ABOUT YOUR PROFESSOR

My professional interest is host-microbe interactions, that is, the mechanisms microbes use to cause infection, the ways the body defends itself against infection through innate immune responses and adaptive immune responses, and the techniques we use to artificially help the body in its defense efforts. I also enjoy creating learning tools for microbiology students such as my Lecture E-text, my Laboratory Manual, Softchalk lessons, animations, YouTube videos demonstrating laboratory techniques, photographs and photomicrographs, and concept maps. These can all be found on my microbiology website, The Grapes of Staph.

Wanting to keep both hemispheres of my brain in balance, my hobbies include playing music, and doing crafts. I've been a musician since high school days and I play electric and acoustic guitar, bass, bass sax, baritone sax, tenor sax, C-melody sax, alto sax, soprano sax , sopranino sax, Eb and Bb soprano clarinets, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet, C flute, alto flute, bass flute, aerophome A10 synthesizer, and mandolin. My groups Blues State and Ten Pins still play locally, mostly for charitable events and private events and play a variety of styles of music. Finally I am a craftsperson, working in stained glass and leather.

Growing up in a small Midwestern town, I was blessed with two wonderful, loving, and supportive parents who continuously encouraged me in my educational, musical, and craft endeavors. My father, called Gussie by friends and family, was a hardworking, big, gentle giant whose family always came first. My mother Ruthie was this smiling, elfin woman with happy sparkling eyes who brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she touched. A day doesn't go by when I don't fondly remember them and give thanks for having had them as parents. I am also blessed with two wonderful now-grown sons, Matthew and Brian. I am so very proud of them both. They are honest, caring, hardworking, creative young men and just hearing their voices brings joy to my heart. I also have a wonderful daughter-in-law, Brian's wife JeNae and she is a treasure. In 2006 they blessed me with my first grandchild, Autumn Ruth. She is such a joy and melts my heart. I am also fortunate to have great supportive and treasured friends from CCBC, including Dr. Dave Jeffrey (my brother in microbiology since 1968; now retired from CCBC) and Bill Wade (my brother in music since 1975; now retired from CCBC), Finally, my complete love and heartfelt thanks to my treasured wife and partner in life Dr. Sonja Schmitz (now retired from the Biology Department at CCBC) - you are my dream-maker!

I hope you enjoy Microbiology and find this Website of use!

Gary Kaiser