Nine New Women on the Vanderbilt University Faculty

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, has nine new women on its faculty this fall.

Candice Amich is a new assistant professor of English. Her research interests include Latin American literature and performance studies and feminist studies. Dr. Amich is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She earned a master of fine arts degree from New York University and a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Anita Disney was named an assistant professor of psychology. Her studies focus on neuromodulation of cortical circuits. Dr. Disney is a graduate of Australian National University. She earned a Ph.D. at New York University.

Lisa Fazio is an assistant professor of psychology in the Peabody School of Education. Her research focuses on applying developmental and cognitive psychology to educational issues. Dr. Fazio earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington University in St. Louis and a Ph.D. at Duke University.

Molly Jackman is an assistant professor of political science. She is currently writing a book on how legislative procedures affect policy change and gridlock. Dr. Jackman is a graduate of the University of California. She earned a Ph.D. at Stanford University.

Karen Ng is a new assistant professor of philosophy. She specializes in Hegel, German idealism, and Frankfurt School critical theory. Dr. Ng is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Essex in England and a Ph.D. at the New School in New York City.

Phillis Sheppard was appointed associate professor at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is the author of  Self, Culture, and Others in Womanist Practical Theology (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011). Dr. Sheppard is a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She earned a master’s degree at the Colgate Rochester Divinity School and a Ph.D. at the Chicago Theological Seminary.

Jennifer Shinall is a new professor at the School of Law. Dr. Shinall is a graduate of Harvard University. In 2012, she earned both a juris doctorate and a Ph.D. in economics at Vanderbilt University. She clerked for Judge John Tinder of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Rebecca VanDiver was appointed an assistant professor of the history of art. She is an expert on African American art. Dr. VanDiver is a graduate of Harvard University and holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Duke University.

Hye Young You is a new assistant professor of political science. Her research focuses on lobbying and interest group politics. Dr. You is a graduate of Seoul National University in South Korea. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. at Harvard University.