All Booked Up

This month we chat with Senior Research Engagement Coordinator Meredith Chandler, who helps put on the many events hosted by OVPR’s Research Development (RD) team each year. She shares her journey from DC art to UT research, what she loves most about her work, her summer reading recs and why Tex-Mex has a hold on her heart (and her stomach).

Tell us about your role and your journey at UT Austin. 

I work with researchers and OVPR leadership to plan and promote a variety of engagements, from team meetings to workshops to multi-day symposia. I handle the logistical planning needs and assist with marketing each event, as it relates to the event’s specific needs. One of my team’s goals is to support the researchers we work with as they pursue new collaborations and further their research.

I’ve been with UT for a little over three years now! I started as an events program coordinator before stepping into my current role last year.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Any big surprises? 

I received a degree in hospitality management knowing that I wanted to coordinate events. I’ve always enjoyed this kind of work, which makes the job fun. One of the best parts of my job is that I work with a really great and supportive team. There are five of us, and we’re able to collaborate easily and are quick to support each other. The RD team provides a great environment, and my boss, Alison Fiorenza, has fostered a real sense of togetherness within the research engagements team.

Something I was surprised to like so much is the promotional design work I get to do. We use a variety of design software to create event websites and marketing materials like graphics for social media promotion and event-related assets like signage and slide decks.

I see you used to work at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. That sounds interesting! Could you tell us a little about that? Any favorite artists? 

Yes, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NWMA) was an awesome place to work! The museum is solely dedicated to championing women through the arts and therefore showcases work by only female artists. I worked in the events department, and we handled all of the external events that took place at the museum (weddings, corporate meetings, non-profit fundraisers, etc.). The museum is in a beautiful historic building, and the people there do great work; I highly recommend visiting if you’re ever in DC!

I don’t know if I could pick one artist as my favorite. However, the museum puts together a “Women to Watch” exhibition every few years that I always enjoy. Each exhibit focuses on a specific medium or theme, and the goal is to feature and promote emerging female artists. I was at the museum for two of these shows — one focusing on metal as a medium and the other focusing on paper as a medium. Both shows were really incredible!  

I heard you grew up in Austin. What brought you back here? What do you like most about it?  

I have a lot of family in the area. I left for college and then lived elsewhere for a few jobs before moving back in 2021.

My favorite thing about Austin is probably the food — Tex-Mex is my kryptonite, and no other state does it right. 

What do you like to do in your free time? 

My two favorite pastimes are reading and hanging out with my dog, Mabry (yes, named after Camp Mabry in Austin, which was down the road from where I grew up). I’m an avid reader, and you can almost certainly find me reading during my lunch break. A few of my recent favorites have been The Favorites, by Layne Fargo, Listen for the Lie, by Amy Tintera, and Song of the Current, by Sarah Tolcser.

Mabry loves being outside, so we’re often on walks around the neighborhood (though really, it’s just me trying lure her away from squirrels and keep her from sniffing the gutter). 

What is your favorite place in the world, and why?

I’ve been able to travel a decent amount, and one of my favorite places is Athens, Greece. I’ve always enjoyed Greek mythology and love being able to experience these ancient stories alongside the history and cities’ ruins. It’s also a beautiful area, and the food is incredible. 

And finally, most important: If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

That is a tough one… I wish I could choose a category, because the answer to that is easy: anything with cheese. However, if it’s only one meal, I’d probably go with Massaman Curry. I love the rich flavors and spices (even though there is no cheese).