"I would like to nominate Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol for the 2008 Tennessean of the Year because she is a phenomenal person. She has 'science colleagues,' 'research colleagues' and 'physician colleagues.' I am none of these. I am a genuine layperson who can attest to the type of person Jennifer really is. She is a wonderful scientist, researcher and Vanderbilt faculty member, but she is also a caring, loving individual who makes a difference every day in the lives of others at Vanderbilt and beyond. Dr. Pietenpol loves people. She constantly is trying to do what is right for our patients and to cure this nasty disease we call cancer."

Cindy Sullivan
Nashville, cindy.sullivan@vanderbilt.edu

"As parents of a young adult with brain cancer, we were pleased to read that Jennifer Pietenpol is a nominee for Tennessean of the Year. We met professor Pietenpol at a Stand Up 2 Cancer event co-hosted by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Gilda's Club Nashville. It was obvious to us that she has both passion for her work and compassion for people living with cancer and for their families. We urge the selection of Dr. Pietenpol as Tennessean of the Year. Her work has touched the lives of many Tennesseans and will continue to do so into the distant future."

Earl and Julianne Fitz
Brentwood 37027, julianne.fitz@gmail.com

"I could say that Jennifer Pietenpol should be named Tennessean of the Year because she has been an inspiration to women in science, but that is not entirely true. She is indeed a tremendously strong role model, but not just for young women in science. Her laboratory has seen men and women, younger and older, black, white, Hispanic and Asian. She looks for dedication to the work, eager minds, and talented troubleshooters from any and all walks of life. She then encourages them in what can be a difficult and often frustrating career choice as they strive to contribute meaningfully to a body of knowledge that will hopefully one day lead to a cure for cancer."

Deb Mays
Dickson County, deb.mays@vanderbilt.edu

"Dr. Jennifer Pietenpol has the leadership, commitment and determination to alleviate the suffering of cancer. She is not only an outstanding researcher and businesswoman but also an incredible mom. She is deserving of being a nominee, and I consider it a true privilege to work under her leadership."

Caroline Pheeney
caroline24503@yahoo.com

"I have watched Jennifer from the days she was a student at Vanderbilt until now. She was an outstanding student and she is an outstanding professor and director as well as being an outstanding teacher of medical students and graduate students, and leader of research faculty and clinical faculty. … What more can you say about such an outstanding lady, mother, wife, professor and leader than to say that she is a role model, not only for girls and women, but also for all young people who are interested in science."

Marlene Jayne
marlene.jayne@vanderbilt.edu