Andrew Carver

(Photos by K.C. Jaehnig)

May 26, 2010

Ten questions with ... Andrew Carver

Job on campus/department you work in: Associate professor, Department of Forestry

How long at SIUC: 12 years

Hometown: Evansville, Ind.

When you were a youngster, what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why? Purveyor of architectural salvage. It provides opportunity for discovery without the feeling of overwhelming responsibility for conserving our planet’s biodiversity.

What is something you still want to accomplish in life? Creation of SIUC’s own tropical research field station.

What is one random fact about you? I am currently restoring my third Airstream travel trailer.

What was the first “album” you ever bought, and was it an LP, 8-track or CD? Zenyatta Mondatta, The Police, 8-track.

If you could pick an actor/actress to play you in a movie, who would you pick and why? Bill Murray. His performance as Steve Zissou (the Jacques-Yves Cousteau-inspired character) in the movie Life Aquatic says it all.

What is your favorite food and why? Ceviche. Eating raw fish in Central America can be an adventure in itself.

Who has inspired you, and how? John Long, author, adventurer and rock climber. Known for “firsts” like his single-day ascent of the 3,000-foot Nose route on El Capitan in Yosemite; he doesn’t take himself too seriously even when he is pushing the limits of convention.

What is your pet peeve? People lacking tolerance, flexibility or breadth of view -- in other words, closed-mindedness

Favorite cartoon character? Diego, of course. ¡Rescate animales!