How often do you think about where your water comes from? Lee Voth-Gaeddert spends a lot of time doing just that — as well as how clean that water is. In this episode, the engineer from the Biodesign Institute takes us along on his winding research journey ranging from water harvesting in the U.S. Virgin Islands and chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia to agrarian communities in Guatemala. His work touches on water, microbes, gut health and malnutrition — the hidden systems that keep us all healthy.

Read more about Lee’s recent research:

• 🦠New ASU research hunts down drug-resistant microbes
• 🚰Water insecurity on the rise in American households

Learn more about the Biodesign Institute and the Center for Health Through Microbiomes at Arizona State University.

Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Learn more about research and discovery at ASU on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.

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Episode credits

Executive produced by Kate Howells

Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka

Hosted and reported by Pete Zrioka

Shot by Christian Van Bebber and Alexander Chapin

Edited by Christian Van Bebber

Original music from Patrick Cheung

Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

Research and reporting by Richard Harth

Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson

Keyword research by Aditi Patel

Disclosure:

Lab Coat Optional is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This show does not create a doctor-patient relationship, and the information provided is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health. In case of a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.