Our Team
At the Gut Brain Laboratory, we believe that groundbreaking discoveries arise from the unique perspectives and contributions of every team member. We foster an environment where every voice is valued, diverse experiences enrich our thinking, and all are welcome. While rigorous "hard thinking" drives our scientific approach, it is underpinned by a culture of empathy, clear communication, and reciprocal mentorship, all built upon a foundation of mutual respect that empowers each individual to reach their full potential as we work collaboratively towards our shared goals.
M. Maya Kaelberer, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Kaelberer is a sensory neurobiologist that is excited about understanding our gut sense. Her academic journey began with a dual degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of California San Diego, followed by a Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale University. Dr. Kaelberer is interested in how our early sensory circuitry is filters how we perceive the physical world. She believes that understanding our gut sense will inform us about the language the gut is using to communicate to the brain about the food we eat.
Contact: mkaelberer@arizona.edu
Graciela Kiesling, M.S.
Laboratory Coordinator
Graciela earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from Zamorano University in Honduras and her Master of Science in Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition from the University of the Balearic Islands in Spain. Her passion for understanding the intricate relationship between genes and diet stemmed from her personal health journey, as she sought to explore how nutrition and genetics influence the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the gut brain laboratory, her research focuses on the impact of maternal diet on nutrient sensing within the gastrointestinal tract.
Nicole Ferguson, B.S., B.A.
Physiological Sciences Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Nicole completed her Bachelor’s Degrees in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and in Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. Her work in the gut-brain laboratory focuses on elucidating the nutrient-sensing properties of neuropod cells and their synaptic connections and signaling via the vagus nerve using electrophysiology and calcium imaging. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking and exploring the Tucson food scene.
Chris Fan, B.S.
Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Student (Ph.D.)
Chris is a second year Ph.D. student in the laboratory
Paul Baumhardt B.S.
Physiological Sciences Graduate Student (Master’s)
Paul is a Master’s Student in the Physiological Sciences Program at the University of Arizona. His work in the Gut Brain Laboratory focuses on using electrophysiology techniques to isolate the efferent brain-to-gut vagal signals. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and spent two years working in clinical research studying brain vasculature. Outside of the lab, Paul enjoys playing golf and tennis, hiking, and watching sports.
Laboratory Undergraduates
Keertana Sai Konkimalla
Class of 2030
Andrew Joshua Horlick
Class of 2028
Former Laboratory Members
2023-2026: Michela Arietti, Undergraduate Research Student
2024-2026: Giuliana Fusco, Master’s Student
2025: Aiden Matthew Crabtree, KEYS Summer High School Student
Laboratory Events
The escape challenge
April 2025: Two laboratories went into different rooms with a simple goal… Who can exit a room faster! The gut brain laboratory escaped the room first! Claiming victory and also curing a Zombie virus in the meantime!
The Gut Brain Laboratory is officially open!
January 2025: The Gut Brain Laboratory officially opened under the leadership of Dr. Maya Kaelberer in the Department of Physiology at University of Arizona.