Jeff is a fourth year PhD candidate in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University. His research in the lab of Dr. Lawrence David focuses on how the metabolism of gut bacteria is affected by day-to-day dietary variations, particularly in terms of dietary fiber intake. He is funded by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). Previously, Jeff received his BS in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), completing a senior thesis on the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. During this time, he also worked at WPI’s career development center, leading workshops on career topics such as resume writing and interview skills. Outside of research, Jeff enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and foraging for wild plants and mushrooms.