Beyond the Lab

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.

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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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!