Dr. Justin L. Sonnenburg is a microbiologist and professor at Stanford University whose research focuses on the gut microbiome and its profound effects on human health. He leads a lab that investigates how microbial communities in the digestive tract interact with the host, influence metabolism and immunity, and respond to diet and environmental factors. His work uses cutting-edge models and technologies—from germ-free mice to human cohorts—to uncover the mechanisms by which microbes contribute to disease prevention and overall well-being, with the goal of developing strategies to improve health through microbiome-targeted interventions.