Melina Pantazi recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece. Under the supervision of our Associate Professor Muhammad Tanweer Khan, she will be diving into microbiome research. To better understanding of how diet, gut bacteria, and metabolism work together to shape our health she will be learning hands-on techniques like anaerobic culturing & metabolomics.

Below a short interview with Melina after some time in our lab:

What are your studies and where?
"I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece. My studies focused on human physiology, metabolism and the molecular pathways through which diet influences health and disease, as well as on how nutritional requirements vary across the lifespan and according to individual characteristics and health status."

How come you choosing our lab for your internship?
"I chose this lab because it is internationally recognized for its research on host–microbiome interactions and metabolic health. I was also very positively impressed by how welcoming and supportive everyone was from the very first communication, which made me feel that this would be a great environment to learn."

What are you hoping to learn from the internship?
"During my internship I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how the metabolic pathways of specific gut microbes influence host physiology and metabolic homeostasis, and how dietary components modulate these host–microbiome interactions. I am particularly interested in gaining hands-on experience in anaerobic culturing of gut bacterial strains, metabolomic analysis and data interpretation."

What are your impressions from the lab so far? 
"The lab provides excellent facilities and advanced equipment, facilitating high-quality research. What I find particularly valuable is the interdisciplinary nature of the team, with people working on different aspects of microbiome research. Being able to learn from everyone’s expertise and perspectives contributes to a more holistic understanding of the field. Most importantly, everyone is very friendly and supportive, creating a collaborative environment that fosters learning and development as a scientist."

And your impressions of Gothenburg/Sweden?
"Gothenburg is a beautiful city with a great balance between nature and urban life. I was impressed by how clean and well organized everything is, as well as by the strong emphasis on sustainability. I also enjoy the calmer pace of life and how easy it is to spend time outdoors, whether biking around the city or visiting the nearby archipelago. Although the climate and lifestyle are quite different from Greece, it has been a very rewarding experience so far."

What would you like to achieve with your studies/science (for yourself and/or others)?
"Through my studies and research, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and metabolic pathways through which diet shapes host–microbiome interactions and host metabolism. My long-term goal is to help generate knowledge and tools that can support more precise, personalised and evidence-based dietary strategies for both disease prevention and disease management, taking into account individual characteristics such as genetics and the gut microbiome."

What do you do to promote a healthy gut microbiome and/or health in general?
"For me, balance is key when it comes to supporting both gut microbiome and overall health. I try to follow a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods, aiming to reach the recommended intake of around 30 grams of fiber per day, while also including fermented foods regularly. Many of the meals I prepare are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, but going out for fika with friends every now and then is also something I really enjoy. I strongly believe in a more intuitive approach to eating and in the social and cultural role that food plays in our lives. At the same time, I try to stay physically active, get enough sleep and manage stress, since these lifestyle factors are equally important for maintaining overall health."

 

We are happy to have Melina in our team! Looking forward to supporting her and sharing insights during her internship journey.