Leah Guthrie, PhD •  Gut Microbiologist

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I am a

gut microbiologist

Leah Guthrie, PhD

Presented by society for science
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Running.

I've played lots of sports, but running is my favorite way to release emotions and brainstorm ideas. If I’m frustrated, happy, or just need to think, I go for a run. I’m also a big fan of marathons – I try to run at least one marathon each year.

Food.

I love cooking and trying new restaurants. To me, cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about exploring new ways to combine ingredients. I enjoy the experimentation and figuring out how tastes and textures work together. That said, I’m also a pretty picky eater. I like sweets, for example, but not cake just because of its mushy texture.

Outdoor Adventures.

As a kid, I spent my time exploring tropical landscapes and coral reefs in St. Croix (one of the US Virgin Islands) where I grew up. I still love to travel and explore different outdoor landscapes. Being outdoors is my way of relaxing and resetting.

Music.

I really enjoy going to local music festivals. I love the energy and they give me a sense of the culture and music that’s resonating with people in the area. I’m a big music enthusiast in general, and don’t limit myself to any one genre. Some of my favorite people to listen to right now are Aaliyah, 21 Pilots, Koffee, and Taylor Swift.

Book Clubs.

I’m a big reader. I love novels and diving into fictional stories. One of my favorite ways to enjoy fiction is through book clubs, because it gives me a chance to talk about the story with other people. Some of my favorite book clubs have been around a specific theme, like books written by women and historical nonfiction.

A Little About Me

  • I worked hard to overcome my fear of public speaking.

    There was a point in my life where I could barely introduce myself in front of the class without getting extremely nervous. As I got into my work, I realized that communication is an important skill in the health sciences, and something that I could take steps to work on. I took every opportunity I could to get more comfortable with it, and now it’s a big part of my job.

  • Community has been a common thread throughout my life.

    Seeking out supportive community can make a big difference. When I was young, I was raised by a close family that has always been supportive of my career path, and helped me find my confidence. When I got to college and faced new challenges, I sought out people that I could connect with and relate to help keep me moving forward.

  • I want to help make a difference in people's everyday lives.

    Our relationship to food and nutrition has a big impact on our health and lives, yet there’s still so much we don’t know about it. I see my research as a way of helping all of us understand ourselves and our bodies a little bit better, so that we can make choices that can support our wellbeing.

  • I was raised by teachers and love finding ways to support the next generation.

    Both of my parents teachers and many of the teachers I had also had a big impact on me. I actually almost became a teacher, but decided to give research a try first. I still teach in many ways. I support students through mentorship, and really enjoy helping them discover the fascinating ways that coding and computers can help us understand our own bodies.

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MY ADVICE

“Don't worry about fitting the stereotype. You're a learner, therefore you're a scientist. Don't count yourself out. Challenges are an opportunity.”

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WHO I AM

People describe me as..

  • Shy

    Since I was young I was always a bit reserved, a least until I get more comfortable with someone. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being a little shy, as long as you also learn to communicate effectively.

  • Detail-oriented

    I love to be the one who makes plans for adventures or travel. I like the process, and it also allows me to maintain a good work-life balance.

  • Attentive

    I like to be there for my friends and family. I’m a good listener, and try to make sure my community feels supported by me.

  • Energetic

    I stay pretty active and love doing things outside and in the water, like hiking, swimming, and running.

My Accomplishments:

PhD in Microbiology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Bachelors Degree in Biology from Swarthmore College

The Basics:

Pronouns: She/Her

Title: Assistant Professor

Institution: UC Berkeley

Expertise: Computational Biology; Microbiology; Human Gut; Food; Nutrition

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Where to Follow Me:

LINKEDIN →
TWITTER →
WEBSITE →

“It's okay to not be the loudest person in the room. Being a good listener is important.”

— leah guthrie

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Ella Sophie • Illustrator: Ana Latese

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