Hi, I’m Lisa. I’m the founder of the Culinary Microbiology Institute. CMI is a long-term project based out of my home kitchen in Los Angeles, CA. I started CMI in 2014, three years after I started home-brewing.
I’m an avid cook and love learning about food, cultures, and culturing foods. I’m here to learn with you and from you, and to share some of the things I’ve learned already.
I have a PhD in population health and a Master of Public Health, and by day, I work as an academic researcher. As a scientist, I’m interested in how the human body may have co-evolved with fermenting bacteria, and how ingesting live cultures can help improve gut ecology.
On a personal level, I’m a long-time plant-based eater and environmentalist, and I think a lot about organic, local, animal-friendly/humane, ethical, fair-trade, and regenerative foods, as well as permaculture and sustainability, urban design and zero waste, and the power of home gardening and cooking to promote healthful living.
Follow the blog to keep up to date on the latest here at CMI!