Revealing the Transformative Power and Potential of HMOs: Breakthrough Evidence and Future Implications

Marie-Claire Arrieta, PhD

Associate Professor
Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology and Pediatrics
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Alberta, Canada 

Dr Marie-Claire Arrieta is an Associate Professor and Research Excellence Chair in Cumming School of Medicine of the University of Calgary.  Her research examines the interactions between the early-life gut microbiome and infant development.  Her research program conducts clinical and experimental research, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind human-microbiome communication. Her contributions as first or senior author have been published in leading journals, accumulating over 10,000 citations to date. She has disseminated her distinguished research globally, delivering more than 100 invited presentations. A committed mentor, she has served as the primary research advisor to a diverse cohort of over 40 undergraduate, medical, PhD, and post-doctoral scholars. Her work has been recognized with the CIHR-Sick Kids New Investigator Award, the Killam Emerging Research Leader Award, and an invitation to join the College of New Scholars of the Royal Society of Canada. Dr Arrieta is co-author of the best-selling public book, Let Them Eat Dirt, and is involved in several science communication initiatives, including public talks and a documentary film project about the microbiome.

Elizabeth J Reverri, PhD, MS, RD, FAND

Senior Research Scientist
Abbott Nutrition
Columbus, OH, USA

Beth is a Senior Research Scientist at Abbott, where she has worked in the Nutrition Science & Innovation group since 2017. Her research focuses on infant and toddler nutrition, with particular expertise in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and their role in early-life health.

She has authored and presented nutrition research at international scientific meetings. Beth has held leadership roles within the American Society for Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is recognized for her contributions to the field through multiple honors, including an Abbott President’s Award. In 2025, she was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She is also deeply committed to mentorship and has guided numerous students in nutrition science and dietetics. Prior to joining Abbott, Beth had worked as a Nutrition Instructor, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Registered Dietitian providing clinical care to adult and pediatric populations.

Beth earned her PhD in Nutritional Biology and a minor in Endocrinology from the University of California, Davis. She completed her Dietetic Internship, an MS in Clinical Nutrition, and a BS in Dietetics from Boston University. Ultimately, she aspires for her work in the nutrition field to contribute to the nutrition education of healthcare professionals and consumers.