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.