Beyond the Lab

In this episode, we meet Dr. Charles Rice, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University and Nobel laureate whose research focuses on viral replication, immune response, and new approaches to culturing and studying viruses in the lab. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Rice’s summer job as a tomato inspector, the Peruvian telegram that changed his life, and why enjoying science comes from celebrating others’ wins.

Note: This episode ends a bit abruptly due to technical issues that affected the second half of the interview.

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This episode was hosted and recorded by Tvisha, Andrew, Sarah, and Madison.

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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu. 

Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

Sound credit: campfire deer camp 21 minutes - wind - snow - sleet - part 5 .wav by Ambient-X -- https://freesound.org/s/660300/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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.

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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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu. 

Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

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 kayaking, what it means to work in a core facility, and how community and collaboration can make science better.

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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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit 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

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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu. 

Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit 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

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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu. 

Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

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.

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals and the transcript of this episode, visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu. 

Theme music: “Over the Fence” by Delray, licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

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. 

To access curated science resources for scientists, educators, and outreach professionals (including more podcasts and webinars!), visit rockedu.rockefeller.edu.

In this episode, we meet Dr. Shai Shaham, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University who studies how glial cells (a type of brain cell) function in the nervous system in C. elegans. Beyond the lab, we learn about Dr. Shaham’s life-changing experience seeing a solar eclipse, his enthusiasm for Brahms and basketball, and the importance of listening to your inner “little voice”.

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.

Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!

P.S. Eminem and Mac Miller feature in this episode–see if you can spot where!

In this episode, we meet Dr. Hiro Funabiki, a Head of Lab at The Rockefeller University who researches how cells transfer the right number of chromosomes during cell division and what happens when that process goes wrong. Beyond the lab, we learn about how a high school swim coach shaped Dr. Funabiki’s thinking about science, his favorite museums, and why asking questions teaches you more than just the answers.

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.

Please rate, subscribe, and share this with anyone who might like hearing about scientists and their stories!