Jim Fackenthal has worked many years at the University of Chicago as a cancer researcher and served as Associate University Carillonneur. Fackenthal began carillon studies with David Caldwell at the University of Rochester in 1984, and two years later became a Carillonneur Member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA). Since then he has played numerous carillon recitals throughout North America. He is currently an active member of the piano program and the Early Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, where he plays various string and wind instruments. He holds a Bachelor's degree in biology/geology from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Indiana University. Fackenthal is a former member of the GCNA Board of Directors, has served as a juror on the GCNA Examination Committee and is the former co-editor of the GCNA publication Carillon News.