Professor Q&A: Rudy Mancke
“People are part of the natural world, not separate from it.”
USC natural history professor Rudy Mancke has shared his passion and knowledge of nature for more than 30 years. He was curator of the South Carolina State Museum, as well as the guide on the TV series “NatureScene.” Today his class at USC is highly requested and praised for its engaging teaching and field trips. Professor Mancke was kind enough to talk about his work, philosophies and experiences.
Garnet & Black: How did you become interested in nature?
Rudy Mancke: Nature was the first thing I remember being interested in. I was especially interested in snakes. I came to know more about snakes than adults. One day when I was 13, a snake was loose in a furniture store. The guys in the store paid me $50 to catch it. As I grew up my interests broadened to other aspects of nature. I read more and gained more field experience. I explored the woods as often as I could.
G&B: Many people know you from the TV program “NatureScene.” Are you planning other media work?
RM: We did “NatureScene” from 1978 to 2002. We produced about 340 30-minute episodes. I would love to do more. I've often said if ETV wants to, I'm available. TV is a powerful way of getting the message out. On “NatureScene,” we had one camera and no script, and viewers felt like they were walking with us. It is still broadcast widely; you can now watch “NatureScene” in Kabul, Afghanistan.
G&B: What made you decide to come teach at USC?
RM: In 2002 “NatureScene” was winding down, and I knew it was time to move on to something else. The School of Environment here asked me if I was interested in teaching. I had been a teacher before, and I agreed. It has been fun from the first semester.
G&B: You held several educational occupations before USC. What is different about teaching college?
RM: College finds young people at a time when they can really make a difference. The job of a professor is to change a student's perspective of the world. The best teachers do this. College should change perspectives and make life richer. Hopefully at the end of college you will have come up with your own view of the world.
G&B: Do you consider that your teaching philosophy?
RM: Absolutely. We are all born with curiosity; it is the way our brain is wired. That's the basis for education. So the job of a teacher is to develop that curiosity, change the perspective, broaden the view. A teacher also learns from students. I have always been a teacher and student wrapped in one person. I learn all the time when my students notice things I don't or introduce a different slant on things.
G&B: What are your thoughts on climate change?
RM: I think it is supported by evidence. Ocean levels are rising, temperatures are rising and ice is melting. I have noticed that southern species are ranging farther north. I'm not sure if this will continue, but actions some have taken on this issue are good steps. I personally try to do things to make a positive difference on the environment.
G&B: Where is your favorite nature spot in South Carolina?
RM: I would say the Piedmont because that's where I grew up. That's where I began observing nature, where I first knew I was going to be a naturalist. But there are plenty of other spots in the state I admire, such as the Sandhills, Carolina Bays and barrier islands. South Carolina may be the smallest southeastern state, but it has great biodiversity.
G&B: What is your most extraordinary experience as a naturalist?
RM: I'm a snake guy, so over the years it has been fascinating to actually catch snakes that I read about. I have caught the Eastern Diamondback in South Carolina, as well as other venomous snakes in western states. I have caught snakes in other countries; I caught one while visiting Russia’s Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world.
G&B: What is something people do not know about you?
RM: I love poetry, which I think puts the best words in the best order. I also love reading about the czars of Russia. I'm interested in criminology and forensics. When I explore natural history, in a way I'm playing detective.
