Our research team
Our research team
Our in-house team of clinicians and scientists bring diverse expertise across nutrition, metabolism, microbiome, and related fields. We also collaborate with independent experts, academic institutions, and clinical partners to advance research and expand our understanding with cutting-edge technology.
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. Sonia Malani
ND, FABNO — 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.
Olivia Pelaez
MS, IFNCP — Functional Nutrition
Olivia received her Bachelors of Science with Honors in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Western Ontario and her Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She also holds a coaching certification in Functional Medicine from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy and is an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP). Olivia has worked on nutritional products for 5+ years, previously at Vital Proteins, and currently as a Product Education and Training Manager on the Research, Nutrition and Innovation team at AG1. Olivia is passionate about nutrition education and empowering others to optimize their health through foundational health behaviors.
Alexandra Wood
MS, Nutrition Science
Alex received her Masters in Nutrition Science from The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. She previously worked on developing science-backed nutritional products for 5+ years, and is currently a Product Marketing & Education Manager on the Research, Nutrition and Innovation team at AG1. Alex is passionate about nutrition innovation, applying behavioral science principles to drive positive behavior change, and communicating evidence-based nutrition information to help others live their healthiest and happiest lives.