About the Bridge Program

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program exists to improve the demographic representation in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Studies indicate that underrepresented minority (URM) students are more likely to use a Master’s degree as a stepping stone to the PhD. Hence, to increase the number of URM students engaged in PhD-level STEM research, a relationship between Fisk University, which is an accredited Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and Vanderbilt University was conceived.

The notion of the program was first put together by Dr. David Ernst (Vanderbilt University), Dr. Eugene Collins (Fisk University), and Dr. Arnold Burger (Fisk University) in 2002. When Dr. Ernst met and recruited Dr. Keivan Stassun for a faculty position at Vanderbilt they began to formalize the program and Dr. Stassun and Dr. Burger were named Co-Directors. Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann took over the role of Co-Director at Vanderbilt in 2015. The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program took its first student in September 2004. With extramural funding in place from NASA, NSF CAREER and IGERT programs along with generous support from both institutions, the program has grown in size and scope.

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 Harriet Jenkins Fellowships, and NIH NRSA Predoctoral Awards among many other grants. They have presented their science all over the world and increased the national attention to our program model.

After 20 years, 190 students have enrolled in the FVBP, 157 Master’s degrees have been awarded, 137 students have bridged to PhD programs, and 70 students have earned the PhD, 49 of those from Vanderbilt.  Today, 20 students are in a Vanderbilt PhD program, while 19 are in a Fisk Master’s program. 50% of the students are African-American, 22% Hispanic, 8% other minorities, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and 16% white or other non-minority. 58% identify as female.

Fisk is the number one producer of African American earned Master’s Degrees. With an 83% retention rate to the PhD, the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program is contributing significantly to the STEM workforce and 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