Meet Your Microbiome: The Science Changing How We Understand Health

Led by Dr. Deanna Gibson, Professor at UBC Okanagan and an internationally recognized leader in microbiome research.Inside your body lives a vast community of microbes, trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Far from being passive passengers, these microbes actively shape how we digest food, regulate our immune system, control blood sugar, and even influence how hungry or full we feel. In many ways, they function like a hidden organ—one that modern science is only beginning to understand.

In this talk, we will explore how the microbiome connects what we eat to how our bodies respond. You’ll learn how everyday factors, especially diet, including ultra-processed foods, can disrupt this system, contributing to inflammation and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.

We’ll also uncover why health is not simply about willpower or calorie counting, but about complex biological signals, many of which are driven by microbes.

Finally, we will look ahead to a new era of medicine, where scientists are developing ways to restore and even engineer the microbiome to improve health. From personalized nutrition to next-generation microbial therapies, this emerging field is transforming how we think about disease prevention and treatment.

This talk will leave you with a new perspective: your health is not just about you—it’s about the ecosystem within you.

What to Bring:

• Water bottle
• Journal and pen

About the Venue:

The Lookout
A modern spot on Blackcomb Mountain, surrounded by forest and alpine views. Large windows open on clear days, blending indoor comfort with fresh mountain air. A rooftop deck and soft lighting create a quiet, reflective setting.
Access requires a 500 m walk with moderate uphill from Base 2.