• February 19, 2026

Leen Kawas: Pioneering Research on the Microbiome of Babies

Leen Kawas is a leading scientist in the field of microbiome research, particularly in the study of the gut microbiome of babies. She is the general manager at Propel Bio Partners, a biotech company aiming to develop new neurodegenerative disease treatments.

Leen Kawas holds a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and has published numerous research papers on microbiome-related topics. She has also won several prestigious awards, including the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Healthcare and National Science Foundation Innovation Corps awards.

In her research, Kawas has focused on the importance of the gut microbiome in early childhood development. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Kawas’ research has shown that early childhood gut microbiome disruptions can lead to various health problems later in life, including obesity, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Kawas is particularly interested in the role of specific strains of bacteria in the gut microbiome and how they interact with the developing brain. Her research has shown that certain strains of bacteria can produce chemicals that affect brain development and behavior and that changes to the gut microbiome can lead to changes in brain function.

Kawas’ work could revolutionize our understanding of early childhood development and the link between gut health and overall health. By developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases that target the gut microbiome, Kawas and her team at M3 Biotechnology hope to improve the lives of millions worldwide.

Leen Kawas is a leading scientist in microbiome research, particularly in the study of the gut microbiome of babies. Her research has shown the importance of the gut microbiome in early childhood development and its link to a range of health problems later in life. Kawas’ work has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of early childhood development and improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.