Tara Billman

Research Associate
Department of Pharmacology

First UTSW job: It involved getting familiar with mice in Developmental Biology. Here I learned to wean/tail and genotype for various projects.

Best part about my job: Coming from a veterinary background, I learned quite a bit over 25 years. I worked with six departments during this time and took away valuable experience from each. I have been with the Osborne Lab for two years and must admit it’s my favorite! The ability to learn new experimental approaches of several researchers is the best part of my job.

How co-workers describe me: I have been told I have a strong personality, I’m very friendly and easy to talk to, and I like to share.

Funniest UTSW memory: After working for 12 years in the Department of Physiology, I was convinced these doctors did not have a sense of humor. But when a funny cat email was sent by accident, I quickly learned that the Chair as well as others, including my boss, actually did.

I’m really good at: I have learned so much while working in the Department of Neurology! I became an expert in being able to distinguish which mice had brain tumors and which did not.

Hobbies: Grooming dogs is one of my favorite things to do on weekends. I also love traveling, going for walks, and watching football with my husband of 25 years.

Surprising fact: I have come a long way from digging up potatoes on my grandma and grandpa’s farm.