Garden State Microbiome

Targeting Resistance: Lynn Silver on Smarter Antibiotics

In this episode of The Garden State Microbiome, we’re joined by Dr. Lynn Silver, a microbiologist whose career spans the evolution of modern antibiotic discovery—from early bench science to leading antibacterial teams at Merck & Co., and later, advising biotech firms across the globe. Dr. Silver shares lessons from decades spent developing antibacterial compounds, emphasizing that single-target drugs often fail the test of time—they're too easy for bacteria to outwit. Instead, the future lies in multi-target molecules and strategic antibiotic combinations. Her insights explain why some drugs succeed while others collapse under resistance pressure. She also reflects candidly on why she left Merck. As managerial responsibilities grew and the problem-solving joy of scientific inquiry diminished, the tradeoff no longer felt worth it. But consulting has been a different story. For over 20 years, Dr. Silver has helped startups and research organizations ask better questions and find smarter answers about antibiotics—not always lucrative, but deeply fulfilling and intellectually rich. This episode offers both a history lesson and a personal one: about staying engaged, contributing meaningfully, and finding joy in lifelong learning—even after leaving the corporate lab bench. Guest: Dr. Lynn Silver Former Senior Principal Scientist, Merck & Co. Consultant in antibacterial discovery and development Global expert in antibiotic resistance

Garden State Microbiome with Princeton Professor Tom Silhavy Ep. 7

In this episode of The Garden State Microbiome, we sit down with Dr. Tom Silhavy, a molecular biology legend whose pioneering research has shaped how we understand bacterial membranes, protein localization, and gene regulation in Escherichia coli. Tom takes us on a remarkable journey, starting with his early days in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he studied pharmacy at Ferris State College before discovering his passion for biochemistry through undergraduate research. From there, we follow his scientific path to Harvard Medical School, where he earned his PhD working in Winfried Boos' lab, and then onto a transformative postdoc in the lab of molecular biology pioneer Jonathan Beckwith. We explore how Tom helped develop the use of gene fusions to study protein export, and how his research career evolved as Director of the Laboratory of Genetics and Recombinant DNA at NCI-Frederick before becoming a founding member of Princeton’s Department of Molecular Biology. Tom reflects on mentoring over 80 trainees, managing a long-running research program on the Gram-negative cell envelope, and his decade-long tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Bacteriology. Along the way, we hear his candid thoughts on science publishing, lab culture, and the enduring need for publicly funded science. Whether you're a student, a postdoc, or a seasoned researcher, this episode offers an inspiring look into a life devoted to discovery, mentorship, and the microbial world. Dr. Thomas J. Silhavy is the Warner-Lambert Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, with over 275 publications. He was the 2019 Waksman Lecturer for the Theobald Smith Society.  His lab focuses on the structure, function, and regulation of the Gram-negative bacterial cell envelope.

Garden State Microbiome with Rutgers Professor Bob Goodman Ep. 6

In this episode of The Garden State Microbiome, we are honored to host Dr. Robert M. Goodman, a distinguished plant biologist and virologist whose career has significantly influenced the fields of plant pathology, microbial ecology, and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Goodman served as the Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Rutgers University from 2005 to 2020 and was named University Professor and Executive Dean Emeritus in 2020 (deenr.rutgers.edu [https://deenr.rutgers.edu/goodman.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com]). Dr. Goodman's academic journey began at Johns Hopkins University, followed by a B.S. in Plant Sciences and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University. His early research led to the discovery and characterization of Geminiviruses, the first-known circular, single-stranded DNA viruses in plants. Transitioning to the private sector, he became Vice President and later Executive Vice President for Research and Development at Calgene, Inc., a pioneer in plant biotechnology. Returning to academia, Dr. Goodman joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he and his team conducted groundbreaking work in microbial ecology, co-developing approaches that laid the foundation for the field now known as metagenomics. At Rutgers, he not only led global agricultural initiatives, such as the Collaborative Crop Research Program funded by the McKnight Foundation, but also prioritized the growth of microbiome sciences. As Executive Dean, he initiated strategic faculty hiring across multiple departments to build excellence in microbiome research, helping to position Rutgers as a leader in this rapidly evolving field. Join us as Dr. Goodman reflects on his multifaceted career, discusses the evolution of plant-microbe research, shares insights into microbiome science at Rutgers, and explores the future of sustainable agriculture and global food security.

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.

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.