Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
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evolutionvu.bsky.social
Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
@evolutionvu.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1.1K following 140 posts
Building a world-class center for evolution in the heart of Tennessee. Wish us luck. Opinions belong to Andy and not VU.
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evolutionvu.bsky.social
Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt @evolutionvu.bsky.social · Dec 6
We are getting excited about next summer! Along with #ScopesSymposium, we're hosting #ISEMPH2025. We are so grateful for folks like @paulturnerlab.bsky.social, Nicole Bender & Michelle Blythe. We hope you'll join us in #Nashville to talk about #Evolution, #Medicine, and Public Health!
A promotional flyer for the ISEMPH 2025 Meeting. The header features Vanderbilt University and Nashville, Tennessee, with side-by-side images of the university’s campus and Nashville's downtown nightlife. Below, the text announces "ISEMPH 2025 Meeting, July 8-10, 2025," with the International Society for Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health (ISEMPH) logo on the left and the Evolutionary Studies Initiative logo on the right. Vanderbilt University’s logo is at the bottom. A three-panel brochure for the Evolutionary Studies Initiative at Vanderbilt University. The left panel describes the initiative, stating its aim to unite scholars across disciplines and featuring a logo of a tree-like design. Below it, sections highlight the Scopes Festival, Scopes Seminars, and the ISEMPH Conference, providing details about each event. The center panel displays logos for affiliated organizations, including the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) and ISEMPH, alongside Vanderbilt University’s logo. The right panel features an image of a Vanderbilt building, titled "Scopes 'Monkey' Trial Centennial Celebration," and invites participation in 2025 events with a QR code for more information.
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Welsey Roberts presents his evidence that teaching #evolution works and it doesn't have to be religion OR evolution. @ncse.bsky.social #teaching #scicomm
November 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
What can we learn from Natural History Museums? @corriemoreau.bsky.social gives some examples! #evolution #scicomm #museums @ncse.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 1:22 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Giant ground sloths were ecosystem engineers whose disappearance reshaped the landscapes they once roamed. A new study from the DeSantis Lab reveals how diverse these megaherbivores’ diets were. @vuartsci.bsky.social #Evolution
Read more: https://loom.ly/oY_Gtzo
A promotional graphic announcing new research titled “Lost Giants, Lost Functions” from Biology Letters. In the center is a screenshot of the article webpage, showing the title “Lost giants, lost functions: palaeodietary insights into the ecological niches of Pleistocene ground sloths” by Aditya Kurre and Larisa R.G. DeSantis, published on October 22, 2025. On the left, Adi Kurre appears in graduation attire, and on the right, Larisa DeSantis holds a fossil specimen. The background is a watercolor forest scene. Below, there are three illustrations: a smiling modern sloth, a stylized brown prehistoric ground sloth, and a skeletal reconstruction of a large extinct sloth. Text at the top reads “New Research Alert! Lost Giants, Lost Functions.”
October 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
If you're in #Nashville this weekend, come see us at Fossils at the Fort this Saturday at Fort Negley from 10am - 1pm! #Evolution
A wide slide with two photos and orange text reading Fossils at the Fort (Negley) 10am - 1pm. Photos are both of the grassy area near the fence with a table set up with evolution-y stuff and folks from evolutionary studies leading outreach activities.
October 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Given how well these videos do on Instagram, I thought I'd share one here, too! A #FossilFriday clip with @stevebrusatte.bsky.social. T. rex had feathers, but not for flying. #Evolution #Scopes100 #Dinosaurs @ncse.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 12:55 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
New Research!
Lin Meng shows that urban vegetation leafs out ~12 days earlier and holds leaves ~11 days later. This may help cool cities but longer growing seasons can increase frost damage and may prolong allergy seasons. Read More >> https://loom.ly/KWziaxI
#Evolution #Phenology #Trees
Map of the contiguous United States at night showing artificial light levels as bright pink and yellow clusters, concentrated around cities such as Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, which are highlighted in zoomed-in boxes. A color bar shows light intensity (ALAN) from dark to bright. At the bottom right, Lin Meng is pictured smiling, wearing glasses and a white shirt. Below is the quote: 'Our research shows that local urban conditions, like artificial light at night, substantially reshape plant responses.' – Lin Meng.
September 30, 2025 at 1:52 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Eis: machine learning to reverse-engineer #evolution. Brassington (@amandalea.bsky.social): Evolutionary mismatch. Rose: Genome-scale models. Bruder (@megbehri.bsky.social): Computational & experimental microbial evolution.
September 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
nessanichasaide.bsky.social
"This research demonstrates how our ancestors adapted to dramatic climate shifts through genetic evolution,” Dr Epem Esekon,Turkana county’s health and sanitation sector. Research: Turkana Basin Institute @evolutionvu.bsky.social #TurkanaCountyKE @theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Kenya’s Turkana people genetically adapted to live in harsh environment, study suggests
Research which began with conversations round a campfire and went on to examine 7m gene variants shows how people survive with little water and a meat-rich diet
www.theguardian.com
September 19, 2025 at 11:47 AM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Genes for desert survival discovered! New study by @amandalea.bsky.social w/ Turkana community shows how #evolution shaped their ability to thrive in extreme heat & water scarcity. @vuartsci.bsky.social https://loom.ly/4cFtYKo
Amanda Lea, standing with a microphone, presents research in front of a projected slide to a seated audience. The slide shows images and text describing projects, including the Turkana Health and Genomics Project. Below the photo, on a yellow-orange gradient background, a quote reads, “Working with transitioning populations can lead to new models for understanding how present-day environments interact with past adaptations.” – Amanda Lea. A stylized black DNA strand curves vertically along the right edge of the banner. Traditional Turkana huts dot a dry, dusty landscape under a bright blue sky. Small clusters of round, thatched huts sit on a flat, sandy plain with sparse shrubs and distant trees. The Kenyan flag in the shape of the country is placed in the lower right corner, and text above reads, “The Turkana homeland stretches across a vast arid landscape in northern Kenya where shade is rare and water even rarer.” A warm gradient banner at the bottom credits the photo to Julien Ayroles. Three Turkana individuals walk away from the camera across a sandy landscape at sunset, two carrying yellow jerrycans balanced on their heads. The sky glows with soft orange, pink, and purple hues fading into blue. The text in the lower left reads, “Turkana carrying water back to their households (photo credit Michel Mata).”
September 18, 2025 at 7:33 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
All three of Ken's videos did really well on TikTok, here's the one that did the best!

