United States
I am a writer-editor at Vanderbilt University Peabody College of education and human development with 14.5 years of experience in higher education, including 9.5 years in communications. I am the college's lead storyteller and writer of research news in education policy, teaching and learning, special education, psychology and human development, and human and organizational development. I also lead content strategy and edit the college's research newsletter and magazine.
Prior to my current role, I covered research news for Vanderbilt's Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, focusing on stories across all of Vanderbilt's schools, colleges, and research centers and institutes.
I also have written leadership pieces for the dean at Peabody College and for Vanderbilt's executive leadership when I was stewardship development writer at Vanderbilt.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examining cognitive ability among children with a history of institutional care suggests that higher cognitive functioning is best supported by long-term family placements such as foster care.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Yi Ren and her team have made several discoveries to illuminate the mechanisms of key host-pathogen interactions involving viruses, with implications for gaining a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
By Jenna Somers The Great Recession of 2008 led to a pronounced decline in birthrates, and the impact has caught up with colleges and universities.
by Jenna Somers After consulting with the palliative care team, Jessika Boles, MEd'08, found herself speaking with a mother about honoring her daughter's legacy. "One of the ways we can do that is through handprint art, since handprints and fingerprints are unique to each person. Would you like to make something like that?"
By Jenna Somers Last year, analysis by The Washington Post showed that Tennessee had passed more laws targeting educational institutions than any other state. Among these laws are Public Chapter No. 493, commonly known as the "prohibited concepts law," and Public Chapter No. 744, otherwise known as the "Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022."
What happens to communities and environments when waterways are dredged to accommodate global shipping vessels? How does built infrastructure affect city temperatures and who is most affected?
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 amid climate anxiety.
By Jenna Somers and Krystal Schmidt Toddlers may not be the first people who come to mind when thinking about scientists at Vanderbilt University, but that is exactly who the little tykes at the Susan Gray School are.
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center guides policy leaders, scholars, advocates, and funders on state-level policies and strategies intended to strengthen outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families.