Photo by Aaron Salcido
UCLA biologist Bob Goldberg, a former director of the Plant Genetics Program at the USDA, has been lauded for his scientific work in plant genomics and for his talents in the classroom, earning a spot on UCLA’s all-time “Top Twenty Professors.” Before instructing the audience as a panelist at the Zócalo/UCLA event “What’s So Bad About GMOs?” Goldberg took a seat in the green room and praised the humble legume.
What salad dressing best describes you?
Plain. No salad dressing. Never use it.
What’s hanging on your refrigerator?
Nothing.
What year, past or future, would you time travel to if you could?
I’d love to go a thousand years from now and see all the amazing scientific breakthroughs that will be made. It will make what we’re doing now seem as primitive as what they were doing in the Middle Ages.
If you could legalize one crime, which would you choose?
Robbing a bank.
When’s the last time you got a traffic ticket?
So long ago I can’t remember.
What’s the ugliest tie you own?
I have no ties.
Who is your favorite Rolling Stone?
Oh, Mick Jagger. By far. What a hero. He’s almost eighty now. Can you imagine?
What did you have for breakfast today?
Two pieces of rye bread toast. One with peanut butter and one with butter.
Rye bread with peanut butter?
It’s delicious.
What’s your favorite plant?
Soy beans.