Name: Gustavo Caballero-Flores
Hometown: Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Research Overview:
Using mouse models that mimic human intestinal infection, our research investigates the virulence factors and metabolic adaptations allowing bacterial pathogens to colonize and thrive in the gut during distinct infection stages. In parallel, we are also investigating how host-associated factors —such as gut microbiota composition, immune responses, age, and genetic background— influence pathogen colonization, persistence and/or clearance during infection. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate host-pathogen interactions contributing to differential disease severity and clinical outcome among individuals, toward a better understanding and treatment of infectious diarrhea.
What inspired you to select your field of study?
Since my very first biology classes until now, I have always been intrigued by the microscopic organisms present in our body and all around us and how we interact with them every day without even realizing it. This curiosity has greatly inspired and shaped my academic and research paths.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students?
To keep an open mind about their results, especially when they do not support the original hypothesis. Sometimes, unexpected outcomes lead to even more interesting research questions.
When you’re not in the lab, how do you spend your time?
When I am not in the lab and you need to find me, just go to a popular kid’s attraction in town like the children’s museum, zoo, water park, movie theater, arcade etc. You’ll find me there!
If you didn’t become a scientist, what career would you have pursued?
Definitely a soccer star! But I was never that good…
What is the best meal you’ve ever had?
Apart from Mexican food that is my favorite, seafood in Seville, Spain was just amazing!
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
In Spanish: ‘Caminos de Michoacan’, a Mexican song dedicated to my home state.
In English: ‘Just breath’ by Pearl Jam; or ‘Sleep on the floor’ by the Lumineers.
Have you ever completed anything on your “bucket list”? If so, what was it?
Living in a different country, learning a new language, visiting Europe and Japan. Some pending ones: visiting the Patagonia, Iceland and New Zealand, trying scuba diving and skydiving for the first time, and the list continues…
What is the last TV show that you binge-watched?
‘Division Palermo’ an Argentinian dark comedy about inclusion. It is an entertaining show that also encourages critical thought and meaningful discussions about this complex and highly important topic.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation, for sure! I can imagine having breakfast in Mexico, dinner in Paris, watching the sunrise on a mountain, and catching the sunset at the beach —all in one weekend!