Microbiome Scientist & Researcher
Understanding the Gut Ecosystem
I'm a scientist dedicated to uncovering how our diet and lifestyle shape the trillions of microbes that call our gut home—and how that shapes our health.
From the Lab to Your Life
I'm a scientist first. A PhD, a published researcher, and a deep domain expert in the gut microbiome. I'm also a food lover, an adventurer, and someone who believes that complex science should be accessible to everyone.
My journey has taken me from the University of Illinois to UChicago and Harvard, and now to my roles on the faculty at Cedars-Sinai and UCLA. As the Director of the Cedars-Sinai Human Microbiome Research Institute, my lab is dedicated to understanding how our diet and lifestyle interact with the trillions of microbes in our gut.
We've published our work in leading journals like Nature, Cell, and Nature Medicine, uncovering the mechanisms behind how dietary fats can fuel inflammation and how specific fibers can feed the beneficial bacteria that keep us healthy.
Recognition & Awards
Honored for contributions to microbiome science and translational research.
NIH Director's Pioneer Award
Prestigious award recognizing scientists of exceptional creativity pursuing highly innovative research.
Branco Weiss Fellowship
Society in Science fellowship supporting exceptional postdoctoral researchers.
Nobel Prize Dialogues Speaker
Invited speaker at Nobel Prize Dialogues 'The Future of Food' (Tokyo) and 'Toward Health' (Berlin).
Multiple NIH R01 Grants
Principal investigator on multiple NIH R01 research grants advancing microbiome science.
Research Focus
My lab explores the complex relationship between what we eat and the microbial ecosystem that lives within us.
Diet-Microbiome Interactions
Understanding how specific dietary components—from fats to fibers—shape the composition and function of our gut microbial communities.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Investigating the role of the microbiome in IBD pathogenesis and developing microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.
Metabolic Health
Exploring how gut bacteria influence metabolism, obesity, and metabolic syndrome through the production of bioactive compounds.
Selected Publications
Our research has been published in leading scientific journals worldwide.
Media & Podcasts
Sharing microbiome science with broader audiences through conversations and interviews.
"Your gut isn't a single organism—it's an ecosystem. And like any ecosystem, it thrives on diversity, balance, and the right nourishment. My work is about understanding what that means for each of us."
Get in Touch
For research collaborations, speaking engagements, or media inquiries.