Faculty Friday: David Pindel

This week's Faculty Friday feature is David Pindel, a Professor of Biology at SUNY Corning Community College. Pindel has been part of the CCC community for 24 years and is a native of Wisconsin, so naturally, he's a big fan of the Green Bay Packers!

A few years ago, Pindel created a "Where Are They Now" hallway board for former students to help them stay connected after graduation. This board allows current students to see what their predecessors are up to, giving them an idea of what their future could look like if they work hard. It's just one more way that Pindel is helping his students reach their goals – something he takes great pride in doing. It's an incredible way to stay connected with alums, build relationships, and allow him to see his impact on their lives.

We sat down with Pindel to learn more about his background, his hobbies, and why he chose to become a professor of biology. Through our conversation with Pindel, we gain insight into what drives him in life and how he has stayed passionate about teaching for all these years. We also explore his love for Dungeons & Dragons and find out what it means to him. Join us as we get to know more about the fascinating Professor David Pindel!

Q: When did you begin working at SUNY CCC, and why/how did you end up here?
A: I began working at SUNY CCC in January 1999. When I first became a graduate student, I wanted to go into research, but after teaching for a local community college in Illinois (Spoon River College), I really fell in love with education and instantly knew that was going to be my career path. I began looking for teaching positions after I obtained my MS, and came across a job posting at CCC. I did some research, really liked what I found out, and applied. I thought I bombed the phone interview horribly, but luckily they liked me enough to bring me to campus for an in-person interview. This was my first time ever on a plane, flying from my home in Wisconsin to Corning, New York. I did much better at this interview...and the rest is history!

Q: What classes do you teach at SUNY CCC?
A: In the fall, I teach General Biology I, Ecology, and Current Issues in the Life Sciences (Honors). In the spring, I teach General Biology II, Evolution, and History of Biological Ideas (Honors...my favorite class to teach). In the summer, I teach Microbiology. 

Q: What's your favorite part about being a faculty member at SUNY CCC?
A: I absolutely love the people I work with, especially my colleagues and friends in the Science Department. We work very well together and I've developed some life-long friendships among them. The College community as a whole makes coming to work a pleasure...at least most days! And I thoroughly enjoy working with my students. They make everyday interesting, challenging, and unique. 

Q: What's been the best part of your professional career?
A: Seeing so many of my students succeed over the course of my 24 years. A few years ago, I created a "Where Are They Now" hallway board and was amazed at how many former students (and not just mine) have gone onto great success. They've become researchers, doctors, veterinarians, educators, other medical professionals, environmental scientists, biochemists, geneticists, and so many more. I am so very proud of all of them. It brings me a great sense of accomplishment and happiness. 

Q: What's one thing most people don't know about you?
A: I have a large collection of rare Dungeons & Dragons products and dice, am a JRR Tolkien fanatic, and love cats. 

Q: What do you like to do during your free time/time outside of the classroom?
A: I enjoy reading, hiking, birdwatching, watching movies/TV, eating out, listening to my favorite band (10,000 Maniacs) and other classic rock music (there is nothing good past about 1994), and playing Dungeons & Dragons. I'm also a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. This is a prerequisite for having grown up in Wisconsin.