Quotes for the back of the book can come from unexpected places, explains #biologist Ken Miller. #Evolution #Scopes100 @ncse.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
For @omearabrian.bsky.social, the only one who seems to have wanted videos here... Here's another talk that did well on TikTok. It's Marlene Zuk talking about Prickle Princesses! #DogSky #Evolution #Behavior
September 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
adamlaats.bsky.social
Scopes Summer continues--even after Labor Day.

For everyone interested, the good folks at @evolutionvu.bsky.social and @ncse.bsky.social have made all the Vanderbilt talks available.

Check out Ed Larson, Ken Miller, Lee Meadows, Amanda Townley, Barbara Forrest...tons of amazing speakers, plus me.
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial at 100 | National Center for Science Education
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial at 100 NCSE Executive Director Amanda L. Townley presents at the Scopes "Monkey Trial" Centennial Symposium.
ncse.ngo
September 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
ALL the full talks from #Scopes100 are available on our YouTube playlist: https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk

@ncse.bsky.social #Evolution
September 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
prosanta.bsky.social
Curator job opening at the fabulous American Museum of Natural History in New York City!

Know a marine fish person 🐠 or oceanographer who might be interested?
September 6, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
ncse.bsky.social
Here's a pile of weekend goodies for you all! We now have all 3 Scopes Centennial webinars up online for your viewing pleasure, along with the collection of talks presented at the Scopes Symposium, thanks to @evolutionvu.bsky.social. Enjoy!
ncse.ngo/scopes-cente...
#Scopes100 #HistorySky #EduSky
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial at 100 | National Center for Science Education
The Scopes "Monkey" Trial at 100 NCSE Executive Director Amanda L. Townley presents at the Scopes "Monkey Trial" Centennial Symposium.
ncse.ngo
September 5, 2025 at 7:21 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
All talks from Session VI: The Relationship of #Evolution and Religion are online! https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk

