Dr. Hariom Yadav serves as the Director of the USF Center for Microbiome Research and the Microbiomes Institute at the University of South Florida, holding a tenured Associate Professor position in the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair. With over 18 years of research and 9 years of leadership experience, he is a renowned world leader in microbiome and aging translational studies. His research focuses on advancing our understanding of how abnormalities in the gut can impact brain functions, influencing learning, memory, and food intake behaviors, thereby affecting pathologies such as Alzheimers/dementia, obesity, and diabetes. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and personalized medicine approaches, he is at the forefront of pioneering research in this field. He has an extensive track record of securing research funding, mentoring over 60 young scientists, engaging in didactic teaching, and establishing and expanding research cores and centers through cross-institutional collaborations. With over 160 peer-reviewed publications, 11 book chapters, and serving on editorial boards and as a reviewer for numerous high-impact journals and grant agencies, he is recognized for his scholarly contributions and hailed with several national and international awards and honors. He is a strong advocate for translating scientific discoveries from the laboratory to practical applications for the benefit of people, demonstrated by his involvement in commercializing technologies, filing patents, licensing technologies, and conducting clinical trials. Overall, Dr. Yadav is a visionary leader and scientist dedicated to advancing and expanding the research enterprise. His goals include increasing research funding and initiatives, strengthening infrastructure, fostering strategic internal and external collaborations and partnerships, promoting economic development and entrepreneurial activities, and advocating passionately for the research enterprise.