Vanderbilt Kennedy Center News Monday, August 2, 2021

Building on recent research confirming how ketamine induces rapid antidepressant action, Professor of Pharmacology Lisa Monteggia and her collaborators show how the molecular mechanism of the gene MeCP2 and associated synaptic adaptability are critical to the long-term antidepressant effects of ketamine.

Discovery points to ketamine’s long-term antidepressant effects

Last Updated: 7/30/2021 9:48:46 AM

Researchers from Peabody College have developed a new tutoring protocol to help preschoolers better recognize patterns, which is a key skill in mathematics. The research team, led by Bethany Rittle-Johnson, Anita S. and Antonio M. Gotto Chair in Child Development, and Erica Zippert, post-doctoral scholar, implemented a five-session tutoring initiative that showed promise for improving repeated patterning knowledge.

Vanderbilt-led tutoring program promotes patterning skills in preschool students

Last Updated: 7/26/2021 1:22:11 PM

Access to video chatting helped grandparents stay connected and reduced feelings of isolation during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a new study found.

Video chat reduced feelings of isolation among grandparents during COVID-19 pandemic, new study finds

Last Updated: 7/26/2021 1:08:56 PM

he U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the appointments of new and returning members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), a federal advisory committee reauthorized under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2019.

Taylor appointed as new member to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Last Updated: 7/6/2021 8:54:40 AM

Kathryn Edwards, M.D., is among a new set of inductees into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame.

Edwards among Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Inductees

Last Updated: 7/5/2021 9:36:13 AM

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience distinct physical changes – including a higher body mass index and advanced pubertal onset – that could heighten social stressors, according to research led by Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Pre-teens with ASD experience distinct physical changes

Last Updated: 7/1/2021 9:32:56 AM

Building on recent work, researchers including Danny Winder, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research have developed a clear picture of how particular circuitry in the brain may be involved in drug- and alcohol-seeking behavior. They derived a control network for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, a part of a larger brain region sometimes called the extended amygdala.

Research Snapshot: Novel discovery describes how the motor cortex influences stress responses in brain regions involved in drug- and alcohol-seeking behavior

Last Updated: 6/28/2021 11:17:10 AM

VKC Community Lectures on Research in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: "Learning How Children on the Autism Spectrum Process Sensory Information"

VKC Community Lectures on Research in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: "Learning How Children on the Autism Spectrum Process Sensory Information"

Last Updated: 6/25/2021 11:04:16 AM

Unemployment proves to ripple out in many damaging ways.

Impact of pandemic on families prompts policy shifts

Last Updated: 6/17/2021 8:23:08 AM

VKC Research Ethics Grand Rounds Panel Discussion: “Standards of Care, Disability, and a Public Health Emergency: Conversations on Equitable Care during COVID-19”

VKC Research Ethics Grand Rounds Panel Discussion: “Standards of Care, Disability, and a Public Health Emergency: Conversations on Equitable Care during COVID-19”

Last Updated: 6/15/2021 11:05:17 AM

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Hidden Challenges: Visual and Motor Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Hidden Challenges: Visual and Motor Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Last Updated: 6/15/2021 11:01:29 AM

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new genetic disease that causes a severe form of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, a rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing that can cause fainting.

VUMC team discovers new genetic disease

Last Updated: 6/8/2021 11:23:42 AM

Six students graduated from the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program as part of the Class of 2021 this May. Housed in the Department of Special Education at Peabody College of education and human development, Next Steps at Vanderbilt provides students with intellectual disability an inclusive, transformational higher education experience that embodies the values of equality, compassion and excellence in all endeavors.

Six students graduate from Next Steps at Vanderbilt in Class of 2021

Last Updated: 5/27/2021 8:18:44 AM

“I want to change the world, not just at Vanderbilt.”

Next level data delivery: "I want to change the world, not just at Vanderbilt."

Last Updated: 5/25/2021 3:54:29 PM

Autumn Kujawa, assistant professor of psychology and human development, has been conducting one of the first studies tracking people’s response to stress exposure before and during the pandemic.

Research Snapshot: Early longitudinal study on impact of pandemic shows increase in depression, less social anxiety among young adults

Last Updated: 5/23/2021 7:38:36 PM

A multisite randomized, controlled trial has tested the effects of different intervention styles and intensities for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Choosing intervention style and intensity for toddlers with autism

Last Updated: 5/23/2021 7:37:23 PM

Rachel Goode, MD, and Jeffrey Hine, MD, are the recipients of the 2021 Geoffrey David Chazen Faculty Award for Innovation in Medical Education.

Goode, Hine receive 2021 Geoffrey David Chazen Faculty Award for Innovation in Medical Education

Last Updated: 5/18/2021 11:05:49 AM

Autism comprises a set of difficulties, but growing evidence suggests that certain abilities also define the condition.

Finding strengths in autism

Last Updated: 5/17/2021 10:12:29 AM

Nine outstanding faculty members from across the university have been selected for the 2021 cohort of Chancellor Faculty Fellows. This group is composed of highly accomplished, recently tenured faculty from a wide variety of disciplines and areas of expertise.

