Dr. Sonnenburg's lab is interested in the basic principles that govern interactions within the intestinal microbiota and between the microbiota and the host. To pursue these aims, they colonize germ-free (gnotobiotic) mice with simplified, model microbial communities, apply systems approaches (e.g. functional genomics), and use genetic tools for the host and microbes to gain mechanistic insight into emergent properties of the host-microbial super-organism.

Erica Sonnenburg, Ph.D., is a senior research scientist in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the role of diet on the human gut microbiota. She has published several peer-reviewed articles in well-respected scientific journals about her studies on the gut microbiota. She is the co-author of the recent book The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health.