After completing a B.S. in geology and a graduate internship in remote sensing, Gary Brackett worked for local contractors while contemplating career choices. Thoroughly enjoying the field work, he took steps to become a self-employed contractor, spending 16 years in residential construction before taking a teaching position in SUNY Delhi's carpentry program. While there, he taught a variety of courses related to residential construction, including light frame construction, advanced framing, finish carpentry, cabinetmaking, millwork, woodcarving, and more. Hired as an instructor, he progressed through the ranks to full professor. Mr. Brackett moved into the Construction Technology and Management program in 2013, where he teaches residential building systems I and II, construction materials, architectural graphics, design-build management, sustainable building practices, building science, residential millwork, and more.

He was instrumental in landing a grant from the National Housing Endowment to create a Residential Construction Management track at SUNY Delhi. Gary is often involved in hands-on projects to help students gain practical experience through applied learning, and he is currently designing and building several tiny houses for use in the community. He also holds an M.S. in education from SUNY Oswego, is the author of DEWALT CARPENTRY AND FRAMING, and contributes to other publications.