Meet a USAC Member: Megan Naughton
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
VUIT. Manager in IT Service Delivery, Support Services.
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
Hard to believe, but 20 years this past July.
How long have you been a part of USAC and how has it impacted you?
This is my 2nd year in USAC. I’ve met a lot of new people and gotten to see how the group fights for the rights of all staff at Vandy.
What do you enjoy most about Vanderbilt? (i.e. missions, benefits, views of sustainability, community, etc.)?
Since I’ve always worked in IT, I’ve been able to see all kinds of amazing research. Everything from digitizing historical records to images from NASA and the Hubble Telescope, from biomedical designs to conduct surgeries remotely to supporting archaeologists on a dig in Bolivia.
What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
If you did the best you could (whatever the topic or issue) then don’t be hard on yourself. Doing your best is all anyone, including yourself, can expect.
What do you enjoy doing to relieve stress?
Hiking, playing with my dogs or working in my yard are the top 3.
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
My wife and I would love to go to Italy. Food, clothes, history – what’s not to like!
What is your favorite type of music?
I listen to pretty much everything – pop, indie, country, classical, etc. Not really a fan of heavy metal or jazz, but I’ll give any song a try.
What has been your favorite vacation you have ever been on?
I went to France just after graduating high school. It was my first trip outside the US and also without my parents. The combination of feeling independent and the sense of awe at seeing so many places I’d only read about or seen on TV was an experience I’ll never forget.
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
Animals and little kids! For whatever reason, they tend to like me and I enjoy them.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Hiking, without a doubt. Discovering a new trail or enjoying an old favorite on a pretty day is nearly impossible to beat.
What skill or talent would you most like to learn?
I would love to become fluent in another language.