@ncse.bsky.social @lizbarnes.bsky.social @revbatgirl.bsky.social
Photo of Jamie Jensen smiling while giving a talk. Text reads: Jamie Jensen – Reconciling Evolution and Belief. Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear at the bottom. Photo of Katy Hinman speaking at a podium with a remote in hand. Slide text reads “Katy Hinman — Science and (not versus) Religion.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small chalkboard graphic labeled “Science / Religion” at right. Photo of Liz Barnes speaking with hands raised mid-point, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt. Slide text reads “Liz Barnes — Promoting Harmony between Religion and Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom; a small signpost graphic at right shows “Muslim,” “Catholic,” “Buddhist,” and “Atheist.” Photo of Lee Meadows speaking, one hand raised, wearing glasses and a blue plaid jacket. Slide text reads “Lee Meadows — Inclusive Approaches to Teaching Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small Nashville skyline photo at right.
September 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
How do you teach #evolution where faith is central? Lee Meadows shares classroom-tested practices that lower conflict and keep students engaged with the evidence: https://loom.ly/_TfXC_U

#Scopes100 #ScienceAndReligion @ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Lee Meadows speaking, one hand raised, wearing glasses and a blue plaid jacket. Slide text reads “Lee Meadows — Inclusive Approaches to Teaching Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small Nashville skyline photo at right.
September 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Comment or like this post if y'all would like ~1-minute clips from our Scopes "Monkey" Trial Centennial Symposium posted here. We've been putting them on TikTok and Instagram - but perhaps you'd like them here, too! Here's an example clip that did quite well on TT. #Evolution @ncse.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 11:19 AM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
How do we lower the “science vs faith” temperature? @lizbarnes.bsky.social shows practical ways to reduce conflict so more students can learn #evolution: https://loom.ly/ljN30oU
@ncse.bsky.social #Scopes100
Photo of Liz Barnes speaking with hands raised mid-point, wearing a gray blazer and black shirt. Slide text reads “Liz Barnes — Promoting Harmony between Religion and Evolution.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom; a small signpost graphic at right shows “Muslim,” “Catholic,” “Buddhist,” and “Atheist.”
September 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Hear @revbatgirl.bsky.social make the case that science & religion don’t need to be rivals. Watch her #Scopes100 talk: Science and (not versus) Religion: https://loom.ly/YMxW8vA
#Evolution
@ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Katy Hinman speaking at a podium with a remote in hand. Slide text reads “Katy Hinman — Science and (not versus) Religion.” Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear along the bottom, with a small chalkboard graphic labeled “Science / Religion” at right.
September 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Can faith & evolution coexist? Jamie Jensen says yes. 🙌
Her Scopes talk shows how empathy and clear communication can help religious audiences embrace #evolution without losing their beliefs.

Watch her #Scopes100: https://loom.ly/SqX6atE

@ncse.bsky.social
Photo of Jamie Jensen smiling while giving a talk. Text reads: Jamie Jensen – Reconciling Evolution and Belief. Logos for Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt, NCSE (National Center for Science Education), and Vanderbilt University appear at the bottom.
September 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Teaching #evolution takes courage, creativity, and conviction. Hear from Gale Sinatra, @corriemoreau.bsky.social & Wesley Roberts at the #ScopesSymposium. #Scopes100 @ncse.bsky.social

Full talks here: https://loom.ly/4IBdeAk
August 29, 2025 at 1:27 PM
evolutionvu.bsky.social
Wesley Roberts taught biology in Nashville for decades — & even spoke at the TN House in defense of evolution. His #Scopes100 talk “Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt” is here: https://loom.ly/FjmCKAg
@ncse.bsky.social
Promotional graphic for Wesley Roberts’ Scopes Symposium lecture Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt. On the left, Roberts is shown speaking in a blue collared shirt with a microphone attached. The text reads “Wesley Roberts – Teaching Evolution in the Bible Belt.” At the bottom are logos for Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies and the National Center for Science Education, along with a small image of the Tennessee state flag.
August 28, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
stepheniwright.bsky.social
Please share broadly: I am looking for a postdoctoral fellow to work on a collaborative project on the temporal population genomics of invasive Capeweed (using contemporary and herbarium genomics), with ‪‪@shaky-dingo.bsky.social‬ and colleagues
August 27, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Reposted by Evolutionary Studies at Vanderbilt
lynnfellman.bsky.social
I get a fierce sense of joy learning from women in science. Like Elizabeth Barnes and Julie Phillips at the Scopes "Monkey" Trial Centennial Symposium. Elizabeth’s (Liz) presentation, ”An Atheist's Unexpected Path to Promoting Harmony between Religion and Evolution," made me think and think again.
August 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM