Garden State Microbiome

About Garden State Microbiome

The Garden State Microbiome explores New Jersey’s rich microbiology scene across academia, industry, and government. Meet the microbiologists driving discoveries at Rutgers, Princeton, Center for Discovery & Innovation, Rowan, Wm Paterson, Montclair State, Seton Hall, NJIT, and biotech giants like Merck, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers, and J&J. In New Jersey, microbiology connects healthcare, environment, and biotech in powerful ways. Join us in discovering why it’s a small state with a big microbiology—brought to you by the Theobald Smith Society, the NJ branch of the American Society for Microbiology

Publisher

Hosted by Ray Sullivan, produced by Will Stolting

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Apr 2025

Latest episode

4 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Jul 2025

   Targeting Resistance: Lynn Silver on Smarter Antibiotics

   Microbiologist Dr. Lynn Silver discusses the evolution of antibiotic discovery and the limitations of single-target drugs, advocating for multi-target molecules and strategic combinations to combat resistance in this interview.

2. 

   10 Jun 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Princeton Professor Tom Silhavy Ep. 7

   Princeton Professor Tom Silhavy recounts his career journey and pioneering research in bacterial membranes, protein localization, and gene regulation in Escherichia coli, offering insights into mentorship, science publishing, and the importance of publicly funded science in this interview.

3. 

   29 May 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Bob Goodman Ep. 6

   Rutgers Professor Robert M. Goodman reflects on his career in plant pathology and agricultural biotechnology, sharing insights on microbiome science and the future of sustainable agriculture in this interview.

4. 

   22 May 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Brad Hillman Ep. 5

   In this episode of The Garden State Microbiome, we are honored to feature Dr. Bradley I. Hillman, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University. Dr. Hillman is a leading figure in fungal virology, plant pathology, and the molecular biology of plant and fungal viruses, with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. Dr. Hillman’s research has significantly advanced our understanding of how fungal viruses influence plant diseases, particularly in economically important crops like chestnut, hazelnut, and blueberry. His pioneering studies on the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) and its associated hypoviruses helped reveal how viruses can attenuate fungal virulence, offering insights into biological control strategies. His work sequencing fungal genomes, including Anisogramma anomala, the causal agent of eastern filbert blight, has provided critical resources for the scientific community. A recognized leader beyond his laboratory, Dr. Hillman served as Director for Research and Senior Associate Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station for nearly 15 years, helping guide statewide agricultural research and policy. He has been deeply involved with the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses, chairing subcommittees and contributing to classifying fungal viruses globally. His editorial work with journals like Phytopathology and Virus Research has shaped scientific communication in virology and plant pathology. Throughout his career, Dr. Hillman has been dedicated to education and mentorship, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in virology and plant pathology at Rutgers and mentoring numerous students who have gone on to influential careers. His service on faculty search committees was pivotal in building strong academic departments at Rutgers and Cook College. Dr. Hillman’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and receiving the Award of Merit from the Northeast Division of APS. Join us as Dr. Hillman reflects on his journey through the evolving landscapes of virology, plant pathology, and academia. We discuss his research breakthroughs, his views on the future of fungal virus research, and his advice for the next generation of microbiologists.

5. 

   14 May 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Don Kobayashi Ep.4

   In this episode of The Garden State Microbiome, we are delighted to feature Dr. Donald Y. Kobayashi, Professor and Chair of the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University. Dr. Kobayashi is a nationally recognized expert in plant pathology, microbiology, and biological control, with a distinguished career devoted to understanding bacterial-plant interactions and microbial solutions to agricultural challenges. Dr. Kobayashi’s research has made major contributions to the biological control of plant diseases, including pioneering work on Lysobacter enzymogenes, a bacterium with the remarkable ability to suppress fungal pathogens. His investigations into bacterial-fungal interactions, rhizosphere ecology, and the genomics of plant-associated bacteria have opened new frontiers in sustainable agriculture. He has been particularly influential in advancing biological control strategies for turfgrass, cranberry, and vegetable crops, as well as studying emerging bacterial diseases affecting important crops like basil, parsley, and hazelnut. In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Kobayashi has demonstrated extensive leadership at Rutgers, serving as Chair of the Department of Plant Biology, Director of multiple undergraduate programs, and an Executive Committee member for over a decade. His service as Senior Editor for Phytopathology and his many editorial roles have helped shape scientific discourse in plant pathology worldwide. Dr. Kobayashi has been recognized with multiple awards for teaching excellence and service, including the Rutgers Educational Opportunity Fund Distinguished Staff Award and the Cook College Student Leadership Award. His mentorship has guided countless students, many of whom now play critical roles in plant science and microbiology. Join us as Dr. Kobayashi reflects on his research journey, shares insights into the future of plant-microbe interactions, discusses leadership in science education, and offers advice to young scientists seeking to make their mark in the fields of microbiology and plant pathology.

