Jeanette J. Norden Biographical File

Jeanette J. Norden, Ph.D. is currently Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, Emerita at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine having been so honored in 2013. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology, with training in Neurobiology and Clinical Neurology, from Vanderbilt University, and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University, the National Institute for Medical Research in London, and Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Her research interests have focused on regeneration, development, and neuroplasticity, detailing cellular and molecular events that occur following optic nerve damage in a variety of animals. Dr. Norden joined the faculty in 1978 where she served as Director of Medical Education in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and directed the core neuroscience course taught to medical students. Her innovative approach in integrating 'humanity' into basic science courses has been recognized at Vanderbilt and nationally. Dr. Norden has been presented the Shovel Award three times by the graduating class to the faculty member who has had the most positive influence on them in their four years of medical school. She has received several other teaching awards, including the Jack Davies Award for teaching excellence in the basic sciences, the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, and the Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award from the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and the Association of American Medical Colleges. In 2007, she completed a 36-lecture DVD, Understanding the Brain, for The Teaching Company in an effort to help inform the public about the brain and common neurological disorders. In recognition of her impact in outreach activities, the Vanderbilt Brain Institute at Vanderbilt established the annual Jeanette J. Norden Outreach Lectureship in her honor.

Adapted from article published by the VUMC Reporter May 10, 2013. https://news.vumc.org/2013/05/10/emeriti-faculty-2013/