Miryam Wahrman
Professor • Department of
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Wahrman’s book, The Hand Book: Surviving in a Germ-Filled World (University Press of New England/ForeEdge Press, 2016) makes the case for handwashing to reduce the risk of infectious disease. The Hand Book presents the history, religious and cultural roots of handwashing, how scientists discovered that germs cause disease, the science behind hand hygiene, and the shocking truth that many people, including healthcare workers, do not wash properly. Wahrman offers tips to improve hygiene to stay healthier at home, work, school and, most importantly, in healthcare facilities where poor hygiene can be deadly.
Wahrman’s book, Brave New Judaism: When Science and Scripture Collide, (University Press of New England/Brandeis University Press), presents the Jewish perspective on medical bioethics and biotechnology. Genetic screening, reproductive technology, genetically modified plants and animals, embryonic stem cells, human cloning and sex selection are explored. The book received many accolades, including a starred review (awarded for book of outstanding quality) from Publishers Weekly. Miryam Wahrman is also the award-winning science correspondent for the New Jersey Jewish Standard.
After graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Hunter College of the City University of New York, Wahrman completed a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Cornell University. She did postdoctoral research at Sloan-Kettering Institute, Cornell University Medical Center, and Rockefeller University, and was Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York where she was a member of the In Vitro Fertilization team that produced the first test-tube baby in New York State. She has published dozens of articles in academic journals and hundreds of articles in the media on topics in science and health, including numerous articles on the interface of biotechnology, genetics and medical ethics.
Professional Interests
Research interests: Interaction of bacteria on textiles and other environmental surfaces, bioethics, hand hygiene, public health, science writing and reporting
Other Interests
Travel, natural history, swimming, scuba and snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, bird watching
Languages (other than English)
Hebrew FrenchDegrees
Specialization
Microbiology, bioethics, science writing and reporting
Representative Publications
The Hand Book: Surviving in a Germ-Filled World;
Lebanon, NH; University Press of New England/ForeEdge Press;
2016
https://smile.amazon.com/Hand-Book-Surviving-Germ-Filled-World-ebook/dp/B086W7RH9S/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1651554747&sr=8-2
DNA testing information on YouTube: Inadequate advice can mislead and harm the public;
, Journal of Genetic Counseling;
2020
http://file:///C:/Users/mwahr/Documents/DNATesting-JGenCounseling2020-16956561.pdf
Escherichia coli on the internet: The power of YouTube to educate and influence consumer behavior regarding pathogenic bacteria.;
, Infection, disease & health;
2019
Glove Changing Practices of Mall Food Vendors in New Jersey;
Journal of Community Health;
Volume
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-017-0380-1#citeas
Glove Changing When Handling Money: Observational and Microbiological Analysis.;
, Journal of community health;
Volume
Representative Presentations
"The WPUNJ Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Connecting the Curriculum".
Analysis of Bacteria onMicrofiber and Scrubs Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
History of Hand Hygiene
Distracted Reaction Time - Presentation/Talk
Charles Darwin and Evolution
Awards and Honors
05/20/2016
05/17/2005
06/28/2014
08/28/2009
10/21/2002
Media
8 Secrets of People Who Don't Get Sick
http://health.usnews.com/wellness/slideshows/8-secrets-of-people-who-dont-get-sick
As an expert on hygiene and microbiology I was interviewed by Anna Miller, Health and Wellness Editor at U.S. News
A (Surprisingly) Brief History Of Handwashing
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2020/05/11/brief-history-of-handwashing#_=_
Nationally syndicated radio station NPR hosts a 47 minute podcast program on hand hygiene featuring microbiology expert, Dr. Miryam Wahrman, full interview in first segment, and comments and her expert advice throughout the podcast.
Here's How Often You Should Wash Your Reusable Water Bottle
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/how-often-wash-reusable-water-bottle/
Interview with reporter Lisa Marie Conklin on best hygiene practices in the use of reusable water bottles.
WCBS News/ Peter Haskell
Interview with Peter Haskell about World Hand Hygiene Day
All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide
https://www.parents.com/health/all-about-coronavirus-a-concerned-parents-guide/
Tips on how to avoid infection, and how to stay healthy during this outbreak of CoronaVirus.
Fellowships, Grants and Research
Bacterial Contamination of Microfiber and Other Clinically Relevant Textiles
Gene Expression in Mormoniella vitripennis
MAST Grant
Vitamin B12 Binding Proteins of Marine Organisms
Modified Nucleosides of Marine Organisms
Notable Courses Taught
Developed courses in Bioethics, Biotechnology DNA, Biotechnology Cell Culture, Biotechnology Gene Expression, Biotechnology Proteins, Immunology, Advanced Molecular Biology. Courses taught: Bioethics, Research Methods, Human Biology, General Biology I and II, Biotechnology DNA, Biotechnology Cell Culture, Biotechnology Gene Expression, Molecular Biology, Immunology, General Genetics, Human Heredity, Bioseminar, Advanced Molecular Biology, First Year Seminar, Honors Human Biology, Graduate Independent Study, Undergraduate Independent Study.
