as·pir·naut = one who aspires, seeks and achieves

THE ASPIRNAUT PROGRAM GUIDES STUDENTS TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND POVERTY

The Aspirnaut™ K-20 STEM Pipeline for Diversity and Wellness was co-founded in 2006 by Dr. Billy Hudson, world-renowned scientist and Dr. Julie Hudson, pediatric anesthesiologist and national leader in healthcare.  In 2009, the Aspirnaut™ Summer Research Internship Program was launched at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A residential, hands-on experience for high school and undergraduate students, participants engage in a full-time research experience as a member of a team of scientists and in professional and personal skills development.

Aspirnaut’s™ mission is to increase STEM achievement and the numbers and diversity of the STEM workforce.  The program provides opportunities in STEM for talented youth from rural and diverse backgrounds, empowering them to effect positive change in themselves, their families and communities for generations to come.  Persistence in STEM courses of study is high, and pursuit of advanced degrees and entry into the STEM workforce exceeds nearly all national norms. Highly acclaimed as one of the nation’s leading STEM programs for diversity, Aspirnaut™ has over a decade of outstanding data and track record of success.

OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH

The Aspirnaut™ program is built around three pillars: Guided Scientific Discovery, Guided Professional Skills Development, and Guided Self-Discovery. Underpinning it all: Wellness For Life

Guided Discovery Science: Mentored lab experiences where interns conduct biomedical research with a goal of generating one or two pieces of original data

Guided Development of Professional Skills: Comprehensive set of skills to facilitate engagement in a professional environment and to succeed in the competitive STEM workforce

Guided Self Discovery: Skills for lifelong self-management

SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY

40 Hours Per Week

  • Full-Time Lab Work

  • Big Questions

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

10 Hours Per Week

  • Communication and Writing Skills

  • Distinguished Speaker Luncheons

  • Long-Term Mentorship

  • Networking

SELF-DISCOVERY

10 Hours Per Week

  • Psychological Thriving Skills

  • Individualized Career Planning

  • Wellness Activities

  • Social Activities

WELLNESS FOR LIFE

HISTORY & MILESTONES

  • The Beginning

    Idea for “school begins on the bus” originates in the mind of Billy Hudson.

  • First Partnership

    Grapevine Historical Society agrees to support the Aspirnaut™ Initiative.

  • Aspirnaut™ Bus

    First school day on the wired bus.

FEBRUARY 2006JUNE 2006APRIL 11, 2007
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2020

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The Aspirnaut™ K-20 STEM Pipeline was designed as an integrated set of STEM educational interventions from Vanderbilt University to rural schools.