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 facilitate the exceptional exploration into basic biomedical science that takes place at our school.
We sat down with David Stiles, senior financial analyst for SOMBS, to learn more about him and the work he does at Vanderbilt for our school.
How long have you been working for Vanderbilt?
I’ve been part of the Vanderbilt enterprise for over nine years. I started at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in April 2016. After completing the VUMC Program for Research Administration Development, I transitioned to the university in November 2017 to work with Sheila Elder and Mary Heath.
What is unique about working for the SOMBS?
I’ve always loved research and academic publishing, even though I don’t understand it at the level our faculty do. One of the best parts of working in the SOMBS is getting to support the people who do. As someone who has personally benefited from science, I find it meaningful to help those working toward the betterment of humanity.
What is a project that you are looking forward to?
I always look forward to training new team members. Since research administration is a lifelong learning process, I value the opportunity to pass along the knowledge and guidance I’ve received. I’m especially excited about the work our Streamlining Processes and Review Committee is doing to develop standard operating procedures and improve departmental processes. My goal is to be a key part of shaping the post-award team into its strongest, most effective version.
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the SOMBS?
It might sound a little crazy, but pulling off the fiscal year budget each year is always a point of pride. For about two months, we might have to pause some operations to come together as a team and build budgets for departments, centers, and the dean’s office, sometimes planning up to 18 months ahead. It is an intense stretch, but when winter break arrives, it truly feels earned.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
This one is a no brainer. Celeste Goldman has mentored me and guided me through post-award finance for nearly eight years. The goal has always been to download her wealth of knowledge into my brain so I can carry it forward and share it with others. Mary Heath has also been a thoughtful mentor and advocate, helping me navigate career decisions.
What professional or personal achievement are you most proud of?
I went back to school at age 29. I attended night school while working full time and completed my B.B.A. in accounting with a 3.90 GPA. In that final year, I also bought my first house and started a family, making it one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my life.
What is a fun fact about you?
When I was 10 years old, an MRI and biopsy revealed a rare brain tumor at the base of my brain stem. At the time, I was the sixth known pediatric case, and after two surgeries at Emory and University of Alabama at Birmingham, I became the first known pediatric survivor. Shoutout to Dr. Jerry Oakes at UAB, a true legend in his field, whose daring operation and skill made that possible.
On a truly more fun note, my wife and I got married in Maui in 2019, where we snorkeled at the Molokini Crater and swam with the honu (sea turtles)!
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I have two sons, ages four and two, and a wonderful wife. They are the biggest part of my life outside of work. During the summer, we love creating our own backyard water park with a big inflatable pool and splash pads. Both boys love music, so we crank up the speakers, dance, and soak up the sun together. And if we can be in Florida near the Gulf, that is where we all find our best selves.
What is your favorite quote or book?
“Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies,” from The Shawshank Redemption. I often quote this movie because it’s a beautiful story about friendship and hope, and I tell everyone I know they should watch it. As long as we have hope, even a small amount, we can continue to face life’s challenges and appreciate its blessings.