Nine faculty named 2021 Chancellor Faculty Fellows

Last Updated: 5/17/2021 10:11:05 AM

VKC TRIAD, Meharry Department of Pediatrics Special Lecture: “Are We Closing the Race/Ethnicity Gap in ASD Identification and Outcome?”

VKC TRIAD, Meharry Department of Pediatrics Special Lecture: “Are We Closing the Race/Ethnicity Gap in ASD Identification and Outcome?”

Last Updated: 5/4/2021 11:51:12 AM

Zachary Warren, PhD, professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Special Education, has been named director of the Division of Developmental Medicine in the Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics. His appointment began April 1.

Warren named director of the Division of Developmental Medicine

Last Updated: 4/27/2021 3:33:59 PM

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "The Challenge of Health Equity in Clinical Research"

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "The Challenge of Health Equity in Clinical Research"

Last Updated: 4/8/2021 12:01:06 PM

New research suggests targeting the nucleus accumbens for certain pathologies.

Histamine signaling and the stress response

Last Updated: 4/8/2021 9:51:37 AM

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier presented prestigious awards to seven academic leaders at the Spring Faculty Assembly. The awards recognize teaching, research, service and commitment to diversity. Recipients are honored for their contributions and commitment to the university.

Seven faculty members honored at Spring Faculty Assembly

Last Updated: 4/8/2021 9:47:43 AM

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Charting Four Decades of Changing Mental Disorders, From Childhood to Midlife" (VIRTUAL)

Kennedy Center Lectures on Development and Developmental Disabilities: "Charting Four Decades of Changing Mental Disorders, From Childhood to Midlife" (VIRTUAL)

Last Updated: 4/8/2021 9:42:11 AM

Douglas Fuchs, who holds the Nicholas Hobbs Chair of Special Education and Human Development, has received the 2021 Award for Contributions to Research, Practice, and Advocacy from the Learning Disabilities Association of America. It is the highest honor bestowed by the nonprofit organization, which is devoted to supporting, educating and advocating for individuals affected by learning disabilities.

Learning Disabilities Association honors Douglas Fuchs

Last Updated: 4/1/2021 8:15:10 AM

New News Item

Breaking Ground with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center IV

Last Updated: 3/30/2021 4:48:07 PM

Seven-year-old Tinsley Bellar loves to dance — her mother describes it as TikTok dancing with cheerleader moves. She also loves to run. She completed her school’s fun run last year with the whole school cheering her on.

Clinic helps children with cerebral palsy regain mobility

Last Updated: 3/24/2021 1:54:04 PM

A team of researchers at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development has been awarded $1.6 million to examine the effects of practice-based coaching at early childhood learning sites.

Peabody College faculty awarded $1.6M grant to examine impacts of practitioner coaching at early learning centers

Last Updated: 3/16/2021 1:45:18 PM

Educate to Advocate 2021 Public Policy Workshop (VIRTUAL)

Educate to Advocate 2021 Public Policy Workshop (VIRTUAL)

Last Updated: 3/5/2021 9:56:28 AM

Vanderbilt researchers are prolific and resolute in their pursuit of transformative research and innovation. During the Research Ramp-up process, more than 3,000 Vanderbilt research personnel have returned to in-person research activities, while many others have continued remotely through perseverance and ingenuity. On campus and at home, they are making discoveries that advance knowledge and improve lives.

Despite limitations of pandemic, research continues at Peabody, College of Arts and Science

Last Updated: 3/4/2021 11:55:48 AM

Vanderbilt researchers are prolific and resolute in their pursuit of transformative research and innovation. During the Research Ramp-up process, more than 3,000 Vanderbilt research personnel have returned to in-person research activities, while many others have continued remotely through perseverance and ingenuity. On campus and at home, they are making discoveries that advance knowledge and improve lives.

Despite limitations of pandemic, research continues in Basic Sciences, Engineering

Last Updated: 2/26/2021 12:54:14 PM

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is proud to introduce its latest issue of "Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability," dedicated to telling the stories of Direct Support Professionals in Tennessee.

VKC introduces 2021 issue of Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability: Direct Support Professionals

Last Updated: 2/25/2021 1:50:38 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, school closures and the shift to remote learning have disrupted educational progress across the nation, disproportionately affecting students from low-income communities and those with learning disabilities, according to faculty experts from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

Low-income and students with learning disabilities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 learning loss, Peabody College experts say

Last Updated: 2/19/2021 9:19:18 AM

Bruce Carter, professor of biochemistry and an associate director of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, has been appointed to the scientific advisory board of the CMT Research Foundation. He joins a team of international experts assisting the foundation with its research directions and funding strategy in combating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Bruce Carter joins CMT Research Foundation scientific advisory board

Last Updated: 2/15/2021 9:24:23 AM

As part of an ongoing commitment to foster inclusion and celebrate diversity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, two new Employee Resource Groups have recently been formed, bringing the total to six. All employees are invited to join these groups and participate in their activities.

