About our authors
Gerard J. Tortora is professor of biology and former biology coordinator at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his master’s degree in science education from Montclair State College. He has been a member of many professional organizations, including the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists (MACUB).
Above all, Jerry is devoted to his students and their aspirations. In recognition of this commitment, MACUB presented Jerry with the organization’s 1992 President’s Memorial Award. In 1995, he was selected as one of the finest faculty scholars of Bergen Community College and was named Distinguished Faculty Scholar. In 1996, he received a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) excellence award from the University of Texas and was selected to represent Bergen Community College in a campaign to increase awareness of the contributions of community colleges to higher education.
Jerry is the author of several best-selling science textbooks and laboratory manuals, a calling that often requires an additional 40 hours per week beyond his full-time teaching responsibilities. Nevertheless, he still makes time for four or five weekly aerobic workouts. He also enjoys attending opera performances at the Metropolitan Opera House, Broadway plays, and concerts. He spends his quiet time at his beach home on the New Jersey Shore.
To all my children, the most important gift I have: Lynne, Gerard Jr., Kenneth, Anthony, and Drew, whose love and support have been such an important part of my personal life and professional career.
Berdell R. Funke received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in microbiology from Kansas State University. He has spent his professional years as a professor of microbiology at North Dakota State University. He taught introductory microbiology, including laboratory sections, general microbiology, food microbiology, soil microbiology, clinical parasitology, and pathogenic microbiology. As a research scientist in the Experiment Station at North Dakota State, he has published numerous papers in soil microbiology and food microbiology.
Christine L. Case is a professor of microbiology at Skyline College in San Bruno, California, where she has taught for the past 46 years. She received her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Nova Southeastern University and her M.A. in microbiology from San Francisco State University. She was Director for the Society for Industrial Microbiology and is an active member of the ASM. She received the ASM and California Hayward outstanding educator awards. Chris received the SACNAS Distinguished Community College Mentor Award for her commitment to her students, several of whom have presented at undergraduate research conferences and won awards. In addition to teaching, Chris contributes regularly to the professional literature, develops innovative educational methodologies, and maintains a personal and professional commitment to conservation and the importance of science in society. Chris is also an avid photographer, and many of her photographs appear in this book.
I owe my deepest gratitude to Don Biederman and our three children, Daniel, Jonathan, and Andrea, for their unconditional love and unwavering support.
Warner B. Bair III is a professor of biology at Lone Star College–CyFair in Cypress, Texas. He has a bachelor of science in general biology and a Ph.D. in cancer biology, both from the University of Arizona. He has over 10 years of higher education teaching experience, teaching both general biology and microbiology classes. Warner is the recipient of multiple educational awards, including the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) excellence award from the University of Texas and the League for Innovation in the Community College John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award. Warner has previously authored Interactive Microbiology® videos and activities for the Mastering Microbiology website and is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He is also a certified Instructional Skill Workshop (ISW) facilitator, where he assists other professors in the development of engaging and active classroom instruction. When not working, Warner enjoys outdoor activities and travel. Warner would like to thank his wife, Meaghan, and daughter, Aisling, for their support and understanding of the many late nights and long weekends he spends pursuing his writing.
Derek Weber is a professor of biology and microbiology at Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville, New Jersey. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Moravian College and his Ph.D. in biomolecular chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His current scholarly work focuses on the use of instructional technology in a flipped classroom to create a more active and engaging learning environment. Derek has received multiple awards for these efforts, including the Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology at the International Teaching and Learning Conference. As part of his commitment to foster learning communities, Derek shares his work at state and national conferences and is a regular attendee at the annual American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE). He has previously authored MicroBooster Video Tutorials, available in MasteringMicrobiology, which remediate students on basic concepts in biology and chemistry as they apply to microbiology. Derek acknowledges the support of his patient wife, Lara, and his children, Andrew, James, and Lilly.
