Dr. Joan Bennett

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Rutgers University
Department of Plant Biology & Pathology
Foran Hall/ Cook Campus
59 Dudley Rd.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
profmycogirl@yahoo.com

Campus Location

Office: Room 296C Foran Hall, 732-932-9711 ext. 386
Lab: Room 297 Foran Hall, 732-932-9711 ext. 291

Research Interests

The Bennett lab studies molds, in particular the genetics of mycotoxin production in the genus Aspergillus. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of pharmaceuticals. In collaboration with scientists at the Southern Regional Research Laboratory, a branch of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Bennett laboratory has pioneered research on the genetics and biosynthesis of aflatoxin. This research has provided a useful model for other polyketide secondary metabolites and opens the possibilities for reducing these poisons in foods and the environment. Dr. Bennett also has been involved in genome projects for Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus and A. oryzae. In the aftermath of flooding associated with Hurricane Katrina, and the widespread mold infestations that followed in the American Gulf South, the Bennett laboratory is initiating new studies on potential health problems associated with "indoor" molds.

In addition to running a laboratory, Dr. Bennett is Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, charged with promoting the welfare of women in science, engineering, mathematics and the health professions at Rutgers University.

Publications

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Rutgers Affiliations

1. Office of the Associate Vice President for the Promotion of Women in Science Engineering and Mathematics

Other Affiliations

1. Mycological Society of America
2. American Society of Microbiologists
3. Society of Industrial Microbiologists
4. British Mycological Society
5. National Academy of Sciences
6. USDA Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA

Lab members and Associates

1. Visiting Scientists
   Dr. Prakash Masurekar
   Dr. Janet Onishi
2. Post-Doctoral Associate
Dr. Arati Inamdar
3. Graduate Students
   Richard Hung
4. Associates
   Dr. Thessalenuere Hinnant-Bernard, Assistant Director, Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics
   Dr. Natalie Batmanian, Associate Director, Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics
   Christina Leshko, Program Coordinator, Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics
   Carey Murray, Program Coordinator, Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics
   Neng Wang, Program Coordinator, Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering, & Mathematics

Dr. Joan W. Bennett joined the department in 2006; she also serves as Associate VP for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics.