At Luminex, we often get caught up discussing the ins and outs of our instruments and assays, but the impact our employees have goes beyond the products we design. Where would we be without reliable facilities and high-functioning workspaces? Our Facilities team does an enormous amount of work to ensure everything from office spaces to specialized laboratories stays in smooth, working order. We count on people like Larry Vaughan, Facilities Associate, who joined us in 2018, to support the operational needs of Luminex. Larry is an EPA-certified universal technician for HVAC systems, and has studied at Florida Metropolitan University and Seminole State College of Florida.

Q: What are your responsibilities at Luminex?

A: I support each department’s needs, from maintaining labs to helping when things need to be brought in or fixed—whether that’s a cube or a desk or a light. I also help support the maintenance of the Austin campus. We have five buildings and three facilities associates, and we manage contractors who do a lot of the repair work.

Q: What did you do before this job?

A: I was in the hospitality field as a banquet supervisor for a luxury hotel in Florida.

Q: What drew you to Luminex?

A: My wife and I were planning to move to the Austin area to be closer to her parents. As I was looking for opportunities here, I was really interested in Luminex both because of the position in facilities and because it’s a biotech company with a lot of benefits. We moved at a good time, and Luminex was a great place to help us transition into a new city.

Q: If you weren’t in your current role at Luminex, where would you be?

A: I’m certified as an HVAC technician, so I would probably be in HVAC repair. I used to do it in my spare time, and it’s the kind of job where when the system breaks down, people really need you, so they’re very appreciative when it gets fixed.

Q: If you could solve any clinical or genetic challenge, what would it be?

A: I would choose autism. I have a nephew who is on the spectrum, and I know the difficulties that my sister has faced with tasks like teaching him how to communicate, and figuring out how he learns best. It would be wonderful to solve those challenges.

Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?

A: I write poetry, and sometimes I perform spoken word poetry.

Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?

A: Visiting live music venues. I love finding places where you can sit down and hear live music and eat. I try to take advantage of downtown Austin as much as possible.