Meet the Team Ben I

Get to know the people behind ECE! Our Meet the Team series gives you a closer look at the people we work with every day, from the experience they bring to ECE to the interests and stories that make them who they are.

Meet Ben Iberle, Information System Specialist

Meet Ben Iberle, Information System Specialist at ECE. With a background in biology and ecology, Ben brings a curiosity about the world that extends well beyond his work. From learning about global education systems and cultures to playing ultimate frisbee, exploring Costa Rica, and enjoying a good falafel, Ben has plenty of interests and experiences to share. Get to know him better in this Q&A.

Q & A Session.

Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?

I studied biology and ecology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on pollinator ecology and old-growth forests.

Q: What do you like most about working at ECE?

I enjoy getting to become familiar with the education systems, language and cultures of so many different countries around the world.

Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.

I've been playing ultimate frisbee (think frisbee football) for going on twenty years. I play disc golf, too, and we actually have quite a few disc golfers at the ECE office. My first love is ultimate, though, and I’ve worn a lot of hats: coach, organizer, and game official. This past May, I was fortunate to be on the officiating crew for the college national championships in Illinois!

Q: If you went to university, did you engage in any Study Abroad? If so, where?

I went to Grinnell College in Iowa and spent one semester in Costa Rica on a biology program with the Organization for Tropical Studies. It was an amazing experience. We traveled all over the country and learned about the beautiful forests, wetlands, and mountains.

Q: Are there any books or movies that you simply could not put down or kept thinking about long after you had read or watched them? Why?

For me, that's the Lord of the Rings. I've read those books more than any other, that's for sure.

Q: Do you have a favorite cuisine? If yes, a particular dish you love? 

Picking a favorite is so hard, but Middle Eastern cuisine is high up on the list. I love a good falafel.

Lightning Round!

Q. Vacation or staycation? 
Vacation

Q. Passenger or driver? 
Passenger

Q. Be embarrassed or be afraid? 
Be afraid.

Q. Camping or glamping? 
Camping

Q. Cooking or being cooked for? 
Cooking

Q. Wine or Beer? 
Beer

Q: Fiction or nonfiction? 
Fiction

Q. Sweating or shivering? 
Shivering

Q. Lose sleep or skip a meal? 
Lose sleep 

Our “Meet the Team” blog series has been a chance to introduce you to the people behind ECE and share a little more about the interests, experiences, and personalities that make our team unique. Thanks for following along and getting to know us!