6. 

   7 May 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Joan Bennett Ep.3

   Joan W. Bennett is a Distinguished Plant Biology and Pathology Professor at Rutgers University. She is a pioneer in fungal genetics, recognized internationally for her groundbreaking research on fungal toxins, volatile organic compounds, and the genomics of Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Bennett has significantly contributed to understanding how fungi interact with their environments, how mycotoxins impact food safety and public health, and how fungal VOCs may influence indoor air quality. Her work investigating mold contamination in flood-damaged homes after Hurricane Katrina shifted national conversations about "sick building syndrome" and indoor mold exposure. Beyond her research, Dr. Bennett has been a transformative leader in the scientific community. She served as President of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). She held significant leadership roles with the National Research Council, the Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, and the American Academy of Microbiology. A fierce advocate for gender equity in STEM, she has worked tirelessly to promote the advancement of women in science, including serving as Associate Vice President for the Promotion of Women in Science at Rutgers. Dr. Bennett is a National Academy of Sciences member and has received numerous accolades, including the Alice C. Evans Award for the Advancement of Women from ASM, the Distinguished Mycologist Award from the Mycological Society of America in 2024, and the Theobald Smith Society’s 2008 Honorary Waksman Lecturer. Join us as Dr. Bennett shares her remarkable journey from her early studies at Upsala College and the University of Chicago to becoming one of the foremost experts in fungal biology. We discuss her scientific discoveries, thoughts on biotechnology's future, and her lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of microbiologists.

7. 

   1 May 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Max Haggblom Ep. 2

   Max Häggblom (https://dbm.rutgers.edu/personnel/max-haggblom.html) is the Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rutgers University. He is an internationally recognized leader in environmental microbiology. Originally from Finland, Dr. Häggblom earned his Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki before making his mark in the U.S., first at New York University and later at Rutgers, where he has been a key faculty member since 1993. His research focuses on microbial biodegradation and biotransformation of environmental pollutants—work that is critical for understanding and mitigating the impact of toxic compounds in soil and water. Dr. Häggblom’s expertise extends from Arctictundra microbiomes to industrial contamination sites, exploring how bacteria can help clean up pollutants such as chlorinated chemicals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and even pharmaceutical residues. His work has been widelypublished and he has received numerous accolades, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He was the 2010 Theobald Smith Society Honorary Waksman Lecturer and a past president of the society. Beyond research, Dr. Häggblom is a dedicated educator and mentor - shaping the next generation of microbiologists through his leadership at Rutgers and his editorial role as Chief Editor of FEMS Microbiology Ecology.  His passion for microbial ecology has taken him around the world collaborating with scientists in China, Finland, and beyond.

8. 

   28 Apr 2025

   Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Lee Kerkhof Ep. 1

   Dr. Lee Kerkhof (https://marine.rutgers.edu/team/lee-kerkhof/) is a renowned marine microbiologist at Rutgers University, where he has been a part of the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences since 1994. With a nearly three-decade-long career, he has significantly contributed to our understanding of microbial life in marine environments. Dr. Kerkhof’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Marine Science and Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. His early work laid the groundwork for his innovative research on microbial nucleic acids, a focus that continues to define his career. Over the years, Professor Kerkhof has been at the forefront of groundbreaking studies on the role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles, particularly in marine and coastal systems. His research has touched on topics as diverse as microbial dehalogenation, the impact of climate change on tundra microbiomes, and even the microbial influences on respiratory health. Notably, his work often involves cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies, such as the Oxford Nanopore MinION, which he’s been using to analyze complex microbiomes in novel and portable ways. His commitment to education matches Dr. Kerkhof’s dedication to research. At Rutgers, he teaches courses on microbial life, biological oceanography, and marine microbiology, where he shares his passion for the microscopic world with the next generation of scientists. With over 90 publications and numerous prestigious research grants to his name, including projects funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and NASA, Dr. Kerkhof has truly shaped the field of marine microbiology. Beyond his research, he is a sought- after speaker, having presented his findings at conferences and institutions around the globe, from Hamburg to Beijing, from Seoul back to New Brunswick. Lee was the Theobald Smith Society’s 2024 Waksman Award Lecturer. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Dr. Kerkhof’s fascinating work, exploring his experiences and insights into how microbes are not just inhabitants of our world but critical drivers of its processes. Get ready to learn about the unseen forces shaping our planet’s oceans and beyond as we speak with one of the leading voices in microbiology here in the Garden State.

Who has been a guest on Garden State Microbiome

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lynn Silver
• Tom Silhavy
• Robert M Goodman

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Garden State Microbiome

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.