Miryam Wahrman Professor • Department of Biology MIRYAM Z. WAHRMAN is Professor of Biology at William Paterson University of New Jersey, where she directs a research laboratory in microbiology. An expert in Bioethics, Professor Wahrman has developed and teaches graduate courses in Bioethics and Research Methods, and is a pioneer in Biotechnology education, having developed and directed one of the first Biotechnology programs worldwide.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, marine environment Other Interests Travel, natural history, swimming, scuba and snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, bird watching Languages (other than English) Hebrew French Spanish Degrees PhD Biochemistry, Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences New York, NY BA Biology Honors, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Hunter College of City University of New York New York, NY 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 43, 2018 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 41, 2016 Representative Presentations "The WPUNJ Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Connecting the Curriculum". WPU Alumni Association: Connecting the Curriculum WPU Alumni Association and Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Wayne, NJ 2021 Analysis of Bacteria onMicrofiber and Scrubs Using Scanning Electron Microscopy Explorations 2020 WPUNJ Wayne, NJ 2020 History of Hand Hygiene Conference of the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases London, 2020 Distracted Reaction Time - Presentation/Talk Paterson Public Schools High School STEM Symposium Mahwah, NJ 2019 Charles Darwin and Evolution Santa Cruz II cruise ship Galapagos Islands, 2017 Awards and Honors 2022 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching William Paterson University 05/18/2022 Faculty Excellence Award for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression WPUNJ 05/20/2016 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service William Paterson University 05/17/2005 First Place Award (Health, Science, Technology and Environmental Reporting) New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists 06/28/2014 Rockower Award for Excellence in Jewish Journalism American Jewish Press Association 08/28/2009 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 Assigned Release Time Gene Expression in Mormoniella vitripennis Grant MAST Grant Grant Vitamin B12 Binding Proteins of Marine Organisms Grant Modified Nucleosides of Marine Organisms Grant 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 & Tissue 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. Email 973 720 3456 4050 Hennings Science East By appointment