Christopher Gaulke, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathobiology, began working at the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I started at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in August of 2020.
Describe your role at the college.
I am an assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiology. My appointment is primarily research and teaching. My research focuses on understanding the role of the microbiome in disease and leveraging this information to improve health. My teaching centers on the microbiome and health (VM607), host pathogen interactions (VM607 – VM608), metagenomic analysis (PATH530), and bioinformatics.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I think my favorite part of the jobs is mentoring the next generation of microbiologists in the lab and the classroom.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
… the day I moved into my lab. I had already been here for several months, but COVID delayed lab renovations and I had been crammed in my office with equipment and supply boxes halfway to the ceiling. So, when I walked into that empty lab it was a huge rush of relief that I could finally move in and get to work.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my spare time I enjoy renovating our house, gardening, and astronomy.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
I am a first-generation college graduate.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to hike the Olympic Coast Trail.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
Huaraches Moroleon.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Sadly, probably my laptop.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, three poorly behaved Boston terriers.
