Don Vaughn

Scientist and Drummer
Baylor College of Medicine

Don Vaughn is a San Diego native, who moved to Houston in 2009 in pursuit of a dual career as a drummer and scientist.  During the day he works in the neuroscience department at Baylor College of Medicine, where he uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to research freewill and group social dynamics.  Specifically, Don investigates neural correlates to explore why humans respond more favorably towards people with similar beliefs and how those preferences can be modulated. At night, Don teams up with DJs, playing clubs, fashion shows and private events, and remixes the beats live on top of the DJ’s tracks.  Over the last few months he has been working to integrate his scientific and musical talents by building an electronic drum set using the Arduino open-source prototyping platform.   

In 2008 Don completed dual degrees in Physics (BS) and Economics (BA) at Stanford University.  During his sophomore year, Don co-founded the Stanford chapter of CO-SIGN, College Student Interest Group in Neurology, which retains renowned faculty to give public lectures, advises current undergraduates on neuro-related course options, and connects students with internship opportunities. In his senior year, Don created and co-taught a course entitled "Current Topics in Neuroscience" at Stanford.

Don is committed to serving his community and is a member of Rotary International, volunteers with PM-Pals to provide evening care to special-needs children, and provides assistance to refugees through Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.  He also regularly donates his drumming services at fundraising events benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.