Meet your Neighbor: Larry Branen

Name: Larry Branen

Age: 62

Hometown: I was born in Wilder, in Southern Idaho, but we’ve lived in the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls area for the past four years.

Occupation: I’m the associate vice president of the University of Idaho, administratively responsible for all the work the university does in North Idaho. That includes the research park in Post Falls, the Coeur d’Alene Center and the anticipated Sandpoint Center.

Family: My wife, Laurel, and I have three sons. We’re grandparents to two grandsons and two granddaughters.

Hobbies: Fishing and golf. And I guess you could call this a hobby: I’m researching biosensors for food microorganisms to prevent outbreaks of such things as E. coli and salmonella.

What do you like about North Idaho? I love the people; so many of them are creative. They make my job fun. And, of course, our surroundings are just beautiful.

What do you like or dislike about the current season? It’s too cold.

Favorite music: Just about anything classical.

Favorite TV show: “Lost”

Favorite movie: Any of the Chevy Chase vacation movies because they resemble our family vacations. Also, he plays a food scientist, and that’s my real profession.

Favorite spot in North Idaho? Why? Lake Coeur d’Alene. The water’s beautiful, and we enjoy getting out on it.