disease
Penn, John S. Ophthalmology (615) 936-1485 Molecular & cellular characterization
Peters, Allen Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (615) 322-7924 Digital image processing
Phibbs, Fenna T. Neurology (615) 322-0642  
Phillips, John A. Biochemistry & Pediatrics (615) 322-7601 Genetics of developmental disabilities
Pickens, David R. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-3190 Magnetic resonance flow and perfusion imaging
Pina-Garza, Jesus Eric Pediatric Neurology (615) 936-0216 Parkinson's disease
Pion, Georgine Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Quantitative methods
Polley, Daniel B. Hearing & Speech Sciences & Psychology (615) 343-0577 Lifelong plasticity of auditory forebrain circuits
Prakash, Rudra Pshyhiatry Psychiatry
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Ragan, Paul W. Psychiatry Addictions
Ray, Wayne A. Preventive Medicine, Pharmacoepidemiology Schizophrenia
Riddle, William R. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-2432 Medical Imaging
Riebau, Derek A. Neurology (615) 936-0060  
Rieser, John J. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8347 Perceptual-motor coordination
Ritchie, Marylyn DeRiggi Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 343-6549 Neurological diseases/pharmacology
Rittle-Johnson, Bethany Psychology & Human Development Developmental psychology
Roback, Howard B. Psychiatry (615) 322-0387 Psychological assessment
Roden, Dan M. Medicine (615) 322-0067 Ion channels
Roe, Anna Wang Psychology (615) 343-0901 Neuronal circuitry
Rosenbloom, S. Trent Pediatrics (615) 936-1556  
Rosenthal, Sandra J. Pharmacology (615) 322-2633 Nanocrystals as biological probes
Rousseau, Bernard Otolaryngology (615) 343-0862  
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Salomon, Ronald M. Psychiatry (615) 322-0387 Treatment of psychiatric disorders
Sanders, Charles R. biochemistry (615) 936-3756 Structural biology & biophysics of membrane protein function
Sanders-Bush, Elaine Pharmacology & Psychiatry (615) 936-1685 Function & regulation of serotonin
Sandler, Martin P. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-3585 Nuclear medicine, PET
Sandler, Howard M. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Cognitive studies and quantitative psychology
Sappington-Calkins, Rebecca Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences  
Saylor, Megan M. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-5567 Language development in infants
Schall, Jeffrey D. Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 322-0868 Neural selection and control of visually guided behavior
Schlundt, David G. Psychology (615) 322-7800 Behavioral medicine with specific focus
Schmidt, Dennis E. Psychiatry (615) 343-8912 Psychopharmacology and the neurobiology of the central nervous system
Sniffert, Adriane E. Psychology (615) 322-2874 Attention to moving objects
Sharp, Deron V. Neurology (615) 936-0060 Seizure disorders & epilepsy in children
Shay, Scott R. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 322-3357  
Shelton, Richard C. Psychiatry (615-343-9669 Biological bases of depression
Shieh, Bih-Hwa Pharmacology (615) 343-0441 Phototransduction
Singh, Pradumna Pratap Neurology (615) 936-0060 Epilepsy
Smith, William P. Psychology (615) 322-0065 Sefl-evaluation
Smith, Leslie M. Psychology Senior lecturer, neuroscience
Smith, Craig A. Psychology & Human Development Cognitive studies and clinical psychology
Snoddy, Jay R. Biomedical Informatics (615)936-8126 Comparative approaches & Molecular evolutionary theory
Sodhi, Monsheel S.K. (615) 525-7124 Mood Disorders
Solnica-Krezel, Lilanna Biological Sciences (615) 343-9413 Mechanisms of gastrulation
Southard-Smith E. Michelle Cell & Developmental Biology (615) 936-2172 Developmental genetics of the enteric nerous system
Sriiam, Subramaniam Neurology, Micorbiology & Immunology (615) 936-4042 Multiple sclerosis
Stanwood, Gregg D. Pharmacology (615) 936-3861 Neuropsychiatric disease
Steiger, James H. Psychology (615) 936-3861 Quantitative methods
Sternberg, Paul Ophtalmology & Visual Sciences (615) 936-1453 Retina specialist with focused interest in age related macular degeneration
Stone, Wendy L. Pediatrics & Psychology & Human Development (615) 936-0267 Early identification and intervention of autism
Strange, Kevin Anesthesiology, Pharmacology &Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 343-7425 Genetics of ion channels
Striano, Tricia (615) 936-0287 Autism
Thakkar, Vatsal Psychiatry (615) 343-9669 Psychological disorders
Tharpe, Anne Marie Hearing & Speech Sciences (615) 936-5109 Effect5s of hearing loss
Thompson, Reid Carleton Neurological Surgery (615) 322-7417 Neurovascular surgery and brain tumor srugery
Thompson, Brian M. Neurology (615) 936-0060 Neuromuscular disease
Tomarken, Andrew J. Biostatistics (615) 322-4147 Quantitative methods and effects of antidepressant treatments
Tong, Frank Psychology (615) 322-1780 fMRI and behavioral studies of visual perception
Troseth, Georgene L. Psychology & human development (615) 322-1522 Child and cognitive development
Tulipan, Noel B. Neurological Surgery (615) 343-6875 Pediatric neurosurgery
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Uskavitch, David R. Neurology (615) 322-2520 Treatment of stroke and multiple sclerosis
Valentine, William M. Pathology (615) 343-5836 Environmental toxicants and neurodegeneration
Van Eys, Patti P. Psychiatry (615) 322-8141 Clinical psychology
Veenstra-VanderWeele, Jeremy Psychiatry (615) 936-1701  
Viswanathan, Prakash C. Anesthesiology Research (615) 936-2407 Structure-function of voltage-gated sodium channels
Vnencak-Jones, Cindy L. Pediatrics (615) 343-8121  
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Wadzinski, Brian E. Pharmacology (615) 343-2080 The integrated actions of bothprotein kinases and phosphatases
Walden, Tedra A. Psychology & Human Development (615) 322-8141 Social and emotional development
Walker, James S. Psychiatry (615) 327-7130 Neuropsychological testing
Walker, Lynn S. Pediatrics & Psychology and Human Development (615) 936-8006 Psychosocial factors associated with chronic pain syndromes
Wallace, Mark T. Psychology (615) 936-6709 Multisensory processing
Weaver, Kyle Derek Neurological Surgery (615) 322-6638 Central nervous system
Weaver, Charles David Pharmacology (615) 936-6416  
Webb, Donna J. Cancer Biology (615) 936-8274 Cellular neurobiology
Wehby, Joseph H. Special Education (615) 322-8186 Childhood aggression
Weiss, Bahr Psychology and Human Development (615) 322-8218 Clinical child psychology
Wikswo, John P. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 343-4124 Bioelectric fields
Wiley, Ronald G.

