Dr Thomas Everett Sox

I became fascinated in biology when I was eight years old, and quickly developed a goal of becoming a scientist. Eventually I earned a BS in Zoology (Duke University) and a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). After finally finishing school, I performed microbiology research at two major corporations. Later, I developed an interest in patent law, and earned a law degree in evening school (Beasley School of Law, Temple University). After working in patent law for a about a year, I decided it was dreadfully boring and went back to my original passion of biology, this time working in nutrition. Life is about exploring options.

I am now retired from full time work, but I still do consulting on food ingredients and dietary supplements. I have long had an interest in scientific writing, and The Dairy Dilemma is my first complete book. I became interested in lactose intolerance while working on the Lactaid enzyme supplement in the early 1990's, and I have followed this area closely for several decades. This book, over four years in preparation, is the culmination of this passion.

The Dairy Dilemma presents almost everything known about lactose intolerance, but on a higher level it presents an interesting story of how human cultural changes (such as the domestication of cattle and other milk-producing animals) has affected human genetics (the development of the ability of some adult humans to digest lactose, the sugar in milk). This book should be of interest to those who personally deal with lactose intolerance, as well as individuals with a broad interest in the interplay of human culture and genetics.

My interests in biology spill over into my non-work life, and I am a determined but not very successful beekeeper (honeybees have almost everything working against them these days). I also enjoy gardening, hiking, and almost anything that gets me outdoors. Finally, my devotion to my grandkids takes priority over everything else!

My next writing project will be a book on winter squash, presenting full details about the origins of this versatile vegetable, how to grow the diverse varieties and species, and the numerous pests that seek to foil the gardener. Expected completion is 2022.