Webinar: Progress of Omics in Microbiome Studies

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts” (Aristotle). This is the basis behind “multi-omics,” defined as the approach where insights from two or more “omics” data sets (e.g., genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, etc.) are combined during analysis to derive biological correlation or association. With recent technological advances accelerating our ability to produce data for each separate “omic,” many researchers have found themselves generating more questions than answers. Fortunately, by adopting a multi-omics approach these researchers are given the opportunity to search out answers in areas previously closed-off to them. The possibilities for novel discoveries and more translatable results grow exponentially when taking a multi-omics approach, making this a exciting time in human health and disease.

During this event, our panelists will present case studies from their own bodies of work that emphasize how a multi-omics approach enables them and their teams to take new approaches, generate more power from their data, and ultimately offer more knowledge to the scientific community.

Discussion Points:

• The role of the microbiome in influencing health and disease
• Drug, diet or other interventions response vs non-response
• Mechanisms of causality
• Approaches to study design
• Integrating sampling with and without access to clinics
• Integrating complex multiomic data

Presenter Details

Name: Carlos Merino
Title: Director of Strategy & Innovation
Organisation: DNA Genotek
Bio: Carlos Merino is in charge of generating a novel strategy that supports the company’s vision to become a leader in the multiomics space. Before joining DNA Genotek as a scientist, Carlos worked as a postdoctoral fellow at McGill University and the European Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Merino holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the National University of Mexico and an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa

Name: Greg Michelotti, Ph.D.
Title: Scientific Director of Biology
Organisation: Metabolon
Bio: Dr. Michelotti leads the company’s scientific vision. Before joining Metabolon, Dr. Michelotti led a translational research laboratory at Duke University. His industry and NIH funded work has generated over 75 primary, peer-reviewed research publications, resulting in an h-index of 33. Dr. Michelotti holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, from the University of South Carolina.

Name: Nima Aghaeepour
Title: Assistant Professor
Organisation: Stanford University
Bio: Nima Aghaeepour is an Assistant Professor at Stanford University. His laboratory develops machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to study clinical and biological modalities in translational settings. He is primarily interested in leveraging multiomics studies and wearable devices to address global health challenges. His work is recognized by awards from numerous national and international organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the March of Dimes Foundation, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Name: Tonya Ward
Title: Director of Data Science and Bioinformatics
Organisation: Diversigen
Bio: Tonya Ward is an accomplished microbiome scientist with expertise in clinical and experimental research design, molecular biology, next generation sequencing, microbiome informatics and data visualization. Dr.Ward joined Diversigen in 2018 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship in the academic lab of former CoreBiome CEO, Dan Knights. Her postdoctoral work included creating tools for microbiome analysis, leading local clinical microbiome research studies and collaborating on numerous multi-center microbiome initiatives. Ward received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa where she characterized the human milk metagenome.