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 Ashley Haddard to learn more about her and the work she does at Vanderbilt. Haddard is the senior program manager for research for the Department of Pharmacology in the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences
How long have you been working for Vanderbilt?
I have been working for the Department of Pharmacology for five years. In my current role, I oversee departmental operations, and my responsibilities include renovations, laboratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, department purchasing, administrative support, event coordination, faculty recruitment, laboratory safety, and reporting.
What is unique about working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
The people! I act as a liaison between many different areas in SOMBS and I enjoy working with all the staff, faculty, postdocs, and students. The relationships and network that I have built for myself has helped me learn so much about science, administration, and academia. This knowledge is something that I use every day and has allowed me to succeed.
What is something you are looking forward to?
The Department of Pharmacology recently recruited a faculty member, Valentina Cigliola, who focuses on spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. I helped facilitate her onboarding at Vanderbilt, including navigating the many obstacles encountered with importing zebrafish from France to Vanderbilt, and I am really excited to see her thrive and her research progress here at Vanderbilt.
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences so far?
I have loved working on many different projects. One of my favorite memories was working on the Lamson Memorial Lecture last year with guest lecturer Dr. Yulong Li. Working on endowed lectures is a lot of work, but it is always worth it and very rewarding to see how the guest’s visit and lecture play out. I really enjoyed meeting Dr. Li and hearing about his science.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
There are so many people who have had a positive impact on my work. Ege Kavalali has been a reliable mentor who I can always turn to. He has guided me from being in a place where I had little direction to being someone who wants to take on a leadership role someday and hopefully pursue a career in higher administration. I am grateful for his encouragement and support.
Tina Iverson has also been someone that I can always count on to provide great advice and support. She inspires me and motivates me to reach for excellence. I respect her as a prominent female leader in science and very successful mentor to her lab, and for her recent achievement in her new role as Associate Dean for Faculty. Her integrity and attention to every aspect of her work are qualities that I admire and aspire to have someday.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my growth here at Vanderbilt. I started out as a research assistant for the department, and over the last five years have worked my way up to Senior Program Manager for Research.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have completed two half marathons, one in Nashville and one in Chattanooga. I am also currently working on my MBA.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
Running, hanging out with family, and all things Disney!
What is your favorite quote?
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney