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From the School Director

Writing is a consistent part of my professional responsibilities — admittedly not one of my favorites. As of late, this process has really been a walk in the park. In fact, it takes some effort to contain myself in generating even the briefest notes on my subject matter. Why? I have the privilege of sharing what may be the most innovative approach to blending K-12 and higher education in the country — the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt.

Imagine the opportunities for curious, young minds able to learn from Ph.D. scientists who actually do the research which shapes our future. High school students are immersed in a university culture where discovery, exploration, and cutting-edge advances are part of the daily routine. "A Day in the Life" captures just a glimpse of what our 9th graders have already gleaned in their first semester. The regular response to our curriculum: "I wish they had this when I went to school." Me too!

The most common and critical ingredient at Vanderbilt and other research universities across the country, regardless of discipline or department, captures our essence: asking a good question. This may come as a surprise in a society where answers and information rule as the supreme definition of knowledge and intellectual prowess. But it is the question which we all have in common; a timeless tradition for children and their parents to cycle through until satisfaction or sleep prevails. "Why?" may be as integral to our being as DNA.

Questions have no boundaries and cannot, or perhaps should not, be categorized. Likewise, we do not live in a world where subject matter exists in distinct packets. Reality is steeped in questions and connections and this is where we begin our journey — molding connections across disciplines. Modern research creates an educational portal to this end where, for example, teams of investigators from physics, math, chemistry, genetics, cancer biology, engineering, and computer science unlock the mysteries behind cancer and find ways to combat it.

Designed as a four-year academic and summer program in partnership with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, we began 2007 with our first freshmen class, but also included a modified one-year program for exceptional seniors. These trailblazers completed independent research under the mentorship of Vanderbilt faculty during a seven-week summer research internship. Since then, they have all submitted to the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, with one student earning semi-finalist recognition (only 1 of 7 from all schools in Tennessee, I may add). Their commitment will come full circle from asking a question to answering them when, in the spring semester, they will translate their research into educational community outreach.

I welcome you to review our 9th grade curriculum booklet. The School's core Ph.D faculty brings our dynamic, "real world" to the forefront in combination with volunteers — including Vanderbilt faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students — as well as scientists from around the world through virtual field trips. And as always, at the heart of their experience will be a question.