Name: David DesRochers
Hometown: Scarborough, Maine
Degrees earned: B.A., M.A. Ph.D.
What courses do you teach? Environmental Studies (BIOL 1105), Principles of Biology II (BIOL 1108), Conservation Biology (BIOL 3550), Ornithology (BIOL 3600), and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 4360)
How long have you been at Dalton State? This is my eighth year here (started in fall of 2010)
Why did you choose Dalton State? Dalton State had a very young four-year biology program when I applied, and I was excited by the prospect of contributing to a new program. I also value the small school environment because it is so similar to what I experienced. It’s a comfortable place.
Did you always plan to teach at the college level? Why or why not? Yes, I always planned to be a college professor. I love to learn and to teach, and the fields within science are constantly growing and evolving. It requires me to keep up with new material, and I love that challenge.
What do you like best about teaching at Dalton State? I love the small college atmosphere and the collegiality that I experience with my peers. It has a family-like feel working here.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments while at Dalton State? I feel like my biggest accomplishments here have been to engage students in research opportunities and to see them develop as young professionals. It’s very rewarding. I also am very grateful that I have been able to add conservation biology and ornithology to the catalog. I love seeing students get excited about the topics that I teach. It’s very rewarding.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? My family and I love hiking around here. We also enjoy going to Chattanooga. The history of the area also is very impressive.
What is the last book you read? “Ahsoka” and I am working my way through “Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent.”
Favorite comfort food? Fried shrimp
Favorite line from a movie? “We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent.” – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would pay off some old debts.
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I need to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. I love the way they sound, and my son loves music.
What cheers you up? Being with my family
What is your favorite book? “Blue Highways”
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? A younger Harrison Ford…obviously.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Spending my summers at a nature center in the town where I grew up.
What is your favorite app? Ingress
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? Being a member of Roadrunner Nation is a challenge to grow beyond my own limitations to stretch out beyond who I am in order to become the best person I can be – not only for my own personal betterment but to help the people and the world around me to grow as well. BEEP BEEP!