Congratulations to Claudio who was recently promoted to full professor! 

This week we interviewed Claudio to learn a little bit more about him.

When did you decide you wanted to be a professor?

I was probably 8 years old.  My dad was a professor.  He worked in an underground lab with lasers and I thought that would be neat to have my own underground lab with lasers too.

What do you like most about being a professor?

Two things.  Working with my students.  Just the “Ah ha!” moments and watching their skills and confidence grow.  It’s also really rewarding that we get to constantly be learning and doing new things every day.  The other cool thing in academia is that I get to do what I am really excited about and  get paid to do it.  I can’t think of many other professions where you get that.

If you weren’t a professor, what profession would you choose?

That’s a really hard one.  I don’t know.  I can’t think of many other jobs that are as fun.  I’ve thought about being a baker.  That could be kind of fun.  Not a chef in a big kitchen – too much work.

What is your favorite insect?

I LOVE parasitoids.  Parasitic hymenoptera are just so cool.

What do you like to do in your “spare” time?

Spending time with my family, going to soccer games and recitals.  I also love playing the guitar.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from your pet chickens?

Great question.  They poop a lot.  But really, I’ve probably learned more about my kids than anything.  No matter how much kids say they will take care of the chickens, they really won’t.  I’ve also learned that chickens are really wonderful animals.  They have so much character.  I never knew that about chickens.

If Steven Spielberg made a movie about you, which actor would play you?

If it were an action film, obviously Tom Cruise.  Otherwise George Clooney.  He’s got the coolness and swagger that I don’t have.  He’s dark and clever and you never quite know everything about his characters.

 

 

This article was posted in Lab News.