I attended a Southern California community college (Moorpark College) after which I transferred to the University of Wisconsin – Madison where I received my B.Sc. in Biochemistry.  I then proceeded to start research in a protein X-ray crystallography lab at the same institution and graduated with my M.Sc. in Biochemistry as well.  My research involved endeavoring to understand the underlying structure of the Microtubule Organizing Centers of our cells, a macromolecule responsible for many factors including the replication of our cells, export and import of cellular metabolites, and cell mobility.    After graduation I accepted a position at the Wellman Center of Photomedicine at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.   There my research was focused on light mediated photochemical tissue bonding and repair to expedite wound healing. 

I have now been teaching Chemistry at local community colleges for a bit over 1 year, and it has been an absolute pleasure.   Watching students awaken to the wonders of science is even better then when my own fascination with biochemistry began.  While I am fairly new to teaching, I am trying to absorb as many techniques and styles as possible to better facilitate the student learning.  I am looking forward to this opportunity to meet new learners and share in their excitement to explore the universe around us.

CAL-ACT Catalysts connect with current CAL-ACT cohort members on  a regular basis to mentor, partner and coach.  

Tom can be reached at thomas_gisel1@vcccd.edu