The School of Medicine Basic Sciences consists of a remarkable community that is dedicated to advancing the study of human biology, health, and disease. In addition to the award-winning faculty, postdocs, and students who are at the forefront of our cutting-edge research, a large part of our school’s success can be attributed to our staff.
Join us in recognizing and appreciating our staff members and the hard work they do to ensure exceptional exploration into basic biomedical science that takes place at our school.
We sat down with David Baughman, the research program manager for the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, who told us a little about himself.
How long have you been working for Vanderbilt?
I have been with Vandy for just over 13 years, all the while working in the VICB. I help coordinate projects in the VICB, with an emphasis on the High-Throughput Screening Facility. I also provide hardware and software support, procurement, billing, and other tasks needed to allow our staff scientists to stay focused on research.
What is unique about working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
Being in the VICB, I have the opportunity to be involved with a wide variety of cutting-edge, life-changing research.
What is something you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the redo of the VICB websites. This is long overdue and now has sponsorship to move forward!
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences so far?
The holiday get-togethers allow me (and others) the opportunity to get to know colleagues as friends.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
Many people have chipped in to help me find my way at Vanderbilt and beyond. Vanderbilt is a large and complex place. It is easy to feel lost and confused, not just in finding your way around the buildings but navigating the business, IT, and HR systems and more.
There have been dozens of people who made a substantial impact, but when I started here, Anne Lara, Lisa Wright, Stephen Doster, and Celeste Goldman checked in on me, kept me motivated, provided guidance, and helped me understand Vanderbilt.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
At Vanderbilt, my peers elected me to my second term on the University Staff Advisory Council, where I serve on the Communications Committee. Personally, I am most proud that my three children have grown into happy adults.
What is a fun fact about you?
My daughter Kaylee and I have a Snapchat streak of 656 days!
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
This year, I signed up for the Broadway series at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and have enjoyed watching some amazing shows. I also love attending concerts at the Mulehouse in Columbia, walking in parks, and enjoying breakfast on the weekends with family.
What is your favorite quote?
A motivational quote for me in my role at Vanderbilt is: “I believe that scientists should be focusing on the science, because if they are worrying about all of the other things, the science comes essentially last,” by Susan Winks. Also, the Dutch proverb “He who is outside his door has the hardest part of his journey behind him” helps me deal with all the competing priorities that tend to stress me out. But once I get started on a project, I make good progress.
As for my favorite book, it’s AlI the Kings Men by Robert Penn Warren, which I read in high school. Jack Burden’s narration paints great imagery, and I can imagine myself there. It has been my favorite book since!