Babajide A. Ojo: research article

 What does this tell you about the types

of people who do science?

Source of Scientist Photo: https://babajideojo.com/

The Scientist Spotlights Initiative was made possible by NIH Grant #20433000

Scientist Spotlight:

Babajide A. Ojo

To help us prepare for what we are about to study in our class, 

weare going to explore the work of Babajide A. Ojo. Babajide A. Ojo,                                                         

M.S., Ph.D. is a Principal Investigator at Stanford University. 

Hisinterest in the world of gut microbiota was ignited during hisundergraduate research, which led him to pursue his master’sdegree and doctorate in nutritional sciences.

 Inspired by the women in his life, he uses his platform to aid underrepresented people reach their scientific potential. 

His research looks into a type of inflammatory bowel disease in children.  The science article

below by Dr. Ojo includes some terminology that is beyond our

goals but serves as an opportunity to see an example of original

research. Do not worry about understanding the whole paper or

looking up unknown words. Instead, simply try to look for what

the broad ideas might be.

Click the link to learn more about the background of Babajide A. Ojo:

https://www.channelstv.com/2019/12/29/from-ekiti-to-oklahoma-how-a-nigerian-conquered-the-odds/

https://seasonedwithanaccent.buzzsprout.com/1166834/10129827

https://www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/medical-research/mosaic-scholars/2023-scholar-ojo

Click the link to learn about the scientific work of Babajide A. Ojo:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286320305751

Instructions for Written Assignment:

After reviewing the background and scientific work of Babajide A. Ojo, write a reflection on what you

discovered. You might wish to address some of the following:

1. What was most interesting to you in reviewing these resources?

2. What did you learn from these resources about diet and gut microbiome?

3. What new questions do you have after reviewing these resources?

4. What do these resources tell you about the types of people that do science?

About the Author: My name is Luis De Luna. I am a first-generation student seeking to earn a faculty

position to conduct my own research. I love eating spicy food and howling with my dog when we go

on walks. I chose this scientist because their work and their story about what inspires them is beautiful

to read, as well as inspiring. This scientist's background is also rich and lovely to read about. It is full

of love and respect for other backgrounds.

Babajide Ojo from Ekiti State University in Nigeria faced tough study conditions but achieved great academic success at Oklahoma State University, earning the highest honor for a Ph.D. student. His journey shows the impact of perseverance and the role supportive environments play in academic achievement. Ojo's work on how diets affect gut bacteria and diabetes has gained recognition, inspiring his continued research in the U.S. History highlights the contrast in educational experiences and the potential improvements needed in Nigerian education.

Dr. Babajide Ojo's journey from Nigeria to the U.S. is truly inspiring. After earning his Bachelor’s in Biochemistry in Nigeria, he moved to the U.S., where he completed a Master’s and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences at Oklahoma State University. Now, he's a Postdoc at Stanford University and a Partner at Bestman Academy. His work at Bestman Academy focuses on helping students prepare for the EB-2 visa, providing guidance on the strategic steps needed to build a strong case for this self-sponsored green card. His story reflects dedication, foresight, and the desire to help others achieve their dreams.

Dr. Babajide Ojo's story is truly motivating. From his beginnings in Ekiti State, Nigeria, to becoming an influential researcher at Stanford University, he shows how dedication and curiosity can lead to significant achievements. His work on the gut microbiome and pediatric ulcerative colitis is groundbreaking, and his commitment to diversity in STEM through Bestman Academy demonstrates his dedication to empowering underrepresented students. Dr. Ojo's journey emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance in reaching one's goals and making a positive impact in science.

The study highlights the positive effects of pinto beans on gut health in mice, focusing on their potential to manage diet-induced obesity and diabetes. Pinto beans helped modulate gut microbiota, enhance certain immune responses, and improve glucose tolerance, demonstrating their value as a prebiotic. This research suggests that including pinto beans in the diet could offer a natural way to combat obesity-related health issues through gut health improvement.

Babajide A. Ojo's career and research, it's evident that science benefits greatly from diversity and commitment. Dr. Ojo's path from studying to becoming a Principal Investigator at Stanford University is truly inspiring. His work on the gut microbiota and how it affects inflammatory bowel disease in children is not only innovative but crucial for advancing medical science.

Dr. Ojo's motivation, influenced by the women in his life and his dedication to supporting underrepresented people in science, shows that scientists are more than just academic figures; they are passionate people aiming to positively impact society.

From the materials reviewed, I learned that our diet significantly impacts the gut microbiome, which is vital for our overall health and affects diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. This connection between daily choices, such as our diet, and complex health outcomes is fascinating.

This research makes me wonder how other lifestyle choices might affect gut health and what new treatments could emerge. Dr. Ojo's story and work demonstrate how varied experiences and drives can enrich the scientific field, pushing it towards new findings and inclusivity.

Astaxanthin-Shifted Gut Microbiota Is Associated with Inflammation and Metabolic Homeostasis in Mice

L Wu, Y Lyu, R Srinivasagan, J Wu, B Ojo, M Tang, GD El-Rassi, ...

The Journal of Nutrition 150 (10), 2687-2698

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622023379

The study explores the effects of astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in marine foods, on gut microbiota and metabolism in mice. Astaxanthin was shown to significantly alter gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic homeostasis, but these effects varied between male and female mice and were influenced by the presence or absence of the enzyme BCO2. The research highlights the potential for astaxanthin to modulate gut health and metabolic functions, suggesting its use in dietary interventions to improve health outcomes related to metabolism and inflammation.

Reviewing these resources was really interesting, especially seeing how astaxanthin's effects change based on genetics and sex. It shows how complex and varied nutritional interventions can be on our health.

I also learned that diet greatly shapes our gut microbiome, which affects our metabolic health and inflammation. Astaxanthin in the diet can really change the types and amounts of microbes in the gut, which can improve inflammation and metabolism. This highlights how specific diets can help manage and improve our health through the gut microbiome.