Neurology, Pharmacology (615) 327-4715 ext. 5244

Pain perception
Williams, Scott M. Pediatrics (615) 322-8036 Genetics of hypertension
Winder, Danny G. Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (615) 322-1144 Molecular mechanisms of reulation of glutamatergic transmission
Wushensky, Curtis A. Radiology & Radiological Sciences (615) 343-1273 Neuroradiology
Name (Email) Department & Phone Research
Yao, Song-Yi Neurology (615) 936-4423 Multiple sclerosis
Yoder, Paul J. Special Education (615) 322-8464 Communtcation and language development
Zald, David H. Psychiatry (615) 343-6076 Neural basis of emotion
Zaner, Richard M. Medicine & Philosophy (615) 936-2686 Ethics in intrauterine surgical closure
Zhang, Bing Biomedical Informatics (615) 936-0090 Statistical analysis and biological interpretation
Zhu, Chong-Bin Pharmacology (615) 936-2578 Regulation of SERT by G-Protein
Zwiebel, Laurence J. Pharmacology (615) 343-1894 Molecular genetics and neurobiology of Olfaction
  • Welcome
  • 2 Paths of Study
  • Qualifying as a Doctoral Candidate
  • Apply

Thank you for seeking information concerning the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Vanderbilt University. Our doctoral program encourages applications from all highly qualified students. Presently, our program has 69 graduate students.

Students holding degrees in the biological or physical sciences, psychology, or biomedical engineering are especially encouraged to apply to the Graduate Program, but applicants from other fields will be considered. Students are advised to take the Graduate Record Examinations as early as possible. Complete applications should be received by December 15. You should apply to our graduate program online. There is no application fee for an online application.

Applicants to our graduate program are evaluated on the totality of their scholarly achievements, including previous research experience as well as GPA and test scores. The general GRE is required by the Graduate School and original scores from ETS as well as letters of recommendation and a scientific writing sample must be received to complete the application before the December 15 deadline. Subject GRE test are not required. There is a Graduate School minimum B average in overall undergraduate GPA and GPA in major. There are no Graduate School minimums for GRE scores. For perspective, the mean GPA of entering students in our program in the last few years is about 3.5 with average GRE scores of about V=560; Q=680 and W=4.4.

