Every month we focus on an outstanding staff member of the BCM Family. This month, it’s Vernesta Jackson in tropical medicine.

Vernesta Jackson

Name: Vernesta M. Jackson

Title: Senior Administrative Assistant

Department: Pediatric Tropical Medicine

How long have you been at BCM? This time around 6 months—was here for 14 years prior to leaving in 2007.

What’s your favorite thing about working at BCM? The diversity. BCM has a diverse student population as well as faculty and staff.

Where were you born? Dallas, Texas

What is your favorite kind of food? Italian

What is your favorite restaurant in Houston, and at that restaurant your favorite dish? Buon Appetito Restaurant for authentic Italian and my favorite dish is the Shrimp Cu Granciu.

What’s on your music playlist? Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”; Mohombi, “Bumpy Ride”; Jennifer Hudson, “It’s Your World”; Leela James, “Fall For You”; Beyonce, “Drunk in Love”; Charlie Wilson, “You Are”; Usher, “OMG”; Sly and the Family Stone; “Take You Higher”; Nina Simone, “Feeling Good.”

What is your dream vacation? Italy—Rome, Venice, Florence.

What is your favorite TV show? “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Scandal”—toss up!

Complete this sentence: Most people wouldn’t know … that I play a trumpet.

What are some of your personal hobbies? Wine tasting and historic home tours.

Last book you read? “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

Last movie you saw? “Gone Girl”

Any kids? Pets? I have no biological kids, but I claim a truckload of BCM grads as my kids. I have a Lhasa Apso named Caesar.

Favorite food on campus? Luby’s pizza.

Favorite BCM/Medical Center hangout? Benjy’s to meet friends in the medical center for happy hour and Cezanne for a little Jazz and Blues.