Dr. Rob Knight: Co-founder of the American Gut Project and a professor at UC San Diego, Dr. Knight’s research focuses on microbial communities’ impact on health. His work has been instrumental in understanding the human microbiome’s intricate connections to various diseases.
Dr. Elaine Hsiao: Based at UCLA, Dr. Hsiao is known for her groundbreaking work on the gut-brain axis. She delves into how microbiota can influence neurological health and behavior, opening avenues for potential therapeutics.
Prof. Justin Sonnenburg: A microbiologist at Stanford, Prof. Sonnenburg studies the dynamics between dietary components, gut microbes, and host physiology. His research provides insights into designing diet-based therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe: As the CEO and co-founder of Whole Biome, Dr. Cutcliffe focuses on developing novel therapies based on the microbiome to combat metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Dr. Fergus Shanahan: Renowned for his work on gut health, Dr. Shanahan has laid the foundation for understanding microbiota’s role in inflammatory bowel diseases and the potential for microbial-based therapies.
Prof. Wendy Garrett: A professor at Harvard, Prof. Garrett studies the relationship between the gut microbiome and the immune system. Her work has implications for cancer therapies and autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian: At Caltech, Dr. Mazmanian has been a pioneer in studying the symbiotic relationships between gut bacteria and humans. His work explores therapeutic applications, especially in neurological disorders.
Dr. Dirk Gevers: Formerly with Janssen Biotech and the Human Microbiome Project, Dr. Gevers has made significant strides in understanding microbial communities’ structure and function in various health conditions.
Prof. Ruth Ley: Based at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Prof. Ley’s work revolves around obesity and the gut microbiome. Her research seeks to understand microbial changes in obesity and how they might be manipulated for therapeutic benefits.
Dr. Erica Sonnenburg: Alongside her work at Stanford, Dr. Sonnenburg investigates dietary fiber’s role and its interactions with the gut microbiome, providing insights into improving digestive health and immunity.
