One dream of hers is to name her lab the Batman Lab, and is currently accepting suggestions for an excellent acronym. She began her studies at UC Berkeley, receiving Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering while working at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Her education then took her southeast to Vanderbilt University to get a Master’s and PhD, both in Biomedical Engineering. She completed her postdoctoral appointment at Oak Ridge National Lab in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and at UT Knoxville at the Joint Institute of Biological Sciences. Dr. Vargis currently lives in Logan, UT with her partner, daughter and dogs. They enjoy hiking, eating, dancing… and eating some more. She is well known for her dedication to her student’s progression in research and helping them achieve their career goals.