Paul Bonthuis, assistant professor of Comparative Biosciences, began working at the college in 2020.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
February 2020, about a month before we were in full blown pandemic.
Describe your role at the college.
I’m a neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Comparative Biosciences. I teach neuroanatomy and physiology lectures in VM602 and VM604. I also run the Neuroepigenetics and Behavior Laboratory in the Department of Comparative Biosciences where I have research programs studying imprinted gene influences on social behaviors, developmental toxicant exposure on brain development and behavior, and resilience to chronic social stress; all using mouse models.
Have you held any previous titles or responsibilities at the college?
Other than member of various committees, nope.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy mentoring and teaching the next generation of scientists, and animal and human health professionals to understand key concepts of biology, and be able to apply that knowledge to think inquisitively and critically to solve problems within their chosen professional disciplines.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
Too many exciting findings and experiences, and disappointments to name just one memorable day to date; however, I believe the most memorable day is yet to come.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love traveling to see nature, architecture, historical sites, and museums with my family: wife Molly, daughter Amelia, and dog Banjo. As a father of a teenager, most of my free time is spent driving to and from practice, and watching my daughter play volleyball, softball, and the violin. I was kind of a nerdy jock, so it is fun to have the continuity of watching my daughter compete as my parents did with me. I was not into the arts, my wife is talented in the visual arts so I love visiting museums with her. Neither my wife or I were particularly engaged with music so it has been a wonderful experience to watch my daughter get so much joy out of something that is completely her own by developing her skills and performing in orchestra. For myself, nowadays I like to play tennis, frisbee, and golf; and I was really into skiing while living in Utah during my postdoc and playing corec. softball, both of which I hope to pick up again sometime when my schedule will allow it.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
I was a Frat Boy in college. Many academics assume that everyone in fraternities are meat-head drunks. I won’t deny that there are some students in the Greek system that fit that mold, but for me as a first-generation college student, who had perfect grades in high school while also lettering 7 times in wrestling and football, there was not a lot of time left over to learn how to build a network of friends and community. I was fringy and kind of a loner, with the exception of one or two good friends, in both the blue-collar jock and academic nerd worlds. I was extremely anxious entering college, not having many academic role models except high school teachers, in what seemed like at the time as an overwhelmingly huge campus at the University of Washington in Seattle. Joining the fraternity was an opportunity for me to meet and live with young people who understood the ropes of an intense academic institution, and I have life-long friends who are leaders in business, technology, science, medicine and almost every other profession from that experience. I also met my wife in the Greek system, who is an exceptional elementary school teacher.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
After retirement, I’d like to move back to the Pacific Northwest and get more into exploring the wilderness by hiking, sea kayaking, sailing, cycling, or even dirt bikes.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
I find myself at the Tryptich Brewery a lot.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Thinking and pondering. I’m not always the most studious, but I’m naturally curious with wonder about how everything works or why things are the way they are.
Do you have any pets?
I have a five year-old mutt rescue named Banjo. He was a consolation prize for my daughter when we moved here from Utah. He looks a lot like a medium sized Pitt with white feet and head, black spots around eyes ears and nose, and a brindle coat. One of his littermates had genetic testing that said the litter was a mix of Boxer, Akita, Husky, American Staffordshire Terrier and god knows what else. He absolutely loves to meet all dogs and people and gets super excited like a puppy when greeting someone new. At the dog park he absolutely must greet every person and every dog at the park before he will begin to play. He is also perhaps the sweetest and most lovie dog I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
