A year ago I was working my way through my clinical exercise science degree and I wasnt particularly enjoying it. It was all about personal training and physical therapy while I wanted to know how muscles worked. One day I was looking writing a paper for my exercise physiology class while talking to a friend about their plushies. I was curious and just googled muscle plush and found the stretchy muscle cell plush. I bought it immediately along with a heart disease plush. After I got it I was looking through the catalog of other plushies and I spent a couple hours reading through all the descriptions of the organs, cells, diseases, and bacteria. Flash forward today and I have about 100 GiantMicrobe plushies, I have started my Biotechnology masters program and now I currently work in a lab where I study the effects of muscle damage within muscle cells! Ive taken courses in evolution, development, Immunology, cell culture, biochemistry, and cardiovascular physiology!

The first half of 2026 has been a real whirlwind for our family. Over the past month, we have been quietly navigating a new family health challenge that we chose to keep private until we had a better understanding of where things were heading. Earlier this week, Cindy, my best friend, partner in everything, and the incredible mother of our four children, underwent several intense medical procedures, culminating in major brain surgery to remove a significant tumour. It was a frightening and emotional experience for all of us. The surgery was complex, but thankfully, it appears to have gone well, and we are now beginning what will likely be a long road of recovery and rehabilitation. While we are still awaiting final pathology results, the medical team believes the tumour is likely non-cancerous, which is encouraging news and something we are very grateful for. Before surgery, there were simply too many unknowns. We needed to keep our focus on Cindy, the kids, and getting through each day as it came. Now that we have a little more clarity and a little room to breathe, we wanted to share what has been happening. Through all of this, Cindy has shown her usual strength, courage, and determination. We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary medical team caring for her, as well as the family and friends who quietly supported us along the way. Your kindness has meant more than we can properly express. This experience has been a humbling reminder of how fragile life can be. One day you're worrying about work, schedules, hockey practices, and all the normal chaos of raising a family and running businesses. The next, you're sitting in a hospital waiting room wondering how everything changed so quickly and planning a last minute date night because you’re not sure when you might get to do it again. It has made us appreciate the ordinary moments in a way we never did before. I'm not usually a particularly emotional person, but this has been one of the hardest experiences our family has ever faced. We know recovery will take time. There will be good days and harder days, and we are trying to take things one step at a time. We sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Please understand that we’re not going to be responding to messages, as our focus remains on Cindy's recovery and our family. For now, our focus is simple: healing, recovery, and being together as a family. If there is one thing this experience has reinforced, it is that none of us know what tomorrow will bring. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Tell them what they mean to you. Make time for the people who matter most. Never take an ordinary day for granted

As a young woman with PCOS and PMS, i can confirm it is not easy. It can be very debilitating at times, and even difficult to explain. Everyday life can be a challenge with conditions like these, but getting a diagnosis was the best thing for me! After treatment and medication it was easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Seeing representation of these conditions is always reassuring. It’s always nice to know you’re not alone and there are plenty of people out there who share the same struggles.

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I had the unfortunate experience of being diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis (also known as flesh eating bacteria) after giving birth to my daughter a year ago. A truly terrifying and isolating experience, to become septic and require so many surgeries, away from my newborn, and having no clue what this condition even was. I found the Giant Microbes flesh eating disease plush, and as someone who has collected all types of stuffed animals my entire life, it was love at first sight. I've found comfort in this little guy, as strange as that may sound. Thank you, Giant Microbes

For some it’s strange that an animal would be so infatuated with such a plush especially a Microbes Flu but my dog was! I collected my plush from a thrift and was in love with it but as soon as I brought it home he wouldn’t let go, he was about 4 months old and now he’s 1 years old he’s teared him apart but that doesn’t change the fact he still drags it everywhere and plays with it even tho there is no longer fluff or eyes 😂. To say I want to purchase more of these guys so he can have endless plush like viruses even if that does sound strange I know if I’m in love it he would be too 😊

Hey there! Names Cubic ! Though thats my online name. I’m a 15 year old with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and I’ve been interested in these guys for months now. I do this job program, so we work with animals, like bunnies, mice, rats, etc. And we learnt about some zoonotic diseases! That’s where I found about this company, I immediately thought they were adorable! My favorites were these guys in the photo, plus the rabies one. I recently got them this Christmas and couldn’t stop bringing them with me. When I showed my job program teacher, she announced it to the whole class! I’m so happy I got them, and I really recommend those who’re interested.

