About our authors
Gerard J. Tortora (Chapters 1-5 and 14-16) 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.
Christine L. Case (Chapters 6-13 and 20-28) taught microbiology at Skyline College in San Bruno, California for 51 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. 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 (In-the-Clinic videos, eText Media Integration, eText assessments, Dynamic Study Modules) 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 als
