University of Illinois Chicago · Biomedical EngineeringMaternal Microbiome Initiative
Beatriz Penalver Bernabe · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Beatriz Penalver Bernabe's lab focuses on understanding how maternal gut microorganisms affect perinatal depression, a condition that can impact mothers and infants significantly. By studying the interactions between maternal biological systems and gut bacteria, the lab aims to uncover predictive markers for depression during and after pregnancy. This research not only seeks to enhance knowledge about mental health but also aims to improve treatment and prevention strategies for affected women, particularly from marginalized groups.
perinatal depressionmicrobiota-gut-brain axismachine learningmaternal healthgut microbiota
Research Aims
3AIM 01Use machine learning to predict depressive symptom severity during pregnancy
AIM 02Model the interplay between microbial and maternal systems in relation to depression
AIM 03Determine the causal role of gut microbiota on depressive symptoms in a mouse model
Skills the Lab Values
machine learningsystems biologydata analysisanimal modelingmetabolomics
Output against the department
Publications73bottom 10% of dept.536th of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.0kbottom 6% of dept.557th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.