By Grant Hochmuth
For SUNY Plattsburgh’s newest associate dean and longtime biology professor Neil Buckley, curiosity has never been a choice. It is simply who he has been since birth.
“I’ve always wanted to be a biologist,” Buckley said. “As far as I can remember, five or six years of age, that’s what I wanted to be.”
That early fascination eventually led him across the ocean. Raised in Ireland, but born in England, Buckley completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University College Cork before coming to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Buckley studied birds, specifically vultures, and how they share information while foraging.
A postdoctoral position at the University of Vermont followed, and with it came a turning point in both his personal and professional career. He met his wife there and soon after landed a job at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“I got the job offer in April of 1999 and then got married a month later,” Buckley said. “So the timing worked out really well.”
Twenty-seven years later, Buckley is still on campus. Over the years his responsibilities have evolved, but his core motivation has remained true throughout his time: enjoying the impact and the joy of working with young scholars.
“I’ve always liked students. If I didn’t like them, I certainly wouldn’t be a faculty member.” Buckley said.
For Buckley, one of the more rewarding aspects of higher education is the constant interaction with the younger generations.
“It improves your perspective on the world,” Buckley said. “You get to find out what young people are thinking about. They’re full of enthusiasm.”
For Buckley, the insight gathered from students is what keeps the job meaningful especially in moments when students are beginning to find their footing in the professional world.
“When you see the light go on, when someone gets something they didn’t get before, that’s where the satisfaction is,” Buckley said. “You feel like you made at least some contribution.”
While teaching has always been central to his career, Buckley’s administrative role has added another layer of impact. Much of his work now involves helping students navigate academic systems and challenges.
“When I can fix a problem for somebody and make what seems to be an overwhelming problem go away, that’s really satisfying,” Buckley said.
Still, he believes many students overlook one of the most valuable resources available to them: the utilization of extra aid from professors.
“The single greatest unexploited resource is faculty office hours,” Buckley said. “Most students never go see their faculty, and most faculty would love students to come and ask for help.”
Buckley encourages students to move past hesitation and ask questions. He views this as essential for academic success as well as professional growth.
“Never be afraid to ask a question. If you don’t know the answer, just ask.” Buckley said.
Outside of his professional role, Buckley’s lifelong passion remains unchanged. He has been and always will be an avid birder.
“I spend virtually all of my time either looking at birds or thinking about birds or reading about birds,” Buckley said.
He traces that passion back to a single childhood moment.
“There was this beautiful male bullfinch, bright red on the breast with a black cap. That bird was what started me off.” Buckley said.
Buckley’s fascination with birds has taken him around the world, from South America to Southern Africa, in search of wildlife and natural landscapes.
Whether he is birdwatching abroad or helping a student navigate a degree issue, Buckley said his approach is grounded in the same principle. He wants to be seen as accessible to his students.
“If they have a problem, I’ll do everything I can to help,” Buckley said.
Looking back on his career, Buckley does not focus on titles or accolades. Instead, he focuses on something simpler and a bit more thoughtful.
“I’ve had good colleagues. I’ve had great students,” Buckley said. “I feel like I’ve been able to have a good career and do positive things. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and I’m very grateful for it.”
