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 Josh Luffman, construction and project manager in the facilities, infrastructure, and risk management administrative group within the 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 have been with Vanderbilt since April 2008 and joined FIRM in January 2020. In my current role, I support construction, renovation, and capital equipment transitions for the SOMBS. My work includes project coordination, space management, infrastructure planning, and asset tracking. I act as a liaison between labs, core facilities, vendors, and institutional partners to ensure smooth transitions and long-term functionality of lab environments. I also manage the asset tracking program and oversee systems for our card access and key requests.
What is unique about working for the SOMBS?
Every day brings a new challenge, and I get to work alongside a dedicated, collaborative group. There’s a strong culture of trust and I appreciate having the autonomy to solve problems and keep things moving.
What is a project that you are looking forward to?
I’m especially looking forward to the Stevenson Center 6 demolition and rebuildto kick off next summer. The new 11-story, $300 million facility will bring together leading researchers from across SOMBS, the School of Engineering, and the College of Arts and Science in a highly collaborative space designed for innovation and flexibility. Being part of the early planning and logistics is both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to support it further as it progresses.
What is your favorite memory or project you have completed during your time at the SOMBS?
Helping overhaul the capital equipment inventory process has been a highlight for me. That process improved audit readiness, clarified ownership of assets, and made tracking more transparent for our labs and leadership. We also retagged all SOMBS assets with radio frequency identification tags. Previously, we had to locate and verify every asset manually, which was a long and tedious process. RFID tracking has made the biannual inventory process exponentially faster and more accurate, reducing effort while increasing accountability.
Who has had a positive impact on your work?
Anthony Tharp, a longtime colleague, has had a major impact on my professional development. He mentored me through multiple job transitions, from core facility management to my current role in FIRM. His guidance, trust, and support have been instrumental in shaping my growth and success.
What professional or personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of successfully navigating multiple career transitions, from animal care to research, to core facility management, and now project management. These experiences have taught me adaptability and resilience. Each role built upon the previous one and I’m proud of how I’ve continued to grow, take on new challenges, and find meaningful ways to add value.
What is a fun fact about you?
Before working at Vanderbilt, I managed a ranch with over 40 horses, performed in wild west stunt shows, and did extreme horseback riding and mounted shooting competitions. I won the 2005 CMSA Eastern United States Championship.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I strength train regularly and enjoy working on home projects and spending time outdoors. Hiking, camping, and backpacking are some of my favorite activities. One of the most memorable trips I’ve taken was a five-day backpacking trek through the Grand Canyon, which was both challenging and unforgettable.
What is your favorite quote or book?
“Life’s but a walking shadow…” — Macbeth, Act V, Scene 5, Line 27.