Aspire, Seek, Achieve

WE PROVIDE STUDENTS FROM RURAL BACKGROUNDS WITH 

STEM OPPORTUNITIES

Providing students with the tools and empowerment to effect positive change in themselves, their families, and communities for generations to come.
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SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
Guided discovery science in biomedical research laboratories, professional skills development, and self-discovery.
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SUMMERS 

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HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS

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UNDERGRADUATE INTERNS

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UNDERGRADUATE PERSISTENCE IN STEM

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UNDERGRADUATE ADVANCED STEM DEGREE OR WORKFORCE

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

STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS FROM RURAL BACKGROUNDS

Founded in 2006 by two Vanderbilt faculty members, Drs. Billy and Julie Hudson, Aspirnaut™ is a K-20 STEM program that partners the experiential and content expertise of Vanderbilt University Medical Center with rural K-12 schools and talented high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

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Infographic highlighting 17 years of success with 380 participants, 257 college graduates, and 80% in advanced degrees or STEM jobs, showing geographic connections.

MEET THE TEAM

Our dedicated team implements the vision of providing STEM opportunites for talented youth.

Julie Hudson, M.D., M.A.

Julie Hudson, M.D., M.A.

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Elderly man with silver hair and glasses smiles warmly against a neutral background, conveying a friendly and approachable demeanor.

Billy Hudson, Ph.D.

Scientific Director and Co-Founder

Woman with curly hair smiling, set against a brick wall background. This image highlights a friendly, approachable demeanor.

Rachel Baugh, M.S., OLY

Director

A woman with long, wavy brown hair and a neutral expression poses against a gradient gray background. The image conveys a professional or formal tone.

Elena Pokidysheva, Ph.D.

Associate Scientific Director

Bradley Clarke, Ph.D.

Assistance Science Educator

Smiling woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a white turtleneck sweater. The simple background emphasizes her friendly expression.

Sabrena Moser

Program Manager

The Aspirnaut™ Impact

Student Testimonials

“Aspirnaut™ has opened my eyes to a a future I couldn’t imagine before. Prior to the summer, a career in the medical field seemed so far away. After hearing from the distinguished speakers and gaining the professional experience working in a lab, I have more confidence in my ability for  a career as a medical professional/researcher.”

“The Aspirnaut™ provided a space where I felt I belonged and allowed me to work with a group of like-minded individuals. I learned what it truly means to work as a scientist.”

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship not only provided me with a place to conduct biomedical research, but it also allowed me to grow as a collegiate student. The tools I’ve taken from Aspirnaut will propel me great distances in life.

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Berea College
Bridge Academy
Freytag
Green Mountain Antibodies
Matrix Biology
MDIBL
Michigan
NIDDK
NIH
Springer-Lu Logo
Uset Logo
VUMC

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

Berea College logo, featuring bold typography that emphasizes its educational brand. Relevant to discussions on academic programs and initiatives.
Circle with a stylized cat's face and ears, representing a modern, playful design. Relevant for branding or pet-related content.
Green Mountain Artifacts logo featuring an abstract design. Represents the company's focus on unique and crafted art pieces.
Delta logo featuring stylized lettering and a triangular symbol, representing the Delta Air Lines brand and its aviation services.
Maine’s logo featuring a shield with stylized graphics representing the state, symbolizing its identity and branding for official use.
MDI Biological Laboratory logo, representing a research institution focused on advancing health and scientific knowledge in biology.
NephroGenex logo, representing a company focused on developing innovative treatments for kidney disease, reinforcing its commitment to renal health.
NIDDK logo, symbolizing the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, indicating its focus on health research and education.
Logo of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), featuring a stylized arrow and initials. Represents health research and advancements.
Springer-Lu Family Foundation logo, representing the organization's philanthropic mission and activities.
Circular emblem featuring intricate patterns and a central design, symbolizing unity and organization. Relevant to branding or formal documents.
Life Sciences Institute logo, University of Michigan. Represents research and innovation in life sciences education and collaboration.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville logo featuring the letter "T," representing the institution's brand and identity in educational contexts.
The logo features a stylized emblem with a V-shaped design, representing the Center for Law and Public Policy, indicating its focus on legal education and research.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center logo, symbolizing its role as a leading healthcare provider and research institution.
Logo featuring the letters 'V', 'S', and 'S' in a grid layout, representing competition or comparison themes relevant to the content.