After my 6th grade year I found a joy in learning about science! My mom couldn't find any ideas on what to get me for my birthday. She got me my first pack, after a while I wanted to collect! Once I got my second I was in 7th grade and learned that I had a growth hormone deficiency. Microbes where there for my first injection and the first tests. Thanks for the support and amazing toys!

Giantmicrobes has brought me joy with their plague inc line. I really enjoy the game and having a (thankfully non contagious) piece of it in real life has been quite delightful!

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I'm m writing this story of my White Blood Cell plush that I named him Fuzzykins. I love the idea of a plush that is dedicated to protection and fighting off threats, which is something I am going through in my life. Fuzzykins has helped me go on a journey of self-healing and learning to be more confident. When I first bought him, his eyes were a bit damaged. I took it upon myself to repair his eyes, but the end result was something I had never seen before. He now has soulful eyes. I wanted to keep this unique look as a personal signature of the deep, genuine love and protection he gives me every day. I hold him in my arms while taking my dog out for walks, every day because he is my emotional anchor. Now, after one year that I bought him, Fuzzykins has been serving as the brave, loyal warrior for my emotional health.

I love being a GiantMicrobes ambassador! As someone who battles a lot of chronic diseases and conditions that are incurable, these plushies and fellow ambassadors make me feel seen, supported, and quite loved. As shown in the picture I am holding a gigantic uterus plushie and I am a stage IV Endo warrior. Having plushies that teach about various organs and conditions I have is hope for the future in healthcare and amazing. I can’t say enough great things about being part of the ambassador community and representing a brand near and dear to my heart.

We gifted a kidney with kidney stones to a family member who had just experienced a kidney stone. He had never had a kidney stone and was surprised by the pain and why it developed. The GM helped him to understand the condition and added a little humor to situation.

I’m a 50-something Neuro-Oncologist who has been collecting Giant Microbes for years. I have a separate tree at Christmas just for them. My kids used to be grossed out by it, but now they show it off to their friends!

Hi friends! Ever since I can remember, the medical world has been a huge part of my life. With family and friends who work across different areas of healthcare, I grew up surrounded by conversations about illnesses, treatments, and stories of hope. From a young age, I knew my dream was to become a nurse in pediatric oncology — to care for children and their families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Eventually, I hope to take that passion further and move into research to help advance treatments and make a lasting impact. This year, I officially began my nursing education, and I am beyond grateful for every step of the journey so far. Along the way, GIANTmicrobes has been a source of joy, education, and even comfort. Their plushies bring awareness to illnesses and conditions around the world, turning something scary into something a little more approachable — not just for patients, but for their families and those of us entering the healthcare field, too. I’ve personally faced a few health challenges myself, but nothing has ever shaken my passion for this field. If anything, it has strengthened my desire to support children and families through their toughest times. Seeing the difference even small acts of kindness and compassion can make has fueled my commitment to becoming the best nurse and future researcher I can be. GIANTmicrobes reminds me why I started this journey: to educate, to inspire, and to bring comfort — even in the smallest of ways. Their work has touched my heart, and I hope to one day bring that same sense of hope and encouragement to others. Thank you, GIANTmicrobes, for being part of my story. 💙🦠

I had always wanted to be a doctor but that is not the story I am here to share. The microbe I am hugging in the picture saved me. Literally. I was in a very abusive marriage, and the gigantic Black Death was my only source of love, the only thing I could hug, the only thing that wouldn't hurt me and make me feel worthless. That microbe had dried more tears than I think it should have. It kept me hanging on until I could escape with some belongings and my life. Unfortunately, the microbe that saved me could not be saved, and while my heart is broken for losing what saved me, I live a life that it had always wanted for me. I love you, Yerci. If you ever come back on GiantMicrobes, I will buy you again and will love you once more like I had.

