as·pir·naut = one who aspires, seeks and achieves
ASPIRNAUT™ GUIDES STUDENTS TO STEM OPPORTUNITIES
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, pursuit of advanced degrees, and entry into the STEM workforce exceeds national norms. Highly acclaimed as one of the nation’s leading STEM diversity initiatives, Aspirnaut™ has over a decade of outstanding data and a 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
