Exploring the Gut Microbiome

“My student profile is pretty unique,” says Master of Biological Sciences (MBS) student Maradi Pho.* Even though she successfully completed her undergraduate degree in biology, she struggled quite a bit in school. “I did the best I could with what I had to work with,” she says. ”I think that made me a better researcher and a better person.”

Maradi now works full-time as operations manager for the Microbiota Therapeutics Program (MTP), here at the University of Minnesota. She oversees all aspects of manufacturing microbiota transplant therapies and product development. Microbiota transplant therapy, also known as fecal microbiota therapy, involves transplanting healthy gut bacteria into the colon of a patient suffering from a recurrent infection, like Clostridium difficile (C. diff). A stool sample is taken from a healthy donor, processed, and administered to the recipient via colonoscopy, enema, or pill.

Maradi loves her job but realized she had reached the limit of where her bachelor’s degree could take her. “A higher degree was required,” she says. “And so now I'm here and I'm like, hey, I made it. I would not have realized my true potential if I hadn’t enrolled in the MBS program.”

A Key Player in Valuable Research

MTP uses the Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics (MCT) facility in Saint Paul. MTP is the only academic group manufacturing microbiota transplant therapies for use in clinical trials across the country.

“MCT is a state of the art facility that is really unique,” Maradi says. “It is the only one on campus that is cGMP compliant and follows all FDA regulations. We are able to provide our products to clinical trials under an Investigational New Drug authorization.” (cGMP stands for current good manufacturing practice.)

In her role as operations manager, Maradi applies a variety of hard and soft skills that she honed in the MBS program. “This includes technical expertise, team and project management, critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, versatility, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.” She also schedules the donors and works closely with the donor program to ensure they have completed the proper testing and screening.

Working in a cGMP-compliant facility, MTP must adhere to the highest of standards to maintain regulatory compliance. They use aseptic techniques involving the use of sterile materials, sterilizing equipment, containers, and closures separately, then combining them in a sterile room.

“We're in inner booties, a face mask, a hairnet, goggles, and then outer gloves, outer booties, and the Tyvek suit,” Maradi says. “Safety is our number one priority, and we are proud of the products we manufacture.” 

What She Loves About Her Work

Maradi was always a curious kid who constantly asked questions about how the world works and “loved exploring the reasons behind it all.” Her curiosity grew stronger over time and evolved into a deep appreciation for science.

What she enjoys most about her job is that it offers endless opportunities to learn about a subject that fascinates her. She is driven by the desire for “a deeper understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in shaping the physiological landscape” and its connection to every system in the body, including mental health. The gut microbiome can influence everything from metabolism to immune function. It can also be heavily influenced by our diet and lifestyle.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to turn my childhood curiosity into a profession I love, where I can contribute to understanding and developing innovative approaches to health and disease.”

Her Journey to the MBS Program

She chose the MBS program because it allowed her to tailor her coursework to her schedule and interests. She knew that starting a master’s program while working full-time would be a challenge.

“I did everything that you could do before you join something,” she says. “I talked to my colleague. I talked to another one that had recently graduated. I had meetings with Steve Wicks, the Enrollment Advisor, and after all of that, I didn't even apply yet. I took courses as a non-degree-seeking student to see if I could do it, since I had been out of school for so long.”

The nondegree courses she took could transfer into her MBS degree, so she was even more motivated to apply. “Looking back, I am grateful I took the opportunity to further my education. I am also thankful to my director, Dr. Alexander Khoruts, who encouraged me to enroll. The MBS program has given me new perspectives and skills that I can directly apply to my work. It’s been quite a transformative journey.”

Maradi is currently working on her thesis project, where she is conducting an in vitro characterization of the FMT donor gut microbiome’s capacity to ferment lactulose measured by production potential of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The goal is to determine whether specific donors can be selected based on their SCFA concentrations for targeted disease treatments. The study aims to focus on the feasibility of selecting FMT donors for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Professor Shout-outs

Dr. Levi Teigen, Dr. Lisa Anderson, and Dr. Andres Gomez
“It has been an absolute honor to learn from the incredible minds of my professors. They teach in a way that’s easy to understand, and I really appreciate that. I'm grateful for their guidance, unwavering support, and encouragement, which helped me navigate and build my academic confidence. Their expertise and mentorship helped shape my understanding and passion for the field.”

Advice for Prospective Students

"If you’re considering the MBS program, do not hesitate any longer, just do it. The program offers endless opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace the challenges, take every opportunity to connect with your professors and peers, and never be afraid to ask questions or venture out of your comfort zone. The MBS program is a safe environment for all learners.”

∗ Maradi was also selected to serve on the CCAPS Graduate Education Student Advisory Committee for 2024–25. This committee aims to elevate graduate student learning experiences in CCAPS.