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.
Lisa Evans, senior program assistant in the Department of Biochemistry, was raised in a small farm town of 900 people in central Illinois. She attended Illinois State University, majoring in organizational communication. She was hired as a program assistant in the Department of Biochemistry in November 2022.
We sat down with Lisa to learn more about her and the work she does at Vanderbilt for our school.
What do you do for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
I work under the executive assistant to the chair of biochemistry. I help facilitate Apex Lectures co-sponsored by our department and coordinate the Frontiers in Biochemistry seminar visits and schedules. I update the department website and listservs and assist with surplus submissions, key and access requests, and room requests for the department. I assist with department retreat planning, faculty searches, and all special events. I also order department supplies, awards, and food for meetings or events, plus all other duties as assigned.
How long have you been working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
I have been at Vanderbilt and the School of Medicine Basic Sciences for more than two years.
Why do you like working for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences?
I really enjoy the people I work with.
What is your favorite memory or project you completed during your time at SOMBS so far?
The 2023 department retreat. Planning such a major event and watching all our hard work come together was very rewarding.
Can you name a colleague who has had a positive impact on your work and explain how they had a positive impact?
Jen Smith. She has taught me that communication is key when planning an event and to pay close attention to the small details.
What is a professional or personal achievement that you are most proud of?
My two children, Mia and Beau.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’ve lived in four different states in ten years: Illinois, Ohio, Texas, and Tennessee. We move a lot for my husband’s job. Moving can be a pain, but we’ve been blessed to have many fun experiences in different cities.
What activities to do you like to do outside of work?
I like spending time with my husband, kids, and dog, Wilma. I also enjoy watching sports, traveling, and gardening.
What person from the past would you like to meet, and why?
Winston Churchill. World War II history is very interesting to me, and he is one of my favorite leaders from that era.