Dr. Christine Avena

Dr. Christine Avena is an interdisciplinary scientist with experience across biotech, consumer health, and academia, leading projects that connect the microbiome to human and animal health. Her work spans early discovery in the lab, clinical trial management, biomarker data generation, and development of data packages for consumer products. Prior to her focus on skin, vaginal, and gut health, she spent a decade studying host–microbial interactions in wildlife, and has also led research in conservation biology, agriculture, and ecosystem services. She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder, an MS in Conservation Medicine from Tufts University.