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 precieve 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.
Giuliana Fusco, BSBA
Physiological Sciences Graduate Student (Master’s)
Giuliana is a master’s student in Physiological Sciences. Her research is focused on gut-brain neural circuits to better understand how the brain influences gut sensory function. After earning her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Arizona, Giuliana spent six years in sales and staffing clinical teams in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Her transition into scientific research was driven by the desire to advance translational work that bridges scientific insight with public accessibility. Outside of the lab, she enjoys road trips, climbing, cycling, and photography.
Undergraduate Students
Michela Arietti
Michela is an undergraduate at Duke University. Originally from Milan, Italy, her interest is at the intersection of medicine, movement, and nutrition.
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.