The School of Medicine Basic Sciences is a remarkable community 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 Tracy O’Brien to learn more about her and the work she does at Vanderbilt. Tracy is an administrative assistant in the Office of the Dean.
How long have you been working for Vanderbilt?
I have worked at Vanderbilt for a total of 26 years, including in the Office of the Dean for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences for six years.
What is unique about working for the SOMBS?
I like being a part of this excellent research community. I have tremendous respect for the faculty and staff who devote their lives to biomedical research. My mother died from complications associated with type 1 diabetes and my father from Parkinson’s disease, so I want to see these and other diseases permanently eradicated. If I can provide the support, no matter how small, for what our scientists need do to perform their jobs, then that’s what I want to do.
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the SOMBS?
My favorite memory was working on the Discovery Science Emerging Scholars Lecture Series while working from home during [the COVID-19 pandemic]. We were cranking out these visits and hosted more lectures than we usually did because all the get-togethers were over Zoom, making it easier, in a way. It was a lot of work to make all those visits run smoothly, but it was very satisfying and fulfilling to keep the program going during that challenging time.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
Dr. Alyssa Hasty! I was her assistant for a while before she left Vanderbilt. She made a positive impact on me because she believed in me, understood my personality, and helped me play to my strengths. She worked hard to build a solid infrastructure for junior and senior faculty alike. She set a tremendous example and inspired me to be the best version of myself.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
For most of my daughter’s formative years, I was a single parent. She’s grown into a wonderful young woman of whom I’m very proud. Not long ago, she told me that if she ever has kids, she hopes she’s as good a mom as I am. To me, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’ve got the perfect hiccup cure… Get a straw and fill a glass with water. Hold the straw in the water and put your fingers in your ears (really put them in there!). Take one swig to get the air out of the straw and then take 10 slow sips of water. It will cure them every time! If it doesn’t, it means you haven’t put your fingers far enough into your ears or you haven’t taken the air out of the straw before you start. This process may sound trivial and silly… until you get the hiccups!
Another fun fact: I love watching reruns of the TV show Dallas. I just love [the protagonist], ole J.R.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I like reading about history, going boating, traveling, and staying active (walking, working out, etc.).
What is your favorite quote?
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln. This is a work in progress for me!