At Vanderbilt, federally supported research takes many forms, from humanities scholarship to national security partnerships and early-stage innovation. That work came into focus during recent visits from members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
In April, Vanderbilt University hosted Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., BA’71, and Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn., for campus visits. During their time on campus, the lawmakers and their staff connected with faculty, students and research programs, showcasing how federally supported work in the humanities, national security, transportation and innovation is delivering impact in Tennessee and beyond. Both engagements were coordinated by the Office of Federal Relations.
Cohen visit highlights humanities, national security and transportation
Cohen, a Vanderbilt alumnus, engaged with research areas that reflect both his longstanding connection to the university and his Congressional work in the humanities, national security and transportation. At the , which was founded with a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Vanderbilt faculty shared how the center supports interdisciplinary scholarship and humanistic research.
He also met with leaders from the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security and National Security Immersion students, who shared an overview of the institute’s programs and their work.ĚýCohen visited the Vanderbilt Center for Transportation and Operational Resiliency as well, where researchers presented projects focused on infrastructure, mobility and systems planning. The discussion highlighted how federal support enables applied research that benefits communities across Tennessee.
Van Epps visit focuses on innovation and national security partnershipsÂ
As the newly elected member of Congress representing Vanderbilt’s district, Van Epps visited campus for the first time in his new role to explore the university’s work in advancing innovation and national security partnerships that contribute to economic growth and community impact across the region. At the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s innovation center, innovators shared how federal support from the National Science Foundation sustains early-stage research and entrepreneurship through programs like the .Ěý
Researchers also presented the Pathfinder-Air Assault program, a partnership with Fort Campbell that connects Vanderbilt researchers with soldiers to identify challenges and develop practical solutions using university-based research.ĚýThe program demonstrates how research can move beyond the lab to real-world applications, including the development of technologies that have led to commercialization.
Lawmakers highlight Vanderbilt following visitsÂ
Both lawmakers shared their experiences on their respective X accounts, pointing to the impact of Vanderbilt’s research and partnerships.Ěý
Federal investment drives research and impact across TennesseeÂ
Funding from agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Science Foundation, and Departments of Defense and Transportation enables universities to advance research, build partnerships and translate ideas into practical solutions that benefit communities across Tennessee and beyond. Â
These areas also align with the work of Rep. Cohen across the Congressional Humanities Caucus, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and his prior service on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as Rep. Van Epps through his roles on the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.Ěý
“These visits are an important way for us to deepen our relationships with members of Tennessee’s delegation, including an alumnus and Vanderbilt’s local member, by showcasing Vanderbilt’s research enterprise,” said Christina West, associate vice chancellor for federal relations.
“That exposure helps demonstrate how federal investment supports a broad range of priorities and gives policymakers a clearer understanding of its impact. We’re grateful to both Rep. Cohen and Rep. Van Epps for taking the time to visit Vanderbilt.”Â
To learn more about how Vanderbilt engages with federal partners and policymakers, visit the Office of Federal Relations website.