Max Häggblom is the Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rutgers University. He is an internationally recognized leader in environmental microbiology.

Originally from Finland, Dr. Häggblom earned his Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki before making his mark in the U.S., first at New York University and later at Rutgers, where he has been a key faculty member since 1993. His research focuses on microbial biodegradation and biotransformation of environmental pollutants—work that is critical for understanding and mitigating the impact of toxic compounds in soil and water.

Dr. Häggblom’s expertise extends from Arctictundra microbiomes to industrial contamination sites, exploring how bacteria can help clean up pollutants such as chlorinated chemicals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and even pharmaceutical residues. His work has been widelypublished and he has received numerous accolades, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He was the 2010 Theobald Smith Society Honorary Waksman Lecturer and a past president of the society.

Beyond research, Dr. Häggblom is a dedicated educator and mentor - shaping the next generation of microbiologists through his leadership at Rutgers and his editorial role as Chief Editor of FEMS Microbiology Ecology.  His passion for microbial ecology has taken him around the world collaborating with scientists in China, Finland, and beyond.