Dr. Diana Obanda is an Associate Professor, whose research focuses on the intersection of nutrition, microbiology, and immunometabolism. Her work investigates how foods, components of foods, gut microorganisms, and bacterial-derived molecules influence inflammation, insulin resistance, and chronic disease risk. She has extensive experience in nutritional biochemistry, host–microbiome interactions, metabolic disease models, and translational nutrition research. 

Current studies explore the therapeutic potential of beneficial bacteria and postbiotic molecules modulate innate immune signaling and promote tissue repair. Through collaborations with translational, clinical scientists and extension scientists, Dr. Obanda seeks to develop and promote innovative food- and microbiome-based strategies to prevent and improve metabolic health and inflammatory disease outcomes.