Rodney Dietert, PhD

Rodney Dietert was recently designated Professor Emeritus at Cornell University and previously held the title of Professor of Immunotoxicology in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University. During his 41 years on Cornell faculty, Rod directed the Graduate Field of Immunology, the Institute for Comparative and Environmental Toxicology, and the Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors. He also served as a Senior Fellow in Cornell’s Center for the Environment. His research has focused on: 1) protection of the immune system during early life and more recently, 2) the role of the microbiome in human health. In addition to his more than 300 scientific publications, Rod is founding editor of the Comparative Immunology book series for CRC Press and the Molecular and Integrative Toxicology book series for Springer. Rod is a frequent lecturer on topics including the microbiome, the immune system and human health protection as well as on the use of contemplative practices for overcoming roadblocks. Prior lectures included the EPA, FDA, USDA, NIH, Smithsonian Institute, Harvard Book Store Series (PBS), and the Harvard, Dartmouth, NYU, Wayne State, Rochester, Albany, and Georgia Medical Schools. His most recent invited lectures were presentations for The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the American Association of Pediatrics, the Regenerate Annual Conference, and the Organic and Natural Health Annual Conference. His authored books include: Strategies for Protecting Your Child’s Immune System and more recently, The Human Superorganism: How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life for Dutton Penguin Random House. His future plans include a follow-up book to The Human Superorganism.

Upcoming Programs by Rodney Dietert, PhD

“The 90 minute KuNye with Ron was truly blissful. He immediately created a relaxing space and I left feeling cared for and reacquainted with my whole self. Not to be missed.”

Lisa T.

“Of all the places I have traveled for retreats, Menla is the BEST!”

Sarah S.

“Menla is an amazing place to spend time. Delicious healthy food, comfortable bed, beautiful scenery, nature. Of course, some of my favorite teachers were there too… Krishna Das, Sharon Salzberg and climbing to the top Bob Thurman. Thanks to the staff who made it possible to enjoy such an inspiring place on this planet.”

Michael Stoker

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