A day away from campus to focus on building bridges with colleagues across Vanderbilt.
The Edge for Scholars Retreat offers early career researchers and their mentors an energizing mix of talks and breakout sessions focused on building bridges with peers, mentors, and new colleagues.
After a delicious camp lunch and good conversation, spend an afternoon creating shared connections with traditional camp activities including canoes/kayaks, rock climbing, and archery.
Dress casual and bring your sense of adventure (and a change of clothes).
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Camp Widjiwagan, Percy Priest Lake
Nelson Andrews Leadership Lodge
Register for the Retreat
mentor notes
All are welcome at the Edge Retreat.
It is a great day for making connections and supporting trainees.
We hope you’ll join us!
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote
Mentor Panels
Roundtable Discussions
Camp Activities
Fun
Connection
Past Retreats
upcoming Edge for Scholars Retreat events [ view all events ]
September 15, 2026 | 11:00 am (In-Person)
Dr. Eric Austin | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
September 17, 2026 | 12:00 pm (In-Person)
Panel Discussion | MCN C-2209
September 24, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Panel Discussion
September 28, 2026 | 9:00 am (In-Person)
Dr. Eric Austin | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
October 7, 2026 | 11:00 am (In-Person)
Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
October 8, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Dr. Todd Rice
October 14, 2026 | 1:00 pm (In-Person)
Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, VICTR Suite 609 Boardroom
November 5, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Dr. Mark de Caestecker
November 12, 2026 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Tara Helmer & Kayce Gill
January 14, 2027 | 12:00 pm (In-Person)
Panel Discussion | Location TBA
January 28, 2027 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Dr. Stephany Duda and Dr. Alvin Jeffery
February 4, 2027 | 12:00 pm (In-Person)
Panel Discussion | Location TBA
February 18, 2027 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Dr. Alvin Jeffery
February 25, 2027 | 12:00 pm (Virtual)
Dr. Evan Brittain
bring your sense of adventure
Testimonials
This was a wonderful day filled with collaboration, research strategy, and career defining conversations. The attendees were excited to be there and Edge for Scholars out did themselves with resources, connections, and support. I was grateful to attend and plan to return next year!
~ Retreat Participant
I loved it!! Camp Widjiwagan is a perfect venue. The topics were very relevant. I would happily attend future retreats!
~ Retreat Participant
Wonderful day! I met several junior investigators with whom I might never have come into contact.
~ Dr. Stokes Peebles, Retreat Mentor
Building Collaborations | Creating Connections
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