This research explores how diet shapes gut microbial ecosystems and how those microbes influence host metabolism. The lab studies how microbial metabolites—such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acid derivatives, and amino acid byproducts—affect inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and energy utilization. By identifying beneficial and harmful microbial metabolic pathways, the team aims to design microbiome-targeted dietary or probiotic interventions. This work is especially relevant for preventing cardiometabolic disease and improving metabolic outcomes in diverse populations.