It must be emphasized that many other factors, including demonstrated research abilities, experience and recommendations are highly important in the admissions process.

We offer advanced training leading to the Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience in two different tracks - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, and Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience. Details of the differences in curriculum and requirements for these two tracks are available on our program website (see above). Students wishing to enter the Cellular and Molecular track should direct their application to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGP) (located under apply tab), whereas those wishing to enter the Cognitive and Systems doctoral program should apply directly to that program through the Graduate School. A link directing you to the application pages can be found above.

Graduates of our department are superbly prepared for a variety of career options in both academia and industry. Due to an excellent faculty-graduate student ratio, extensive opportunities are available for interaction and exchange of ideas in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Each student's program is designed to provide a broad-based education in neuroscience, yet accommodate individual needs and interests to allow students to become creative, independent scientists. Please see the web site listed above for more information on our graduate program.

All of our doctoral students receive financial support in the form of a stipend as well as waiver of tuition. Our current stipend level is $25,500 per year, and the costs of tuition, health insurance, and some fees are covered by the University. In addition, applicants may be nominated at the time of application for Harold S. Vanderbilt graduate scholarships and other awards, which provide an additional stipend of up to $10,000 per year to students of exceptional accomplishment and high promise.

If you have any questions about the Neuroscience Graduate Program, or the application process, please call me at 615-936-3933 or send an e-mail to douglas.s.mcmahon@vanderbilt.edu. I look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,
Douglas G. McMahon, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Neuroscience
Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt Training in Neuroscience

Two Neuroscience tracks/three paths (areas of focus) are offered within the Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program. The Integrative and Cognitive track emphasizes neural systems and global brain function, while the Cellular and Molecular track stresses genetic, molecular and cellular approaches to understanding brain function and disease.

The Cellular/Molecular Track, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing neurogenetics and genetic dissection of neural development, molecular aspects of synapse formation and plasticity, structure and regulation of ion channels and transporters, targeting and signal transduction, psychotropic drug action, the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP)

The Cognitive/Systems Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing cognitive neuroscience, sensory-motor systems, neuroimaging, neural development, synaptic plasticity, neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegeneratiev disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via the Graduate Program

Additonal Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program activities are designed to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills critical to a research career, including teaching, comprehensive knowledge of research literature, grants writing, developing excellent communication skills, and acquiring a scholarly neuroscience background through attendance in seminars, journal clubs, and similar events. The Neuroscience Student Organization (NSO) unites trainees from across campus, providing opportunities to present research, share critical information, and develop a network of friends and future colleagues.

Two Phase Qualifying For Candidacy For The Neuroscience Ph.D.

Phase I: Successful completion of Phase I of the Ph.D. Qualifying process is determined by satisfactory passing of all courses. During Phase I, students are expected to cultivate a scholarly foundation in neuroscience, refine critical thinking abilities, and demonstrate their mastery of course material by earning at least a B in each required class and an overall B average when both required and elective courses are considered. There are two potential outcomes of the Phase I process: pass or fail. Students who pass Phase I will continue on to Phase II of the Qualifying Examination process as outlined below. Students who fail Phase I (i.e., earn a grade of C or less more than once) will be dismissed from the program.

Phase II: Phase II of the Qualifying Process consists of two parts: a written examination followed by an oral exam. The written portion of Phase II is submitted in the summer of the second year of study, after Phase I of the Qualifying Examination is successfully completed. The oral portion of Phase II takes place early in the subsequent Fall semester.

The written examination is a research proposal presented in the format of a National Research Service Award (NRSA) grant proposal. This document serves as a first version of the Dissertation Thesis Proposal and should include a description of a clearly-stated research problem that relates to a student's area of experimental inquire, as well as experiments designed by the student to test a specific hypothesis.

The oral examination will be 1 1/2 to 2 hours in duration, and examinations for all students will be held in late September - early October. The purpose of the oral exam is to evaluate the student's knowledge base, understanding of experimental design, capacity to connect related concepts, and ability to think critically. If the committee approves the NRSA written proposal and finds the oral performance by the student acceptable, the student is officially designated as a Ph.D. candidate.

An initial organizational meeting to prepare students for the Phase II Qualifying Examination will be held during March of the students' qualifying year. At this meeting, proper NRSA format and examples of questions likely to be asked during the oral portion of Phase II will be reviewed, and the Director of Graduate Studies and members of the Oversight Committee for Students will be present to answer questions.

