Meet a Member: Corbin Whitwell
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
I’m the Compound Manager in the High-Throughput Screening Core of the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology. Translation: I keep track of hundreds of thousands of tiny tubes, work with robots that cost more than my house, and move very small amounts of liquid around all day. YAY, SCIENCE!
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
I’ve been with Vanderbilt since Nov 2002, so almost 23 years! Which is really weird since I’m only 29?!?! 😉
How long have you been a part of USAC and how has it impacted you?
I joined USAC last year and was a part of the Rules and Admin Committee. This year I have joined Staff Life and look forward to discussions that don’t include punctuation.
What has been your career journey to lead you to where you are today?
Vanderbilt was my first job out of college, and apparently, I liked it so much I never left.
What do you enjoy most about Vanderbilt? (i.e. missions, benefits, views of sustainability, community, etc.)?
I’ve always been in positions where I get to work with multiple labs across many departments. It’s fascinating to be allowed into discussions with PI’s graduate students, post docs, and other staff working on so many different projects. I tend to be the dumbest person in the room, but hey, I’m in the room and somebody must do it!
What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
Take your work seriously but have fun along the way.
What is the best perk you have ever had at a job?
I’m living for that 70% college tuition benefit!
What do you enjoy doing to relieve stress?
I commute an hour to/from Vandy, so listening to audiobooks has saved my sanity while sitting in traffic. On occasion, I even catch myself sitting in the parking garage to finish a chapter.
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
Greece! I need a big floppy hat, flowy dress, and Santorini sunsets.
What are you most proud of in your life thus far?
I am extremely proud of my 17 y/o son, Gavin. He’s a senior this year and will be graduating and moving to college soon. If you see me crashing out on campus, I’ll be ok, just preparing for my empty nest life.
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
I’m really good at insomnia and forgetting words mid-sentence.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Dose floating in the pool count as an outdoor activity?
What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to see the Northern Lights in person, none of these cool pictures through an iPhone filter.