"I especially love autobiographies and memoirs," he says. "I encourage students to read such books. It's like having dozens of favorite grandparents."

In his spare time, Ault says he enjoys cooking and music.

"At Christmas time, I make so many fruitcakes," he said. "Now that my [five] children are all grown up, I send the cakes to my friends."

Ault makes the most of his semester at Harvard.

"I go to all the [Literature and Arts B-51] First Nights classes, and somewhat less regularly Gingrich's class [Science A-17 "The Astronomical Perspectives"]," he says.

Ault says he is also deeply involved in Harvard's musical scene.

"I learned to play the cello when I was 50," he said. "And here I go to lots of recitals and concerts."

Ault tries to integrate music with chemistry, and for the past several years at the Summer School, he organized a music concert with his students as a stress-reliever before finals.

His deep love of people comes through in his teaching.

"There is a connection between my love of autobiographies and my love of teaching," Ault says. "I've gotten to know some extraordinary people through teaching."

Some of Ault's students have later played very important roles for him personally.

"My first grandchild was born 9 days ago," he glowed. "And the attending physician at the birth of my grandchild was a [former] student of mine."