Current Research Projects
01
FITGut-W Pilot
We aim to examine the acute response to moderate-to-vigorous exercise across obesity phenotypes in women aged 21-40 years. Understanding how microbial signatures acutely respond to moderate‑to‑vigorous exercise across obesity phenotypes in young women is critical for revealing sources of inter‑individual variability in exercise benefits, improving the prediction of transitions from healthy to unhealthy obesity, and establishing the gut microbiome as a preventive biomarker.
02
PILI STUDY
This study will determine whether supplementation with the prebiotic inulin can improve vascular, metabolic, and skeletal muscle health in perimenopausal women aged 45–55. Evaluating the effects of prebiotic inulin on vascular, metabolic, and skeletal muscle health during perimenopause is essential for identifying a safe, microbiome‑targeted strategy to counteract physiological declines and improve long‑term health trajectories in women.
03
Non-UPF Program
Dr. Ortega-Santos serves as a board member on the board of directors of the Non-UPF program. A nonprofit dedicated to helping consumers reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods and replace them with healthier foods.
