Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: Mina Ali Presents at SURF 2025

Mina Ali, an undergraduate student in the LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, presented a poster and gave a lightning talk at the Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) on August 1, 2025. Mina shared results from her LSU OUR project grant, which explored how dietary lipids impact the gut microbiome. As a researcher in Dr. Ezgi Özcan’s MinD-Gut Lab, Mina had the opportunity to connect with fellow scientists from across Louisiana and explain the dynamic relationship between diet, microbiota, and brain function. She captured the audience’s imagination by saying, “Imagine the Inside Out movie characters in Riley’s head living in your gut.” Her research contributes to a growing understanding of the gut-brain axis and how nutrition can influence both physical and mental health. Learn more about SURF: LSU Summer Undergraduate Research Forum https://www.lsu.edu/our/events/surf-summer-undergraduate-research-forum.php.