Professor Profile: Weston Dripps

1. Where are you from originally?

I was born in Virginia, grew up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, and have lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington DC, Montana, Arizona, Switzerland, Spain, and now Sweden.

2. What made you become interested in environmental science?

I have always been interested in earth and environmental science from a really young age. I was all about rocks, fossils, and dinosaurs as a kid.

3. What is your favorite specific course to teach?

I really like all the courses I teach although am particularly fond of my two first year seminars "Global Water Issues" and "Sustainability of Natural Resources" as they focus on two topics about which I am particularly passionate.

4. Where did you study for undergraduate/graduate school?

I got my undergraduate degree at Amherst College in Amherst MA where I majored in Geology. I got my master's Degree at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH in Earth Science. I got my PhD at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI in Geology and Geophysics. I was a researcher at MIT in Boston, MA and taught three years at the University of Massachusetts – Boston before coming to Furman in 2005.

5. How did Furman as a school draw your attention?

I had always wanted to teach at a small liberal arts institution and when a position was available at Furman I jumped at the opportunity. I knew little about Furman before coming, but have been really happy here … great students, great colleagues, great fit for me.

6. What do you consider your greatest professional or personal accomplishment?

Professionally, that I have a job that I love. I love what I do.

7. What are your hobbies?

I love the outdoors, so really like to hike and camp. I also really like gardening.

8. Do you have any pets?

We have two cats, Tilly and Chedi – two sisters who we got from an animal shelter in Boston before moving to SC.

9. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I don't have a huge sweet tooth, but am an avid ice cream eater. I will eat most any flavor, but am a big fan of Mint Chocolate Chip.

10. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Enthusiastic, Optimistic, Energetic.

11. What is your favorite movie and why?

Right now, think it is "Stolen Summer", great independent film if you haven't seen it.

12. What is the scariest thing you've ever done?

I have always been one for adventure and have plenty of crazy stories to share, but I think a 440 foot bungee jump over a gorge in New Zealand is probably top of my list.

13. What is your favorite season and why?

Spring. I love southern springs … the continuous sequence of flowers, flowering trees, and flowering shrubs.

14. What are your plans for the future?

I am currently working on a book on global water issues and hope to collaborate on a new textbook in sustainability science in the years to come.