Jeff Corbin didn’t know until late in his undergraduate career what branch of biology would be his life’s focus.

“When I took genetics, I liked genetics. When I took physiology, I liked physiology,” said Corbin, professor of biology. “But two of the last classes I took were plant biology and community ecology. So, I applied to graduate school to be a plant community ecologist.”

Corbin, who has taught at Union for 17 years, still loves learning new things about other branches of biology and other sciences.

“I like to bring new findings that I hear about in science podcasts into my classes to show how new discoveries are always being made,” he said.

Jeff and his wife live in Niskayuna, and they are active in local environmental non-profits. Jeff is currently president of the Board of the Friends of the Pine Bush. Their outdoor pursuits track the seasons – cycling and hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter. They are relatively new empty nesters, as their daughter is a first-year student at the University of Toronto.

You can often find Jeff in line at the Niskayuna Co-op, as he loves to cook. Mexican food is his favorite – his California upbringing put guacamole in his veins.

FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:

I have a very regular routine: Check my email and then read my hometown (San Francisco) sports page. I always keep track of what my Giants and Warriors are up to.

GO-TO BREAKFAST:

Oatmeal and blueberries, plus a slice of toast. I make my own sourdough – I think I can say I’ve graduated from being a pandemic baker to now being just a baker. I also love a good weekend brunch.

WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ?

I’ve been on a thriller/mystery kick lately. I’m working my way through the “Slow Horses” series by Mick Herron. I’m also enjoying “North Woods” by Daniel Mason. It tells the story of a cabin in western Massachusetts from colonial times to the present.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:

I was working with my postdoc advisor to submit a paper, close to the deadline. It was the night before our deadline and she made us rewrite a big section. It would have been so easy to say, “It’s good enough,” and submit. She was right, of course. I’ve always remembered that: “Good enough” ISN’T!

FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:

Santa Cruz, on California’s coast. I spent a lot of time there as a kid, as it is my mom’s hometown. I also went to college there. My family and I love the vibe – relaxed, welcoming and a little weird.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW:

We just finished “The Bear” on Hulu, about a restaurant in Chicago. Some episodes are so stressful, but also so good. Also, see above: “Slow Horses.”

ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:

Surfing. I paddled out a few times while I was in college, but I never really learned how. I still love watching surfers do their thing.

THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):

John, Paul, and George, and one of them would surely invite Ringo. I watched all 1,000-ish hours of Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” doc the moment it came out a few years ago.

FIRST CONCERT:

Van Halen at San Francisco’s Cow Palace in 1982. I cringe at the memory, but my dad took us, as we were too young to drive. I don’t think I ever thanked him properly for doing that.

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:

I’m a pretty darn good whistler. Chances are, if you see me walking down the hallway, I’m whistling some tune.