Thursday Talks: Carla Cugini
Our next faculty feature for Thursday Talks is Assistant Professor of Oral Biology Carla Cugini.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at RSDM.
I’m a trained molecular microbiologist and spend most of my time at RSDM conducting various research projects and teaching DMD candidates, postgrad students, and even graduate students throughout the curriculum. I received my PhD in microbiology and immunology in the molecular and cellular biology graduate program from Dartmouth College. It was there that I happened to attend a lecture about oral microbiology, which sparked an interest in me and inadvertently landed me a postdoc opportunity at the Forsyth Institute in Boston, where I spent some time studying Porphyromonas and some strep bacteria. Here at RSDM, my current research is focused on analyzing hydrogels in killing oral microbes and understanding their basic biology.
How long have you been here, and why did you decide to come to RSDM?
This spring I will have been at RSDM for 10 years! A number of things brought me here. At Dartmouth, I met my fellow RSDM colleague and Dartmouth alum Dr. Daniel Kadouri and he actually recruited me to come work at Rutgers. This opportunity was really just a “right place right time” type of situation. My partner’s family is in New Jersey, so it just made sense, plus being from New England, I wanted to try out being close to New York City for a change. Also, I discovered my love for teaching early on when I was in high school, so I knew I’d enjoy working in an academic setting. I especially love working with students in the lab, and currently have nine students working with me!
What do you like the most about RSDM?
I really value the great colleagues I have here. I’ve always made working with nice people a priority whenever I decide to take the next step in my academic or professional career. Everyone here is very collegial, and collaborating with them is always enjoyable, including the students!
What do you enjoy doing outside the school?
My interests and hobbies have honestly changed over the years depending on what chapter of life I was in. I used to love exploring whatever area I was in when I was younger, but now that I am a mom that pretty much takes up all my time. During the days while I am at work, my two daughters are in daycare, so I always try to make the most of our weekends together by taking them outside, to festivals or various events that they might enjoy.