Vanderbilt Graduate Training in Neuroscience

The Molecular Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing neurogenetics and genetic dissection of neural development, molecular aspects of synapse formation and plasticity, structure and regulation of ion channels and transporters, targeting and signal transduction, psychotropic drug action, the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP)

The Systems/Cognitive Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing cognitive neuroscience, sensory-motor systems, neuroimaging, neural development, synaptic plasticity, neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders,and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models.Click here to apply via the Graduate Program

  • Information
  • Graduate Student Directory

Neuroscience Graduate Program

Vanderbilt Brain Institute's Neuroscience Graduate Program fosters development from trainee to independent research scientist and educator. Students have the option of a curriculum and research program that emphasizes either Cellular and Molecular or Integrative and cognitive neuroscience, preparing each trainee for a future in which neuroscientists must be able to make the transition from molecules and cells to neural systems and behavior.

Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system, is one of the most rapidly advancing areas of modern science. Progress in identifying, visualizing and manipulating key determinants of neural development, signaling and plasticity is driven by and inextricably linked to advances in our understanding of nervous system structure and function. The distinguished training faculty of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program at Vanderbilt University reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern neurobiologic inquiry, and is drawn from diverse fields such as Psychology, Biochemistry, Molecular Physiology, and Pharmacology.

A - F

Sunday Abiria
2-4389
Roger Colbran
724A PRB
Cellular/Molecular, 7



Margart Adams
2-8024
Michael Aschner
11415 MRB IV
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Fazal Arain
6-2067
Greg Stanwood
8405 MRB IV
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Chris Asplund
2-0173
Rene Marois
627 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 6


Suzanne Avery
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 1


Mica Bergman
6-3855
Pat Levitt
8100 MRB III
MSTP, 4



Terry Jo Bichell
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 1


Hayley Boyd-Clay
6-0451
Christine Konradi
8158 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Stephanie Bronson
6-0451
Christine Kronradi
8158 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


Joshua Buckholtz
3-1446
David Zald
218 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 4


Corrie.Camalier
6-8025
Jon Kaas
320 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 7


Nicholas Campbell
6-3627
James Sutcliffe
MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


Sudipta Chakraborty
2-8024
Michael Aschner
11415 MRB IV
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Jeremiah Cohen
6-8033
Jeff Schall
226 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 6


Caleb Doll
6-5575
Josh Gamse
U5225 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


Mariam Eapen
2-8430
John Gore
AA-1112 MCN
Cognitive/Systems, 4


Erik Emeric
6-8020
Jeff Schall
634 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 8


Reuben Fan
2-6029
Kaas/Roe
061 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 1


Aliya Frederick
6-2067
Gregg Stanwood
8405 MRB IV
MSTP, 4

 

L -N

Gloria Laryea
6-6852
Louis Muglia
1115 - D MRB IV
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Duncan Leitch
2-4593
Kenneth Catania
U7224 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Laurie Lemons
2-5491
Ron Wiley
F429 Acre Building
Cognitive/Systems, 4


Xin Li
2-5268
Solnica-Krezel/Hamm
4260 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


David Lund
6-1699
Randy Blakely
7148 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 6


Roan Marion
2-2694
Vivien Casagrande
T2302 MCN
Cellular/Molecular, 5


Maureen McHugo
3-1446
David Zald
218 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 3


Marc Mergy
6-1700
Randy Blakely
7150 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


Amanda Mitchell
6-2014
Karoly Mirnics
8130 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Chris Muller
6-1686
J. Veenstra-VanderWeele
7158 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Bill Nobis
3-5023
Danny Winder
724B RRB
MSTP


 

Required Course Work (pdf)
Cellular/Molecular - Cognitive/Systems

Forum Schedule (pdf)

Student Handbook (pdf)

NSO (Neuroscience Student Organization)

Printable VBI List of Trainees (pdf)

G - K

David Godlove
3-5347
Jeff Schall
312 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 3



Philip Gorrindo
3-5347
Pat Levitt
8114 MRB III
MSTP, 3



Vandana Grover
3-5347
Michael Coopper
6160A MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 7


Kate Gurba
3-5347
Robert Macdonald
4140 MRB III
MSTP, 3



Andrew Hardaway
6-1700
Randy Blakely
7144 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Nicole Hawkins
6-2660
Jennifer Kearney
514 Light Hall
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Xuan Huang
6-2287
Robert Macdonald
6140 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Matthew Judson
6-3865
Pat Levit
8114 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 7


Corrie.Camalier
3-5023
Danny Winder
724B RRB
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Bradley Kraemer
6-3041
Bruce Carter
655 Light Hall
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Julian Krueger
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 2


