Q&A with Jodi Vaughn - Senior Manager, Diagnostics Software Services at PerkinElmer
Where did you grow up and how did you end up at UA?
I grew up in Canal Fulton, Ohio and went to Northwest High School. I wanted to attend college in Ohio and The University of Akron had a strong reputation for students looking to pursue engineering, mathematics and science-based careers. I was also fortunate to receive scholarships from UA for academic success.
What inspired you to get into biomedical engineering field?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted a profession in healthcare to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I really enjoyed and excelled at mathematics and sciences in school, so biomedical engineering was a natural fit for my skill set that aligned with the industry I was most interested in.
What led you to your current job as senior manager in Diagnostics Software Services?
My strong work ethic and networking helped. I was working in Radiology Informatics at The Cleveland Clinic and then at Summa Health System and wanted an opportunity to diversify my professional experiences. This opportunity came to me through a professor at The University of Akron. The position allowed me to grow in a leadership and management role and also utilized my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering as well as my MBA.
Describe your current job.
I lead a team of 37 project managers and software engineers that are responsible for the strategy and business development involved with deploying, configuring, and supporting newborn screening laboratory software for our customers in the Americas. Newborn screening is a public health initiative that can impact the health of every newborn baby by detecting rare disorders early and providing treatment that will lead to a long, healthy life. It is very rewarding to be a small part of this community that impacts tiny lives in a very big way.
How did your education at The University of Akron prepare you for your current role?
My education at UA enabled me to apply my technical aptitude in biomedical engineering to the healthcare industry. Engineers are problem solvers and my education gave me the foundation to solve technical problems in a healthcare environment
Also, having the experience to manage projects and work on teams with people of all different personalities and work habits was an invaluable experience that I gained through my engineering coursework that carried through to my professional career.
What made you connect to our Biomedical Engineering Advisory Board and take on the role of chairperson?
Dr. Mary Verstraete, my former undergraduate advisor, and I stayed connected after I graduated. In 2012, she asked if I would be interested in joining the board. I was so honored to join this group. In my current role at PerkinElmer, we hire four engineering co-op students from The University of Akron every January. Many of these students are majoring in biomedical engineering. I thought this would be a great opportunity to help students with similar educational background and interests integrate into a professional environment. Many of these high performing co-op students are offered full-time positions within our organization upon graduation.
What do you do outside of work?
I have two little ones, ages 18 months and 4, that keep me busy when I am not in the office or traveling for business. Our favorite thing to do is be outdoors. Whether the sun is shining or we are covered in snow, we enjoy the fresh air!
What are you reading or watching right now?
The last book I read was Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven. It is a great, quick read about doing little things that can change your life, one task at a time.