About the Bridge Program

MISSION

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program identifies promising, talented people with a passion for science and prepares them to be successful leaders, educators, and scholars in STEM fields. The program is rooted in the belief that varied viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are essential to addressing the complex scientific challenges of our time. By providing critical supports, the program ensures that all students have the resources and tools they need to thrive. Highly student-centered, the Bridge program features one-on-one guidance, multiple tiers of mentorship, a challenging scholarly and research-driven environment, and a commitment to fostering personal and professional growth. Over 20 years, the program has built a vibrant community of students, alumni, postdocs, and faculty and has become a national model of graduate STEM education. 

HISTORY

The idea for the program was conceived in 2002 by Dr. David Ernst (Vanderbilt University), Dr. Eugene Collins (Fisk University), and Dr. Arnold Burger (Fisk University). When Dr. Ernst met and recruited Dr. Keivan Stassun for a faculty position at Vanderbilt, they began to formalize the program. Dr. Stassun and Dr. Burger were named co-directors, and Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann (Vanderbilt University) took over the role. The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program accepted its first student in September 2004. With funding from NASA, NSF CAREER, and IGERT programs, along with generous support from both universities, the program has expanded significantly in size and scope over the years.

SUCCESSES

The productivity and accomplishments of our students is outstanding. They have published dozens of manuscripts and have won competitive Ford Fellowships, NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, NASA FINESST, Harriet Jenkins Fellowships, and NIH NRSA Predoctoral Awards, among many other grants. They have presented their research all over the globe and have brought national attention to this unique program model.

Since the program’s inception, 190 students have enrolled, 157 have earned a master’s degree, 137 have bridged to a PhD, and 70 have earned a PhD.

With a notable 83% retention rate to the PhD, the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program contributes significantly to the STEM workforce and to academe.

Leadership Team

SAUmya Ramanathan Arnold Burger

Deputy Co-Director, Fisk Co-Director, Fisk

Lauren Campbell

Executive Director

Taurean Brown

Assistant Director

Margareta Zlibut Constantine Coca

Grant Manager, Fisk Program Coordinator, Fisk