Our research team
To contribute to the emerging body of research on foundational nutrition and to keep AG1 at the forefront of it, we rely on an in-house team of doctors, scientists, and researchers dedicated to bringing you the highest quality supplement.
Dr. Ralph Esposito
ND, Lac — Functional Medicine
Dr. Esposito is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on optimizing healthspan and lifespan through preventive and lifestyle practices. He completed his training as a medical intern in Urology at NYU Langone, holds a clinical Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and is a certified Functional Medicine doctor (IFMCP). Dr. Esposito employs evidence-based tactics to provide a personalized approach to preventative medicine. He is active in the health and education sectors, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at New York University alongside his role as Chief Science & Nutrition Officer at AG1.
Dr. Lara Nyman
PhD — Molecular Endocrinology
Dr. Nyman is a Research & Development leader with a passion for science-led innovation in health and wellness. She has more than two decades of experience in research and discovery across academic, start-up, and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently Dr. Nyman led research in a healthtech/biotech start up that aimed to revolutionize the way we drink water. Prior to that, she led discovery, innovation, and growth for global Pepsico brands, including Gatorade. Lara is passionate about metabolic health and holds a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Physiology. She completed her post-doctoral training in Molecular Endocrinology at Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center. Dr. Nyman has authored and co-authored 25 peer-reviewed publications, two patents, and has received multiple awards for her work. She currently serves as VP of Research & Discovery at AG1.
Dr. Ren-hai Lau
PhD, TCMD — Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Lai holds a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor degree and a PhD from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, respectively. His research and training focused on plant bioactive components and the gut microbiome, which has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed papers and a patent. After completing his doctoral training, Dr. Lai started his career in the food and supplement industry, where he worked in the R&D team of Fortune 500 companies, such as General Mills and Mead Johnson Nutrition. He has specialized in new product development and product lifecycle management and has played a key role in introducing innovative products to the market. As a scientist, Dr. Lai is committed to designing products that are safe and effective. He currently holds the position of Director of Innovation and Product Development at AG1.
Dr. Tess Marshall
ND — Integrative Health
Dr. Marshall is a licensed naturopathic physician focused on integrative health and wellness, with a specialty in regenerative medicine and women’s health. After receiving her doctoral degree from Bastyr University, she practiced as a clinician at a platelet-rich plasma (PRP), peptide, and nutritional IV clinic in San Diego, CA, and led product innovation at Nutrafol. Dr. Marshall has published various research on nutrition and dermatology in peer-reviewed journals, and is passionate about expanding access to health education and contributing to the evolving field of research in nutritional science. She is currently the Director of Product Marketing and Education at AG1.
Dr. Sonia Malani
ND — Integrative Medicine
Dr. Malani is a licensed naturopathic physician and board-certified integrative oncologist, author, and researcher. She earned her naturopathic medicine doctorate from Bastyr University, following a B.A. in psychology from New York University. Dr. Malani has over a decade of experience supporting patients with cancer and chronic illnesses. She is a contributing author to Ann Berger’s 5th Edition of Principles and Practice of Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology and has conducted multiple clinical trials exploring the effectiveness of integrative medicine with a focus on epigenetics, oncology, nutrition, and psychoneuroimmunology. She is currently the Senior Manager of Scientific Communication and Education at AG1.
Dr. Jeremy Townsend
PhD — Exercise Physiology
Dr. Townsend earned his doctoral degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Central Florida and has published over 80 peer-reviewed research articles focusing on sport nutrition, exercise performance, skeletal muscle physiology, and dietary supplementation. He has given numerous presentations and talks on nutrition and dietary supplementation at international conferences. Dr. Townsend is a Certified Sport Nutritionist (CISSN) through the International Society of Sport Nutrition (ISSN) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Dr. Townsend is currently the Research Manager at AG1 and an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University Chicago.
Dr. Trevor Kirby
PhD — Immunology and Microbiology
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine from Washington State University and a masters degree in Biology with an emphasis in Immunology and Microbiology from Eastern Washington University. His area of expertise centers on the connection between the human gut microbiome and the nervous system. He has published various research in the fields of immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, and biochemistry, and has given sponsored and educational talks on novel therapeutic microbiome approaches. Passionate about science and science education, Dr. Kirby regularly engages with the greater community through podcasts and volunteering with local high school student STEM groups. He is currently a Research Scientist at AG1.
Dr. Philip Sapp
PhD — Nutritional Science
Dr. Sapp holds a doctoral degree in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University and a masters degree in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences from Lipscomb University. He specializes in the effect of diet on cardiometabolic risk factors and the gut microbiome in adults at risk for chronic disease. As a clinical researcher, Dr. Sapp has designed, conducted, and presented on several clinical trials and has published numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. Dr. Sapp is passionate about nutrition research and is currently a Research Scientist at AG1.
Dr. Caitlyn Edwards
PhD, RD — Nutritional Science
Dr. Edwards completed her doctoral degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and completed post-doctoral training at The Pennsylvania State University. She has experience in a variety of academic, industry, and non-profit settings, with over 50 published peer-reviewed articles in the fields of nutrition, neuroscience, technology, and eating behavior. Her research centers around the impact of dietary intake and eating behaviors on health across the lifespan. Alongside being a Nutrition Scientist, she is a Registered Dietitian with her certification of training in obesity in pediatrics and adults. Dr. Edwards is passionate about health and nutrition equity and helping others live happier and healthier lives. She is currently a Senior Research Scientist at AG1.




