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

“Menla is one of my favorite retreat centers in the world. The natural beauty, the wonderful staff and great accommodations always make the experience of leading a retreat effortless and graceful. The blessings of HH Dalai Lama and many other Great Beings who have been there usher us into our own True Nature with joy and ease.”

Krishna Das

“I loved every minute at Menla. It was as if heaven was delivered to me on earth–the people, the food, the services at the spa, even my walks to the meeting room were infused with magic. I was greeted with so much warmth and caring with every interaction.”

Janice Rous

“The food was divine! I’m not a vegetarian and will say the meat was not missed while here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay…. The staff was warm and courteous. Space very conducive for retreat. Great common spaces for community and plenty of space for solitude. Will return again.”

George Charlton

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