JERRY TORTORA is Professor of Biology and former Biol ogy Coordinator at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, where he teaches human anatomy and physi ology as well as microbiology.
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 Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 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, Jerry was the recipient of MACUB’s 1992 President’s Memorial Award. 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 oft en requires an additional 40 hours per week beyond his teaching responsibilities. Nevertheless, he still makes time for four or five weekly aerobic workouts that include biking and running. He also enjoys attending college basketball and professional hockey games and performances at the Metropolitan
Opera House.