My son Declan is five and has so much passion to learn about the human body. He is able to tell you about every body system, every organ and how our immune system works. It’s hard when you’re five and have such unique interests because it can be hard to find toys tailored to your likes. I love this company because he’s finally able to have toys that are human body themed! We gave him a gallbladder as a graduation from preschool gift and he found a box of blood cells at a science center. He told us that he needed a virus so he could play immune system with his new cells and also demanded a macrophage… which your company ALSO has! I am so excited to provide him with a bunch of new human body stuffies for Christmas. Thank you for your products!

I bought a couple Covid keychains. One for me and one for my nephew. He and his sister immediately told me to text their Mom the words we have Covid. I sent pictures but they took a while to send and she freaked out a little. I love mine. Thanks for making these♥️

When I was as diagnosed with PCOS I felt really frustrated and alone. With the help of GIANTmicrobes I was inspired to look further into women’s health and PCOS in general. GIANTmicrobes inspired me to pursue obstetrics and gynecology as a field of study, with the hope to make it as inclusive as possible.

My daughter had spinal fusion surgery a couple of weeks ago. I got her Back Pain to put in her recovery basket I made for her. It made her laugh. She ended up taking him in to pre-op where the nurses and surgeon got a huge kick out of it. He came back in recovery all patched up. My daughter said he's going to stay this way as kind of her badge of honor.

I first discovered giant microbes whilst studying biology in school, where my teacher used them in class to help us study. Since then I have gifted most of my friends with different giant diseases and organs when they've been going through a tough time to cheer them up! I recently got my own, which goes great with my Christmas decorations!

My sister is an amazing doctor and loves the microbes plushies since she was young!!! Little by little we have collected many giant microbes and this is her Germ Tree for this year! We hope to have an even bigger one next year as well!!!

North Central College's introductory biology course is built around a research project to investigate West Nile virus in mosquitoes. At the end of the semester, the award for Best Poster Presentation is always Giant Microbes!

My first Giant Microbes experience started in 2021 after the covid pandemic first started and the microbe i wanted to get my hands on the most was covid and I managed to get him and many more of my microbes over the past few years, I have written a lot of stories and gone on lots of trips with 'Corey' the covid and all his friends.

As a small company specializing in manufacturing deep-sea robots, we’re naturally drawn to all things science-related and, let’s face it—fascinatingly weird! We love bringing them to conferences as quirky icebreakers; they spark curiosity and get conversations flowing, especially with school age students. The stuffies make a complex topic of eDNA and algae instantly accessible for everyone, Giant Microbes are the perfect mix of science, fun, and education, turning microscopic lifeforms into lovable companions (and whether they are professors or students, EVERYONE wants one!)

I became a grandmother and instead of buying regular toys to my grandchildren I have been buying GIANTmicrobes for them to play with. I myself have been fasinated by human body since a young girl. My father was a pathologist and fot to fo with him to work. I love the way the human body works and I want to teach that to my grandchildren ……GIANTmicrobes is fun way to do it. The ones in the picture are the next ones to fo to them.

In 2021, I had several surgeries for cancer. It was a whirlwind experience, and nothing I ever imagined I would go through-from finding unique ways to style hair as it grew back in, to incorporating cancer checks into my annual wellness exams. Shout out to my awesome surgeons! On my desk at work I have the melanoma plushy! Lovingly named the “scancer” he’s been a popular addition to our workplace atmosphere and a reminder of my experience.

