What was your first job?
That I got paid for? I worked as a photographer’s assistant in the 8th grade. I got fired.
If you were to write a personal memoir, what would you name it?
“Don’t Give Up”
Where did you grow up?
Prosser, Washington. It’s in the middle of the Yakima Valley, right in the heart of wine country.
What is your favorite class you’ve taught?
I really like having the opportunity to teach students hands-on in my laboratory. I got my start by working in a lab, learning how to conduct research through hands-on experience. I love giving students that same experience, and I’m so proud when they get to see their names on a poster or a paper.
What is your favorite place to grab dinner in Tallahassee?
Miccosukee Root Cellar
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Yoga, cooking, knitting, and reading. I’ve had an Ashtanga yoga practice for about 7 years now. I also like to bake, my family tells me I’m not too bad at it.
Have you always wanted to teach?
No. I was trained as a researcher, and I worked primarily as a researcher for many years. Science will always be my first love.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to or where would you like to go?
Probably Machu Picchu. Seeing it in person just blows the pictures away. It was amazing.
How many football games have you attended?
At FSU? None. Overall, I can’t count. I grew up in a football town, my brother is now the head coach of my high school. I did my undergrad at Notre Dame and I attended every home game there, and a bunch since I graduated.
Proudest career/life moment?
Let’s hope I haven’t reached it yet.
What’s your favorite band?
The Beatles.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end.
If money were no object, how would you spend your days?
Traveling, reading, eating, spending time with family. I really like doing research, so I would still spend time on that.
What is your favorite book and why?
Unless it really stunk, probably whatever I read most recently. I don’t remember books very long.
If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
I don’t want to be famous. It doesn’t seem worth it.
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Psychology
Do you have any pets?
One cat, named Tybae (said “Tee-bay”). She’s named for Jenny Saffran’s research on infants’ language learning.
When did you start working at Florida State University?
August 2014
What was the last movie you saw in theaters?
Foxcatcher
What is the best part about your job?
The chance to always be asking questions.
’20 Questions with CCI’ brings faculty and staff from the College of Communication & Information into a new light. Learn more about your favorite professors – their hobbies, interests and favorite Tally places.
Do you know someone at CCI you’d like to see featured? Submit their names to kate.mullen@cci.fsu.edu.
20 Questions with Erin Ingvalson