‘Frist Center for Autism and Innovation’
Keivan Stassun elected as member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Apr. 28, 2023—The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the election of Keivan Stassun, Stevenson Professor of Physics and professor of astronomy, computer science and management, and director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at the School of Engineering. Stassun and María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Art; Major Jackson, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English; and Dr. Kimryn Rathmell,...
Keivan Stassun appointed to National Science Board by President Joe Biden
Jan. 26, 2023—Keivan Stassun, Stevenson Professor of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation in Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering, was appointed to the National Science Board by President Joe Biden on Jan. 13. The National Science Board created the National Science Foundation, which supports fundamental research and education in all the...
Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering graduate trainee program now accepting applications
Apr. 29, 2022—Applications are open for the Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) graduate trainee program. NISE engages students across STEM disciplines in the development, deployment and commercialization of future of work at the human technology frontier approaches and devices that support neurodiverse individuals, and/or that are inspired by their abilities. The NISE program builds on the unique strengths...
Frist Center for Autism and Innovation receives 2021 Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award
Sep. 15, 2021—Frist Center grand opening (John Russell) By Marissa Shapiro The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity announced that the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation will receive the Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award at the association’s annual awards ceremony in October. The Edward M. Kennedy Award is presented to an individual or organization...
NISE graduate trainee program now accepting applications
Apr. 29, 2021—Applications are now open for the Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering (NISE) graduate trainee program. The deadline to apply is June 15. Sponsored by an NSF Research Traineeship grant, the NISE program takes a novel approach to the training of engineers and scientists engaged in advancing the future of work at the human technology frontier...
Vanderbilt leads $5 million project to revolutionize neurodiverse employment through AI
Sep. 10, 2020—NSF grant aligns with school’s Inclusion Engineering focus The National Science Foundation has awarded a highly competitive $5 million grant to Vanderbilt University that greatly expands a School of Engineering-led project for creating novel AI technology and tools and platforms that train and support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the workplace. The significant federal...
TEDx Talk highlights Frist Center for Autism and Innovation work
Jan. 9, 2020—This past November, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation communications coordinator Claire Barnett spoke at TEDxVanderbilt about autistic employment. Her talk, titled “Why autistic unemployment is so high – and what we can do about it,” explores several reasons that autistic adults struggle to obtain meaningful work. Barnett also discusses the steps that both businesses...
Vanderbilt engineers lead $1 million NSF pilot to develop tech for workforce inclusion of people with autism
Oct. 11, 2019—A Vanderbilt mechanical engineering professor is leading an ambitious pilot project that will develop prototypes of new, AI-based technology and tools to train, connect and support people with autism spectrum disorders in finding jobs and succeeding in the workforce. The multi-university, multi-disciplinary team is at the forefront of a new NSF program that aims to...