Sheila Kusnoor
7-7092
Ariel Deutch
313 PHV
Cellular/Molecular, 6


Leslie Kwakye
6-7104
Mark Wallace
7110 MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 4


Gunnar Kwakye
2-2651
Aaron Bowman
U9200 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 4


 

O - Z

Barbara O'Brien
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 1


Uade Olaghere-Dasilva
6-1686
E. Sanders-Bush
7158 MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 9


Richard O'Neil
6-1687
Ronald Emeson
8148 MRB IV
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Richard Penney
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Albert Powers
6-7104
Mark Wallace
7110 MRB III
MSTP, 3



Teniel Ramikie
6-2287
Robert Macdonald
6140 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Leda Ramoz
6-1700
Randy Blakely
7150 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 3


Jamie Lynn Reed
2-7491
Jon Kaas
311 Wilson Hall
Cognitive/Systems, 8


Raina Rhoades

Hood/Wallace
7110 MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 3


Sabrina Robertson
6-3891
Aurelio Galli
7214 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 5


DJ Sakrikar
6-1703
Randy Blakely
7150 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 5


Jami Scheib
6-2643
Bruce Carter
655 Light Hall
Cellular/Molecular, 5


Martin Schmidt
6-1074
Karoly Mirnics
8130 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Mike Siuta
6-3891
Auelio Galli
7214 MRB III
MSTP, 2



Ernesto Solis, Jr.
3-6890
Louis DeFelice
410 RRB
Cognitive Systems, 5


Jeannette Stankowski
6-5548
BethAnn McLaughlin
8510 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 5


Elizabeth Ann Stringer
3-0466
John Gore
AA-1112 MCN
Cognitive/Systems, 5


Xin Tang
2-5984
Robert Mcdonald
6144 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 8


Andrew Tidball
2-2651
Aaron Bowman
U9200 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 2


Niranjana Vijayakrishnan
6-3935
Kendal Broadie
6270 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 8


Jennifer Veal-Hood
6-1687
Ronald Emeson
8148 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 8


Pete Vollbrecht
327-7092
Ariel Deutch
Cellular/Molecular, 3



Alonzo Whyte
6-3928
Douglas McMahon
8270A MRB III
Cognitive/Systems, 1


Blairanne Williams
2-2630
Aaron Bowman
U9218 MRB III
Cellular/Molecular, 8


 

Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience for Undergraduates at Vanderbilt

The study of the nervous system is an interdisciplinary enterprise that draws upon a variety of scientific desciplines ranging from molecular biology and biophysics, to computational science and engineering, to the study of behavior and cognition. To meet the challenge of providing training for entry into this exexciting and growing field, Vanderbilit offers its undergraduates an interdisciplinary program of concentration in Neuroscience. The major in Neuroscience is excellent preparation for entry into graduate programs in neuroscience, biology, or psychology, or as preparation for the study of medicine.

The program utilizes expertise from several departments and schools within the University to provide a comprehensive background in the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics as well as a strong foundation in the fundamentals of neuroscience. As students advance, they are able to pursue advanced work in one or more specific sub-areas of neuroscience through elective courses. Students are especially encouraged to participate in research in the laboratories of neuroscience faculty under the auspices of the Undergraduate Research course, Neuroscience 292. More extensive research experience is available through the Honors Program in Neuroscience. For more detailed information about the requirements and opportunities of the program please have a look at the Program Requirements, Research Opportunities, and Honors Program pages. You are also invited to visit the web site of the Neuroscience Student Organization.

Visit Vanderbilt University's Undergraduate Neuroscience web site

  • Brain Awareness
  • Kids Corner
2009bb

This is where the fun begins. Below are 5 puzzles for you to download. Be sure it's ok with mom or dad first, and let them know if you need their help. You'll also find links to some fun web pages, and some interesting brain facts here. Have fun! We'll try to change these as often as possible, so be sure to visit again.

Each puzzle is a downloadable pdf
Brain Maze
Coded Message
How Many Words
Unscramble the Letters
Word Search

Brain Facts

* The brain, the most complex structure of the human body, weighs about three pounds.
* The brain encases 100 billion or more nerve cells, and it can send signals to thousands of other cells at a rate of about 200 miles per hour.
* Brain researchers learned more about the workings of the brain in the past ten years than they had in the previous century.


Here are some fun and interesting web sites for you to check out

Amazing Animal Senses

Brain facts that make yoiu go, "Hmmmm".

 

Content 6