About

I am an internist and microbiologist by training with a background in intestinal microbiota. In the past, I have functioned as a lead study coordinator for clinical (nutritional) trials, a basic scientist, a biomedical consultant, an instructor in both the classroom and the lab, a primary care physician, and an administrator. My research in graduate school examined contributions of gut microbiota community composition and dietary fiber/prebiotic intake to human health using molecular techniques and bioinformatics. During my post doc, my research was directed towards studying the effects of probiotic intervention on human health with a particular interest in gastrointestinal and immune responses. My research in medical school involved determining numbers and severities of nutritional deficiencies in post operative bariatric surgery patients based on vitamin supplementation dosage forms. As a consultant in industry, I participated in the development and analysis (microbial and chemical) of fermented functional beverages. While in residency, I continued and completed projects initiated during my post doc and medical school years and began new clinical research projects in the areas of inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular health. Furthermore, I entered the arena of quality improvement and became involved in multi-unit interdisciplinary projected aimed towards increasing colorectal cancer screening rates.