Most of my life was spent in the halls of academe where I suppose I'm best known as a teacher of medical students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. This reputation was gained at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where I became professor of Microbiology and Pathology. On four occasions, the medical students actually voted me "Teacher of the Year" and "Outstanding Lecturer." I started writing fiction late in my career relying upon my medical and legal expertise and a vivid imagination.

 

During my time at Columbia, I also directed the Clinical Microbiology Service at the Presbyterian Hospital, and in 1992 was the recipient of the prestigious Sonnenwirth Award in Clinical Microbiology.

 

Before coming to Columbia I taught microbiology at the medical schools of the Universities of Florida and Vermont, after receiving a Ph.D. at the University of Maryland College of Medicine. After serving in the U.S. Navy, I was commissioned as a reserve officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. Assigned to the National Disaster Medical System, I organized disaster medical assistance teams and gave lectures on biological weapons.

 

When I left Columbia, I established a consulting practice in microbiology and infectious disease, primarily as an expert witness. I participated in more than 80 cases around the U.S. One case even took me to Australia.

Non-fiction publications include Current Procedures in Clinical Bacteriology, Infectious Diarrheal Diseases, Understanding Infectious Disease, The Biomedical Scientist as Expert Witness; several chapters in medical texts and more than 100 articles in medical journals. A love of flying started in the navy. Later, I became a pilot with instrument and commercial ratings. I joined the Civil Air Patrol where I flew search and rescue missions.

 

My wife and I live in Connecticut where we enjoy gardening and travel. I continue to write.