This is Bella and Cell! Neuron "Cell" goes everywhere with Bella. They are meant to be! Bella has anxiety and since cell fits in her hand perfectly they do everything together! We have many other giant microbes but Brain cell has always been her go to. Cell goes on vacations with us (he is quite the traveller hes been to 12 states!) baseball games- he fits right in the lacing of the gloves, skating rink- he fits in the laces of the skates! Bella and cell have occasionally lost each other- one time we did a state wide camp with the scouts and when they got seperated a state wide "cell hunt" ensued. He was USPS'd back to Bella. He got lost at the mall one time and got run over by a shopping cart but was alright after a good wash. Cell and Bella have been through a lot together but they cope together and always seem to find their way back to one another! We Love Neuron!!

I really really love giant microbes because the mini Brain cell is my favorite because I carry him around as an anxiety buddy I have scars all over my body because of picking off my scabs because of anxiety that’s when I started carrying around Braincel that is literally his name I love him he is old he’s about three years old I’ve had him for a long time and he’s been through a lot I’ve left him places all over the place for example I left them at target on accident and we were halfway home and I said Mom I forgot him and we went back to the store with that good as we found him and then he’s been through a lot so I love him and I’m just thankful that he’s here so I don’t have a bunch of ugly scars all over me!

I am the director of a teen center in rural Vermont. We run a comprehensive and inclusive sex ed course that covers a lot more than what is taught in schools. It's always a little awkward for the teens at first, but I use GiantMicrobes STI plush keychains to break the tension in games or as prizes. They are by far my most effective teaching tool for this class, and they really break the ice and get the teens engaged with the lessons. They want to collect them all and proudly display them on their bags and backpacks!

Bodhi had always been fascinated by insects. While most kids his age gravitated toward stuffed bears or bunnies, he really loved cockroaches. When we saw the cockroach on the GiantMicrobe website, we instantly knew he had to have it. It wasn’t just a toy to him—it was a friend, a source of comfort, and a brave partner that stuck with him through all of life’s ups and downs. Bodhi loved showing his classmates how cool bugs were, and Roachy, with its soft, brown fuzz and tiny antennae, always made a surprise appearance during show-and-tell. Bodhi simply couldn't be without it. But it wasn’t just school where Roachy made a difference. Bodhi’s life was filled with doctor's appointments, more than most kids his age, because of a serious, life-threatening allergy. Hospitals and clinics could feel overwhelming for a 6-year-old, with bright lights, medical equipment, and long waits. But Roachy made those days feel a little bit safer. Nestled in his lap or hugged close to his chest, the cockroach helped ease Bodhi’s nerves as nurses drew blood or doctors talked about test results. With his cockroach, Bodhi is a young explorer, bravely taking on every challenge. This little stuffed animal has given him strength, and together, they faced the world—one appointment, one school day, and one adventure at a time.

Eight years ago, during my senior year of high school, I had a freak case of flesh-eating bacteria. I had over fifteen surgeries, including the eventual amputation of my right leg. To this day, no one knows how I contracted this mysterious illness, especially since it was the middle of winter in a cold climate. Instead of becoming bitter about my diagnosis and missing out on life, I knew I needed to accept this weird happening and move on. That's when I found GIANTmicrobes. I was so excited to see a cuddly version of the little bacteria that almost killed me. I got the giant and small versions of the flesh-eating bacteria plushies to keep with me every night. Having a sense of humor about all of this and not shying away from what happened is what keeps me going every day. I graduated high school the same year that I contracted the bacterial infection. I always knew that I wanted to go into neuroscience at a particular school far away from my home. Unfortunately, I had to postpone that idea and stick to a school closer to home so I could keep my myriads of doctors appointments. I am very happy to report that I recently graduated from my dream school with my master's in neuroscience. The day that I was accepted is the day that I got the brain plush as a gift. GIANTmicrobes has been there with me throughout this whole journey, both the good and the bad. Despite the hardships I went through, I wouldn't change a thing since I'm so pleased with where I am today. Thank you GIANTmicrobes for allowing me to cope with the pain and celebrate the victories all in one place.

