ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

My name is Gary Kaiser and I am a professor of microbiology at The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus located in Baltimore, Maryland. That's me in the picture at my usual parking place in front of the Science Building. (I don't think I actually have a picture of myself doing anything scientific.) I've been teaching microbiology at Catonsville since 1970 (I was, of course, 12 years old when I started), and I love teaching as much today as when I started those many years ago. I received my B.S. in biology in 1968 and my M.S. in microbiology in 1970, both from Northern Illinois University. My Ph.D. in microbiology was earned in 1975 from the University of Maryland, College Park.

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 writing teaching tools for microbiology students such as my Lecture Guide, Lecture Guide and Performance Objectives for Microbiology, and my Laboratory Manual, The Grapes of Staph. Both can be found on this Website.

Wanting to keep both hemispheres of my brain in balance, my hobbies include riding motorcycles (currently a Harley-Davidson Low Rider), playing music, and doing crafts. I've been a musician since high school days and I play guitar, bass, sax, and clarinet. My group Sundown still plays locally, mostly for charitable events and private parties. We play a variety of styles of music - what we like to call "Good Time Music". Finally I am a craftsperson, working in stained glass, leather, and wood.

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. A daughter-in-law, Brian's wife JeNae, has been added to the Kaiser fold 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, including Dr. Dave Jeffrey (my brother in microbiology for the past 37 years), Bob Hudson, Jeff Smith, Bill Wade (my brother in music for the past 31 years), Nancy Meyer, Paula Noeller, Judith Maisey, Joy Tyson, and my e-mail microbiology buddy Dr. Kelly Cowan. Finally, my complete love and heartfelt thanks to my treasured wife and partner in life Dr. Sonja Schmitz - you are my dream-maker!

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

Gary Kaiser