LV Life

Neher shares his simple ways of life

Dr. Robert Neher, professor of biology and chairman of the natural science division, has conducted research in environmental quality and nutritional biology. Neher, who teaches environmental biology at the University, rides his bike to work everyday. / photo by Tom Galaraga
Dr. Robert Neher, professor of biology and chairman of the natural science division, has conducted research in environmental quality and nutritional biology. Neher, who teaches environmental biology at the University, rides his bike to work everyday. / photo by Tom Galaraga

by Melissa Lau
Features Editor

A long, lush vine stretches from its pot on the desk and reaches for the sun shining through the window. Another plant sits beside it, enjoying its company.

The cactus in the window gazes down at the students passing by the Mainiero building. And in front of them sits their advocate, Robert Neher.

For Neher, chairman of the natural science division and professor of biology, simplicity is the key.

Using his bike as a transportation tool to get to work, he has made simple changes in his life to help the environment, while encouraging others to do the same.

Because Neher was exposed to biology at a young age, he has lived most of his life in an environmentally conscious manner. His dad, a biologist, was a big influence on his connection with nature. He remembers going on outings as a young boy with his father. This is when it became part of his life.

“It became second nature,” Neher said.

As he got older, Neher attended Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. As an undergraduate, he worked as an electrician and thought he would be a physicist.

He later changed his mind and tested the waters of the pre-medical field, but decided it was not for him.

Finally he decided to go into life sciences, where he chose biology. As a graduate student, he received his doctrine in botany. Aside from botany, Neher said he loves environmental science and outside fieldwork.

In addition to his father’s influence, Neher is also inspired by different people, specifically writers.

One author in particular is Aldo Leopold, who wrote the San County Almanac. Reading this book has made him aware of everything in the environment.

“You realize that everything you do to damage the environment, you damage yourself,” he said. “I looked at how I could simplify my life.”

Neher believes that riding his bike to work is just a small piece of a lifestyle.

In fact, he chose to live close to his job so he would not have to drive.

Although he tries, he admits he is not always consistent with his routine.

For example, he explained how he rides his bike to the University of La Verne with the exception of rainy days. He said he could be consistent by putting on his rain gear on these days so he can ride his bike, but he chooses not to.

In a mission to make students more environmentally aware, the biology department has stirred up what they hope to be a campus-wide project.

A committee has formed to increase student awareness of preserving nature by creating a proposal of how to have a sustainable campus.

They want the process to move as fast as possible, and in the process, want to take everyone along with them.

By starting a tradition, Neher hopes students will jump on the bandwagon and pitch in. For this to be as successful as it can, everyone has to want to be involved.

Although he admits that every campus has waste, he wants students to become more conscious of the environment and to join together to combat waste.

“Instead of throwing trash on the ground, students should go around campus and pick up trash if someone else is thoughtless,” he said.

One step ULV has taken to help the environment is by using recyclable carpets. When the carpets are old, they are taken back to the company and go through the recycling process.

Students can help out through simple actions, such as turning off the lights when leaving a room or using sunlight as a light source.

Neher also suggests recycling paper and conserving water. Also, there are alternative ways of taking care of everyday household problems, like ants.

Neher wants all students to think critically about their actions.

“I would like to see students be aware of their lifestyle,” Neher said.

“I would like to see my students appreciate what they are getting from the environment, and that they are part of the environment.

“I would like to see the students try to protect the environment although they are not perfect. I would like to see them correct some of the things we’ve messed up already. I would like to see students revel in nature for all that it is,” he said.

Melissa Lau
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