Employee Resource Groups provide vital connection, support

Last Updated: 2/4/2021 2:52:27 PM

Brain inflammation plays a role in human epilepsy, but most studies have focused on acquired epilepsies, such as those due to head trauma, viral infection or other insults. Neuroinflammation has never been reported in genetic epilepsy associated with ion channel gene mutations.

Inflammation in genetic epilepsy

Last Updated: 1/25/2021 12:05:36 PM

Education Week recently released the 2021 Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings, an annual list highlighting education researchers who have demonstrated the greatest influence over educational policy and practice. Six researchers from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of education and human development were selected for inclusion this year.

Six Peabody researchers recognized by Edu-Scholar Influence ranking

Last Updated: 1/19/2021 8:47:00 AM

A unifying explanation of the cause of autism and the reason for its rising prevalence has eluded scientists for decades, but a theoretical model published in the journal Medical Hypotheses describes the cause as a combination of socially valued traits, common in autism, and any number of co-occurring disabilities.

Autism theory 25 years in the making

Last Updated: 12/18/2020 9:28:50 AM

Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development is offering a new master’s degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for licensed special education teachers who want to practice ABA in educational settings or are specifically interested in training focused on school-based applications that integrate best ABA and special education practices.

Peabody College adds master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

Last Updated: 12/18/2020 9:27:53 AM

Ann Kaiser, Susan W. Gray Professor of Education and Human Development and director of the Vanderbilt KidTalk lab, is an early childhood language and intervention researcher. If someone had told her a year ago that she would be assessing the language development of toddlers over Zoom, she would have said, “Not a chance.” And yet, since the beginning of June, Kaiser and her team have been doing just that, discovering not only that virtual intervention works, but also that, in many ways, it may have unique benefits when compared to in-person intervention.

Kaiser’s KidTalk lab returns to early childhood language intervention research during Research Ramp-up to support kids with language delays

Last Updated: 11/30/2020 11:10:41 AM

Seven Vanderbilt faculty recently were elected as fellows in the Association for Psychological Science and the American Psychological Association. Six are in the Department of Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development, and one is in the Department of Psychological Sciences in the Vanderbilt College of Arts and Science.

Seven Vanderbilt faculty members elected as fellows in prominent psychological science associations

Last Updated: 11/24/2020 8:51:31 AM

Several Vanderbilt University diversity and inclusion programs are being recognized by a federal office with a strong commitment to protecting workers, promoting diversity and enforcing nondiscrimination laws for government contractors.

Vanderbilt disability inclusion programs receive national recognition

Last Updated: 11/16/2020 12:23:59 PM

On Oct. 19, Velma McBride Murry, university professor of health policy and human and organizational development in Peabody College and the School of Medicine, and the Lois Autrey Betts Chair of Education and Human Development at Peabody College, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Murry elected to the National Academy of Medicine for outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service

Last Updated: 11/5/2020 12:15:20 PM

H. Carl Haywood, professor of psychology, emeritus, former Kennedy Center director, and colleague of Peabody College’s foundational triumvirate of Nicholas Hobbs, Susan Gray and Lloyd Dunn, died Oct. 12 in Nashville. He was 89.

Haywood, early director of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and pioneer in research on developmental disabilities, has died

Last Updated: 10/30/2020 3:41:51 PM

Research Ethics Grand Rounds (Virtual) Lecture: "Ethical Considerations for Delivering ABA Services via Telemedicine"

Last Updated: 10/22/2020 2:12:46 PM

Kathryn Humphreys, assistant professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development, was awarded a Young Investigator Grant from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in an announcement made September 21.

Vanderbilt’s Humphreys receives Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Grant

Last Updated: 10/8/2020 8:39:06 AM

When the coronavirus sent many parents and children home, Peabody Professor Erin Barton and the 14 graduate student researchers who make up the Barton Research Lab decided to use social media to offer evidence-based resources they had created to families of children with disabilities or challenging behaviors.

Barton Lab offers pandemic resources for families of children with disabilities

Last Updated: 9/23/2020 8:21:37 AM

NSF grant aligns with school’s Inclusion Engineering focus

Vanderbilt leads $5 million project to revolutionize neurodiverse employment through AI

Last Updated: 9/22/2020 10:12:00 AM

Donna and Jeffrey Eskind, whose generous gifts have advanced Vanderbilt research that is improving lives, have made a new commitment of $2 million to endow a new chair in autism spectrum disorder research in the School of Medicine.

Eskind Chair to strengthen Vanderbilt research on autism spectrum disorder

Last Updated: 9/17/2020 8:39:51 AM

Bingham appointed as Chair of Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Last Updated: 8/27/2020 3:24:11 PM

Vanderbilt University has named Bunmi Olatunji, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology, as interim dean of the Graduate School. Olatunji currently serves as associate dean of academic affairs for the Graduate School and takes over as Dean Mark T. Wallace returns to the faculty starting Sept. 1.

Vanderbilt appoints Olatunji as interim dean of Graduate School, launches search committee for graduate education leadership role

Last Updated: 8/27/2020 9:19:07 AM

ACM gift aims to improve lives of children with autism spectrum disorder

Last Updated: 8/14/2020 12:58:24 PM