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Nature of the Beast: Professors Feature Their Creatures

Gary Gillis, assistant professor of biological sciences. Interests: biology of animal locomotion, playing tennis and Ultimate Frisbee, watching horror movies, reading good books (broadly defined)

Pee-Wee the guinea pig. Interests: Unlike my owner, I am completely uninterested in locomotion. Just the thought of running appalls me, and whatever you do, don’t mention the word treadmill around me. I love to eat, especially clover, hay, and dried fruit. (Banana chips are my weakness.)

Summa the chameleon. Interests: Like Pee-Wee, I too love a good meal, but have a penchant for moths and crickets.

Joanne V. Creighton, Mount Holyoke College president, professor of English. Interests: reading novels; walking; traveling; and championing liberal arts, women’s education worldwide, and Mount Holyoke College

Maisie, “First Dog”. Interests: following my nose (rather than my owners’ whims) and eating (favorites: road kill, students’ dropped food, table scraps gained through obsequious begging)

Donald Cotter, associate professor of chemistry. Interests: the intellectual and social history of chemistry, chemical technology, and chemical education; gardening; horror films, motorcycles, roller-coasters, and other thrill rides.

Mohave (“Moh”). Interests: I thrive on social interaction with (and the adoration of ) people and other cats. I meow in the distinctive accent of my native New Hampshire. I welcome guests and love parties, and I take a connoisseur’s interest in catnip. I also enjoy displaying myself artfully on pillows.

CJ Law, Equestrian Center program director and riding coach Interests: riding, swimming, reading, sports psychology, having fun with my family, going to the beach in Ogunquit, Maine; having fun while working at Camp Forest Acres in Fryeburg, Maine; teaching and working with the many talented riders at Mount Holyoke 

Mattie, English yellow Labrador retriever Interests: I like to play ball, eat, run, kiss horses on their noses, swim, play with CJ’s youngest daughter, Carol; and to use my Lab nose to smell wonderful smells.

Mikey, Irish draft horse Interests: I like to eat all treats; apples are my favorite. I like to jump, and am learning about dressage. I am a very social, in-your-lap kind of horse. I consider myself to be very cute.

Corinne Demas, professor of English Interests: Short stories, children’s literature, kayaking, gardening, odonates [Get those dictionaries out!]

Eleni and Sophie  Interests: the grass on the other side of the fence, rolling in the dust, carrots, and French bread.

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Learn More: You can read more about the lives and work of the professors “featuring their creatures” in the winter 2008 Alumnae Quarterly magazine at the links below.

• Gary Gillis, assistant professor of biological sciences
• Joanne V. Creighton, Mount Holyoke College president, professor of English
• Donald Cotter, associate professor of chemistry
• Corinne Demas, professor of English
• CJ Law, Equestrian Center program director and riding coach

 

Photos by Ben Barnhart