My partner discovered they had a brain tumor that was putting pressure on their parietal lobe and giving them a type of seizure. Surgery to get rid of the thing was quickly scheduled. What better to cheer up a brain surgery patient than the Deluxe Brain from Giant Microbes? They're recovering in a hospital bed right now, Deluxe Brain in hand. They love it!

When I found out I had a thoracic aortic aneurysm, I bought the "heart disease" microbe so I could show family members where the aneurysm was located! I also use my microbes in my advanced cell and molecular biology courses. My students are impressed with my collection.

Hello, I am a Behavioral Heath Nurse Care Manager and work primarily with clients that are daily diagnosed with a serious mental Illness and addiction. I was introduced to GiantMicrobes at a unique gift store and museum on our Route 66 in Tulsa, Ok. I was so excited to run into these little brains for Depression, Insomnia, Bipolar, ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety. These little brains will and are serving my clients with a hands on understanding of their diagnoses and where in their brain the disorder is present and affecting. I am so happy to have learned of GiantMicrobes for sharing and educating my clients. Finding this unique teaching tool for mental health and awareness is FANTASTIC!!

I’m a staff nurse working in the hospice and a tissue viability link nurse , I use my skin cell to teach colleagues about the importance of protecting skin particularly at the end of life , skin cell is a fab and fun teaching aid .

I have been collecting Giant Microbes from the very beginning. I initially used them in teaching about disease in junior science, sex education, health and Biology classes. When they branched out to things like ants, blood cells and nerve cells I also used them in teaching primary science. I used to get a smaller microbe and a Petri dish of three mini microbes. I used both sets in my teaching. One set of the mini microbes was given to my son when he was about 3. His absolute favourites were the mini white blood cell and a bigger E. Coli and they travelled everywhere with him. The white blood cell is now very worn and more yellow than white. He was able to tell anyone who asked what each microbe was and what they did. This used to cause some issues if he informed an adult about ‘pox’ or HIV. Lots of people thought a small child shouldn’t know about these things. I used to have one of the Petri dishes on my desk with a mini sperm and egg in them. This was often a great talking point to explain IVF but also in schools where teen pregnancies were common. I now use very few in my day to day teaching as I mostly teach Earth and Environmental Science. There are virtually no fossil microbes and most are unable to be purchased in Australia 🇦🇺 sadly. I teach right across the state of NSW and every school I visit or teacher so work with always loves my microbes alongside their labels and real fossils such as an extensive number of Trilobites. I still add to my collection every year and give mini microbes as gifts and prizes to my students. They love them and many still show me their microbes years later.

I've always enjoyed the Giant microbes and love to use them as an education opportunity! I work in veterinary medicine so it will be fun to use them potentially to educate clients! Thank you for creating these wonderful items. I also have various other microbes and Keychain that are very cool!

My 6 year old son Jonathon has been absolutely fascinated with the human body, cells, microorganisms, the life cycle of things, and all biology related topics ever since he was 2 years old. He wants to be a Microbiologist when he grows up! 😊 He's so intelligent, and he loves to learn! He absolutely LOVES all the GIANTmicrobes because not only are they cute plushies (that he sleeps with each night), but they help educate him more, which is great because he loves to learn! These little plushies have made him so happy, which, as a mother, makes me happy to see my child happy and thriving. ❤️

Nearly three weeks ago I had a total hip replacement. My daughter came to visit said that a package would be arriving soon. Two days later a package arrived for my little dog, Mishka. Inside was the wonderful hip replacement giant microbe. It was for me, but she thought I'd get a kick out of being given to the dog. I've shared it with all of my friends in person and on Facebook and plan to take my new little friend to the surgeon for my follow up! I know i am facing one or two knee replacements in the future and already plan on adding the knee to my hip buddy. I love it!!! Thank you for a wonderful product!

