Meet a General: Dave Pfaff Dave Pfaff, academic technologist in the IQ Center at W&L, enjoys the fact that his job exposes him to interesting lessons in a variety of subjects.
Academic Technologist Dave Pfaff in the IQ Center.“My favorite spot [on campus] is the Great Hall in the Science Addition…It is like the water cooler of the science center.”
~ Dave Pfaff
Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a medium-sized city between Milwaukee and Chicago on Lake Michigan.
Q: How long have you worked at W&L?
I have worked at W&L for six years.
Q: What does your job here entail?
I work in the Integrative and Quantitative Center (IQ Center) which is home to lots of high tech equipment and teaching spaces. My main job is to help faculty incorporate the center into their teaching and research. I also help students when they get stuck, and I manage a good group of work study students.
Editor’s Note: Pfaff recently used 3D printers in the IQ Center to produce protective face shields for local health care workers. Read more about that project here.
Q: What do you like best about working at W&L?
W&L, and my job in particular, exposes me to experts in a large variety of disciplines. Every semester I learn about new and completely unexpected topics.
Q: Is there anything about your job or department that you wish more people in the W&L community knew?
That the IQ Center is not just for the sciences. It is easy to imagine how our high-tech equipment can be applied in the sciences, but we have put together interesting experiences for art history, philosophy, sculpture, dance and many other disciplines.
Q: What is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
My favorite spot is the Great Hall in the Science Addition. It is a natural crossroads for many departments and all sorts of interesting conversations get sparked there. It is like the water cooler of the science center.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Building something out of wood.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you build your dream home? Why?
Telluride, Colorado. I love the mountains and I love skiing.
Q: What is the best book or film you’ve read/watched recently?
I’m a non-fiction fan. I recently enjoyed “How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan
Q: What is your favorite kind of music or musical artist?
I really like Alt Country and Americana – Stuff like Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Son Volt, Wilco, Bottle Rockets, etc.
Q: What is your desert island food?
In my entire life, I have never tired of a good cheeseburger.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a halfway decent juggler.
IQ Center Academic Technologist Dave Pfaff shows off some juggling skills in the IQ Center.If you know any W&L staff who would be great profile subjects, tell us about them! Nominate them for a web profile.
You must be logged in to post a comment.