Brian S. Burnes has been studying microbial ecology and teaching biology for over 20 years. He began his academic career at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Ph.D. in Applied Biology for his work on understanding the mechanism used by aquatic bacteria to “breathe” on the metal manganese. Upon completing his Ph.D., he served as the Senior Microbiologist in the effort to establish the first regional environmental impact statement for Atlanta, GA. Moving to the greener pastures of Alabama, he became a Professor of Biology, first at Judson College in Marion, AL, then at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, and now at the Mississippi University for Women. In these capacities, he has furthered infectious disease prevention by directing water quality monitoring and microbial source-tracking projects throughout Alabama. He lives in Livingston, Alabama in a 117 year-old house with his wife and History professor Valerie and a happy pack of rescued stray dogs.