I want to be a virologist when I grow up and I love all my virus Giant Microbe

Ever since I was born I’ve battled health challenges. But when I had to go see a cardiologist specialist we decided to stop in the health museum. When I saw the amazing body shop and all the giant microbe plushies, my face lit up. Every time I like to get one that represents my disability and health issues. They add in light to hard days! I live my reflux, heart and spine the most!! But they are all amazing and wonderful! And when I had to have brain surgery I brought my giant brain! The neurosurgeons loved it!

I am an EMS Instructor, so when I teach either a bloodborne pathogens class or present an Infectious Disease lecture, I use my 'kids' as teaching aids. I too one to a student, have them tell me something they learned about it, and we then discuss the relevant information regarding said disease. By teaching the class, they feel the microbe and remember what it is, how it can be treated, and most importantly, how to protect themselves.

I was diagnosed with TB right at the start of the pandemic. And most likely caught it from the repeated water damage and exposure in my apartment. I thought it would be funny to have a plushie TB to show people that I had TB. Plus, it's kinda cute and very Victorian.

After I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and epilepsy, I eventually needed a “buddy”, but I didn’t really want a teddy bear or something like that. I don’t remember how I came across Giant Microbes, but when I came across the giant brain (I named him “Paul”), I knew he was the one for me. During my last inpatient EEG, Paul was a super huge hit in the hospital - everyone loved him. He makes me happy no matter what…

Meet Petri the Penicillium, my ultimate travel bestie and rising star in the sterile compounding world! Petri’s got a real knack for making microbiology fun and relatable, and everywhere he goes, he turns heads in cleanrooms and conferences alike. Whether it’s sharing best practices in aseptic technique or just hanging out in a petri dish, Petri’s celebrity status keeps growing—and so does the love for all things sterile compounding! Keep an eye out for him on my travels—he’s always ready for his next adventure!

When I was just 5 years old, my family took my sister and I to the Indianapolis museum and we were in the gift shop when I found my first microbe. It was the big cough. I begged my parents for it because I loved yellow creatures (I love ducks) and I thought it was adorable. A few months later we read the tag on the cough because I carried it everywhere and my grandma wondered where it was from so we could get more. We ended up ordering the baby coughs in the petri-dish and my sister got geartias (dirty water). Ever since then, our collection grew. For holidays, we’d ask for more. Birthdays, even more. Until now, I’m 17 years old almost 18, we have a MASSIVE collection! I bring these fellas to school and my teachers love them. I feel like they are a part of me because I loved them for so long.

As a food microbiologist, I started collecting foodborne microbes since I was in school (the first one was a yeast from a food safety conference). Fast forward - more than a decade later, I have been expanding my collection (and more to come!) as I’m teaching my toddler about microorganisms :) My 2.5 years old now knows yeast, Salmonella, E. coli, Bacillus and Shigella. Love them all, they are perfect for our science family

My husband bought me Anxiety for Christmas 2023, which sits on my desk (I work from home) staring at me for motivation. Little did we know that anxiety would ramp up a few months later when I was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 47 (non-smoker, otherwise healthy). So that leads to...

I live with celiac disease and cystic fibrosis which causes chronic lungs’ bacterial infections such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, m. Tubercolosis… and GI tract inflammation, this is why I live with chronic gastritis and pancreatitis which lead me to diabetes and gallbladder problems. Being a patient made me choose to study medicine cause I’ve been too curious about human body. Giant microbes it’s a funny way to see my diseases, I can say I collect illnesses ;) and even if my illnesses are invisible, me and giant microbes are not!

Giantmicrobes has brought me joy since I was in 7th and 8th grade,during the pandemic. I discovered it through plague inc. And have been steadily growing my collection since.

