Ravinder Gill, PhD
Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Department of Medicine
About
Dr. Ravinder K. Gill is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Her work focuses on understanding how serotonin signaling, the intestinal epithelium, diet, and the gut microbiota interact to regulate gastrointestinal and neuroimmune health. Through an integrated approach spanning molecular biology, microbiome science, and translational disease models, her program seeks to uncover mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), disorders of the gut-brain axis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Dr. Gill has received sustained extramural funding in support of her research program and has made important contributions to advancing our understanding of serotonin signaling in intestinal homeostasis and disease. A major focus of her work is the serotonin transporter (SERT), a key regulator of intestinal serotonin availability and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Her studies have revealed how microbial, dietary, environmental, and epigenetic factors influence serotonin signaling, epithelial function, inflammation, and host-microbiota interactions. More recently, her work has expanded to the gut-brain axis, examining how intestinal signaling pathways and microbiota-derived metabolites shape neuroimmune responses and stress-related behaviors.
The overarching goal of Dr. Gill’s research program is to identify innovative, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies that promote gastrointestinal and neuroimmune health. In parallel, she is deeply committed to mentoring and training the next generation of scientists and physician-investigators, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes scientific excellence, independence, and career development.