Christopher Garner, PhD
Assistant Professor
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Christopher Garner, PhD
Assistant Professor
Academic Biography
I am an assistant professor in the biology department at Southern Nazarene University, where I focus on the cultivation and characterization of novel bacteria enriched from the mosquito midgut microbiome. I earned my PhD from the University of Oklahoma in 2024, where I studied under the supervision of geomicrobiologist/microbial ecologist Dr. Lee Krumholz.
My academic journey has taken me through diverse research areas, including the physiology, community interactions, and taxonomy of methane oxidizing bacteria enriched from unique and extreme environments such as the deep biosphere.
My academic journey has taken me through diverse research areas, including the physiology, community interactions, and taxonomy of methane oxidizing bacteria enriched from unique and extreme environments such as the deep biosphere.
Research Statement
Current projects aim to isolate, identify, and fully characterize novel bacterial species from the midguts of Aedes vexans mosquitoes. These cultivated isolates will help bridge the gap between metagenomic insights and functional biology, contributing to foundational microbial taxonomy and applied strategies for vector control.
Read my full research statement here.
Read my full research statement here.
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, my goal is to cultivate an inclusive, intellectually stimulating environment where students feel empowered to think critically, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. I believe teaching is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but a collaborative process of discovery that challenges both students and instructor to grow.
I ground my teaching in three core principles:
- Active Engagement – I design courses that prioritize active learning, incorporating discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications. I want students to see themselves not just as students, but as emerging scholars and practitioners.
- Inclusivity and Equity – I strive to create a classroom environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued. This means being mindful of accessibility, representation in course materials, and encouraging respectful dialogue.
- Reflective Practice – Just as I ask students to reflect on their learning, I continually reflect on my own teaching. I welcome feedback, experiment with new pedagogical approaches, and remain committed to improving my practice.
Ultimately, I aim to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom — as thinkers, communicators, and contributors to their communities. Further, I believe a primary role of a teacher is to provide the resources every student needs to succeed and, "never give them an excuse to fail".
I have been the instructor of record for courses in General Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Introductory Biology, Genetics Lab, and General Ecology.