My friend and I first stumbled upon GIANTmicrobes on Pinterest. We saw the Flu plushie and it immediately grabbed our attention. Since then, I made it my mission to get the Flu plush as long as many others after we found this website. Today, I have the Flu, Cold, Pee, Yogurt, and Neuron. I’m very much still collecting and plan to collect for a while. These plushies have gained my love and one day I hope to be able to have almost all if not all of the plushies. Overall, these plushies have had a great impact on my life and other people in my life as well. Every time I’m with friends, they always ask for them and wonder where I got them. I’ve shown my science teachers them and they’ve been left in awe. Additionally, since they come with a card full of information, I’m able to not only be absorbed by how cute they are, but also learn something new about microbes. Since I love to learn, I feel these are a perfect opportunity to make learning fun and easy. I totally recommend anybody and everybody to buy these as a source of entertainment.

Your giant microbe T4 Phage helped me to convince the UK Government's Science Innovation Technology Committee to launch an Enquiry into the Antimicrobial Potential of Bacteriophages in the UK. This was a result of my winning My Science Inquiry pitch which can be seen on the my Parliamentlive.tv - Science and Technology Committee. Further information can be found here https://appliedmicrobiology.org/resource/ami-pitches-government-to-develop-pathway-to-phage-therapy.html

I have a brain tumor and before surgery my brother found the deluxe brain and got it for me. it was such a happy moment in a time when things were chaotic and painful, but the silly eyes and cells/hormones were so cute and we ended up showing it to my doctors who got a laugh out if it too.

When I was completing an epidemiology degree, my GIANTmicrobes lived on my desk beside me. During the times I worked on something more difficult, I'd put my GIGANTIC neuron on my head, wearing it like a hat, to get my neurons firing.

I love to buy them, to keep my enthusiasm for biology intact, it's a great way to make it fun.

Your COVID-19 toy was one of my dog Mochi's favourites when he was a puppy.

I recently retired after teaching high school science for 12 years. It was a second career for me. You see I was a research scientist for a pharmaceutical company in infectious diseases. I love your products and collected a few microbes while working in the lab. Then I became a teacher and my collection exploded. My students loved my microbes. I used them to teach Anatomy. My favorite is the muscle cell that stretches. But I also used cell parts in Biology class. Soon my students were buying them for me at the end of the year. My microbes were especially a hit in my Infectious Diseases class! Students took turns reading their tags to the class. They used them to do research. They even decorated my classroom door for Christmas. Your products enhanced my teaching and gave us so much joy! Even during the horrible Covid times, you gave us joy!

I got my first research job this last year doing field work on prairie plants. I was really excited and loved the work, but there was one constant, looming issue: TICKS! They were 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 and no amount of bug spray was enough to keep them off you. Now that the growing season is over and my work has concluded, I got a commemorative tick plush so that I will always remember the fond (and ticky) experience I had.

The Giantmicrobes Gigantic size cold is so huggable. I got him to go with my smaller size Giantmicrobes cold. The big one was named Bluey by my boyfriend and was in my car when I got into a pretty bad car accident. I brought him with me to the ER for some comfort and it helped to have something soft to hold for my anxiety and being in a lot of pain. Once safely home I cuddled with my Giantmicrobes plush while I recovered!

This sweet little mini Giant Microbe E. coli helped me through the grant writing process. After my second attempt, I was successful at getting a National Science Foundation - Major Research Instrumentation (NSF-MRI) grant funded to bring a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) to Ohio Wesleyan University! My mini Giant E. coli sat next to my computer on my desk (and still does!) offering me breaks to pet its soft "head" and give me encouraging looks. As you can see, most of the flagella have since broken off of my poor E. coli but it continues to inspire me as I teach microbiology and electron microscopy to my students. I'm also attaching an image of actual E. coli I took with our STEM.

My mom was having a colon resection and was quite scared. As someone with ulcerative colitis, I know how gross an angry gut can be. I got her this and added some flair to give her (and her doctors) a big laugh!