Viterbo’s resident expert in genetics and immunology, faculty member Chris Mayne is a favorite of students. He studies the genetics of the immune system and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus while helping the next generation of scientists and health care professionals succeed in the classroom and the laboratory.

Q. What brought you to Viterbo nearly a decade ago?

A. Has it been almost 10 years? Yikes, I’m old! For the record, it's only almost nine years, haha. I was finishing my postdoctoral fellowship and was looking for a professor position at a smaller school where I could teach, conduct research, and truly get to know my students.

Q. As a researcher, what made you want work at a more teaching-focused university?

A. During my career, I have been fortunate to experience both research and teaching. Research has the value of being a “slow burn” of lots of struggle with intermittent times of great reward. Teaching is a joy that gives you a small reward every single day, which I truly love. It is also a tremendous honor to get to play a role in helping students pursue their goals and to hear about their adventures as they continue their lives after graduation.

Q. What is your favorite part of the job?

A. My students and colleagues. I am very lucky to have students who are curious and hard-working, and my faculty and staff colleagues are so kind and talented. I get to spend each day having fun learning from both my students and coworkers, which is truly a gift.

Q. What are some of the most important things you teach students?

A. My students learn to appreciate that science is much more than the memorization of facts. When we truly learn science, it can feel like discovering a secret about how things work at a detailed level and can allow a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the natural world and the human body. In the end, I hope my students learn the value of evidence and to be skeptical, yet to also stay curious and open-minded.

Q. What hobbies or leisure activities do you enjoy?

A. I love the outdoors and being active—fishing, hunting, foraging, hiking, paddling, biking, playing sports, etc. I am a Wisconsin sports nut (go Brewers, Packers, and Bucks!). I also like many genres of music and enjoy discovering new artists and bands and have fun attending my children’s sports and music events.

Q. Where does your love of the outdoors come from?

A. I grew up in a rural area and lived on a dairy farm as a young child, so I think I am accustomed to being able to wander around outside adventuring. My parents were also very encouraging of my curiosity and desire to explore nature.

Q. Have you always loved science?

A. Yes, I have loved science and learning as long as I can remember. But I wasn't always a DNA and immuno-nerd. Up until high school, I wanted to be a paleontologist (dinosaur scientist).

Q. Unique fact about you?

A. Because I like to forage for wild edibles, I can identify what is probably a weirdly abnormal number of wild mushrooms and plants. (But not enough, I always want to learn more!)