In Beyond the Lab, high school students meet world-renowned biomedical scientists and ask them about...everything!
In each episode, our intrepid hosts interview a Rockefeller University scientist about their life beyond the lab–including their upbringing, hobbies, and even their favorite desserts–to reveal their unique, often non-linear path into science, and the surprises and lessons they encountered along the way.
Beyond the Lab is a production of RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit www.rockefeller.edu/outreach.
In this episode, we meet Dr. Paul Cohen, a physician and Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University whose research studies how different types of fat cells contribute to metabolic diseases and obesity. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Cohen’s scientific origins in medicine, how he fosters a collaborative lab environment, and why the best scientists aren’t the “mad” scientists–they’re the communicators.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Lelia, Mark, and Lukasz.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
23 Oct 2026
S2E5: Dr. Alison North
In this episode, we meet Dr. Alison North, senior director at Rockefeller's Bio-Imaging Resource Center, where she designs and trains researchers on state-of-the-art microscopy techniques. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. North’s passions for birding and trashy TV, what it means to work in a core facility, and how community and collaboration can make science better.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Davud, Kelton, and Mark.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
Sound credit: humpback_whales_and_orcas_ambient_underwater_recording by raiden04 -- https://freesound.org/s/797762/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
16 Oct 2026
S2E4: Dr. Jeff Friedman
In this episode, we meet Dr. Jeff Friedman, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University whose research examines how the brain and body regulate appetite and weight and led to the discovery of the metabolic hormone leptin. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Friedman’s historical reading habits, why Lionel Messi and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar know about his research, and how small victories push science forward.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Kayatu, Shimla, and Nastia.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
9 Oct 2026
S2E3: Dr. Lamia Wahba
In this episode, we meet Dr. Lamia Wahba, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University who studies non-DNA-based inheritance in C. elegans to understand how it works in humans. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Wahba’s upbringing in Egypt and Virginia, the rowing habits that shaped her friendships and daily routine, and how good mentors can help you envision yourself as a scientist.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Shimla and Sarah.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
Sound credit: Cairowalk.WAV by Androxen -- https://freesound.org/s/681591/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
2 Oct 2026
S2E2: Dr. Tim Stearns
In this episode, we meet Dr. Tim Stearns, the dean of the graduate school at The Rockefeller University who previously researched cell structures called centrosomes and cilia. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Stearns’ talents for music and motorcycle racing, the time he went frog fishing in South Africa (for science), and what to do when you get bitten by the science bug.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Serena, Rana, Murimi, and Diamond.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
25 Sept 2026
S2E1: Dr. Steve Bonilla
In our first episode of Season 2, we meet Dr. Steve Bonilla, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University whose research explores the physics behind RNA’s 3D structures and how these structures shape its activity. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Bonilla’s gig as a world cup security guard, his recommendations for horror movies, and why science is nothing to be intimidated by.
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
This episode was hosted and recorded by Sarah, Shimla, and Kayatu.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2025 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.
19 Sept 2026
Trailer: Beyond the Lab Season 2
Coming soon: Season 2 of Beyond the Lab! Beyond the Lab is a podcast about scientists and their stories. In every episode, intrepid high school students interview Rockefeller University biomedical scientists about *everything*, from their favorite desserts to the choices and advice that shaped their science careers. Stay tuned for new episodes this fall, and subscribe now so you don't miss a thing!
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals (including more podcasts and webinars!), visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu (https://rockedu.rockefeller.edu/).
30 May 2025
Episode 5: Dr. Shai Shaham
Dr. Shai Shaham, Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University, explores glial cell function in the nervous system using C. elegans, revealing the significance of intuition, in this interview.
23 May 2025
Episode 4: Dr. Hironori Funabiki
Dr. Hironori Funabiki, Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University, explores chromosome transfer during cell division and the consequences of errors, highlighting the value of inquiry over answers in this interview.
16 May 2025
Episode 3: Dr. Elaine Fuchs
In this episode, we meet Dr. Elaine Fuchs, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University whose research explores how stem cells communicate, and how failures to communicate contribute to inflammation, aging, and cancer. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Fuchs' previous jobs counting snails and driving mail trucks, her encounters with two presidents and a pope, and how being a scientist starts with being curious.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2024 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
9 May 2025
Episode 2: Dr. Shixin Liu
In this episode, we meet Dr. Shixin Liu, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University who researches the molecular machines that coordinate gene expression and DNA replication to understand how they do their jobs so well. Beyond the lab, we learn about the origins of Dr. Liu’s love of science, his restaurant recommendations for great Chinese food, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to meet your science heroes.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2024 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
2 May 2025
Episode 1: Dr. Elizabeth Campbell
In our first episode, we meet Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University whose research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and coronaviruses has expanded our understanding of gene expression in pathogens. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Campbell’s Caribbean roots, her love of literature and teaching exercise classes, and why science is like the New York Times crossword.
Beyond the Lab is produced by RockEDU Science Outreach and was recorded during the 2024 Summer Science Research Program (SSRP). To learn more, visit rockefeller.edu/outreach (http://rockefeller.edu/outreach).
Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!
23 Apr 2025
Trailer: Beyond the Lab Season 1
Coming soon: Beyond the Lab, a podcast about scientists and their stories. In every episode, three intrepid high school students interview Rockefeller University biomedical scientists about *everything*, from their favorite dessert to the choices and advice that shaped their science careers. Stay tuned for new episodes in early May, and subscribe now so you don't miss a thing!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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