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 ofplant and fungal viruses, with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years.Dr. Hillman’s research has significantly advanced our understanding of how fungal virusesinfluence plant diseases, particularly in economically important crops like chestnut, hazelnut, andblueberry. His pioneering studies on the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) andits associated hypoviruses helped reveal how viruses can attenuate fungal virulence, offeringinsights into biological control strategies. His work sequencing fungal genomes,including Anisogramma anomala, the causal agent of eastern filbert blight, has provided criticalresources for the scientific community.A recognized leader beyond his laboratory, Dr. Hillman served as Director for Research andSenior 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 theInternational Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses, chairing subcommittees and contributingto classifying fungal viruses globally. His editorial work with journals like Phytopathology andVirus Research has shaped scientific communication in virology and plant pathology.Throughout his career, Dr. Hillman has been dedicated to education and mentorship, teachingundergraduate and graduate courses in virology and plant pathology at Rutgers and mentoringnumerous students who have gone on to influential careers. His service on faculty searchcommittees 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 aFellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and receiving the Award of Merit fromthe Northeast Division of APS.Join us as Dr. Hillman reflects on his journey through the evolving landscapes of virology, plantpathology, and academia. We discuss his research breakthroughs, his views on the future offungal virus research, and his advice for the next generation of microbiologists.

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