We asked several CAHNRS Ambassadors, excellent students who love WSU and their college, to name their favorite or most influential professors. And now we’re featuring those nominated educators in this weekly series, which runs through the summer.
Today we’re showcasing Alex Fremier, associate professor in WSU’s School of the Environment. Here are his answers to a few questions:
Where are you from?
Carmel, CA
Where did you go to school?
Principia College, Elsah IL (Bachelor’s), University of California, Davis, CA (Master’s & Ph.D.)
How did you become interested in your field?
My father was a professional black and white photographer, so I grew up outside admiring the environment. My mom was a librarian and liked learning. I guess I am a product of them. I just started asking why did the environment look the way it did.
Why did you want to become a professor?
Few jobs allow you to follow your curiosity and share it with others.
What is your favorite thing about working with college students?
The energy. They see they can impact the world in positive ways but don’t know how yet. Neither do I, but I like the process of learning how to help others succeed.
What advice would you pass along to students?
Triangulate understanding. No one person, or one group of people, has a complete understanding of the world. Some of have a better understanding of specific components. When you openly consider multiple views, honest learning happens. That’s what keeps me learning and engaged.