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Aresty Alum Dr. Jennifer Sun: From Student Researcher to Faculty Mentor

Dr. Jennifer S. Sun, a Presidential Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2022–2024) and incoming Assistant Professor (January 2025), was featured by Chancellor Francine Conway for her journey with Rutgers' Aresty Research Center for Undergraduates. As an undergraduate at Rutgers (2009–2013), Dr. Sun explored diverse scientific fields, wrote her first successful grant proposal, and built lasting connections with mentors, including Distinguished Professor G. Charles Dismukes.

Now, she’s paying it forward, mentoring students through programs like Aresty and the Research in Microbiology Program. Dr. Sun’s story highlights the impact of hands-on research in shaping careers and inspiring future scientists.

Sustainable Development Forum, Beijing Oct 24-25, 2024

October 2024

Max Häggblom, Jennifer Sun, Chloe Costea and Lauren Hall were invited speakers at the Sustainable Development Forum in Beijing Oct 24-25, 2024. The forum, focusing on environmental health and human well-being, was organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences and Institute of Urban Environment. The forum was attended by international scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs in sessions featuring thematic forums, roundtable discussions and exchange activities. The forum encouraged advocacy for the establishment of a sustainable development model where environmental protection and human health synergistically reinforce each other.

Passing of Prof. Alan Antoine

Dr. Alan Antoine, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Microbiology, died on October 20, 2024.

Alan served on the Rutgers faculty for almost 40 years. He earned his Bachelors of Arts from the University of Wisconsin in 1962 and Doctor of Science in Microbiology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1968, where he researched glycogen and lipid storage materials in mycobacteria. He joined the faculty of Rutgers University in 1969 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 1975. At Rutgers Alan studied cyanobacterial symbionts of the aquatic fern Azolla and the biodegradation of nitroaromatic compounds, among other projects. He taught the graduate courses General Microbiology, Microbial Metabolism and Physiology, and Microbial Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for several years. Alan served Rutgers in many administrative roles, including as Associate Dean of Sciences in the Graduate School-New Brunswick 1977-1987, Director of the Graduate Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 1987-1992, and as Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology from 2001 until his retirement at the end of 2007.

Alan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandy, his daughter Cara and son Edan and their families.

Alan's obituary can be found at: obits.nj.com

A persons tanding in front of an Edison Museum exhibit.

G. Charles Dismukes & Team Receive Edison Patent Award

July 2024

The Research & Development Council of New Jersey (R&D Council) announced the honorees and winners of the 2024 Edison Patent Awards, the state's highest recognition for inventors and innovation. The winners will be honored during the 45th annual Edison Patent Award Ceremony and Reception on November 21, 2024 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.

Dr. G. Charles Dismukes with former Rutgers student Karin Calvinho and postdoc Anders Laursen are set to receive this award for their innovation in industrial processes. Their patent, titled Nickel Phosphide Catalysts for Direct Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Hydrocarbons, was one of the 14 winning patents this year.

Winners were selected by a team of R&D Council researchers who evaluated patents for the significance of the problem, utility/socio-economic value, novelty, and commercial impact. All winning patents must have at least part of the technical/scientific work completed in New Jersey.