Aloha and Welcome to Maui MyBiotics

Finding yourself at this particular website probably involved extensive searching for answers to questions about your own, or a loved ones health that you have had trouble finding help with? You also may be interested in the Human Microbiome, have tried some probiotics or fermented foods but want to learn more about it?  You also might have had some Genetic testing done or are thinking about having it done but have questions on the validity and necessity of testing that is available. Whatever brought you here, I am glad you made it and I believe I can give you a different perspective on your health than you have heard before and subsequently new ways of improving your health and your life. 

My name is Sally Irwin and I have been a resident of Maui for over 27 years. My scientific career began as a biologist working in a cancer research lab at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla California.  From there I started my graduate work at UC Davis where I studied viral resistance genes and developed genetic maps in plants.  For the past 27 years I dedicated myself as a professor of genetics, microbiology, biology and biotechnology for the University of Hawaii.  This path has led to continual learning and teaching about the effects of both disease causing, and beneficial microbes to human health.  

In addition to my own curiosity and quest for better health, my sister Peg had been suffering with disease of both her digestive system and with endometriosis since she was in her 20’s. This led to many surgeries and much pain and suffering, but few answers.  Her struggle to be healthy while teaching elementary school and raising her son was heartbreaking.  The lack of answers to her medical conditions brought me further down the road of how the microbiome is so intrinsic to our health. 

Starting in 2014, following a sabbatical at the Buck Institute of Healthy Aging in Novato California, I began working with students interested in biomedical research funded by a NIH grant through the John Burns Medical School.  This work continues today and has focused on the effects of food preservatives on beneficial bacteria found in the human gut and mouth.   In addition to these studies, I trained with Mayo Clinic to become a certified Wellness Coach in 2019 and have been working with friends, colleagues and family to help guide them on their quest for better health and to further study the effects of diet, exercise, sleep and more on their well-being and how the microbiome as well as genetics is involved.

In the summer of 2022, I officially retired from the University of Hawaii Maui College but have continued research with students on the microbiome and the effects of preservatives.  I now have time to devote to helping more people to live healthier lives using the tools I have discovered as both a geneticist and through my work and studies about the microbiome.  I have improved my own health dramatically in the last 10 years and have helped many others to do the same. If you are ready to learn about this vital component of your body and your health, I am here to help. 

Through Maui MyBiotics we can meet individually to work on your specific needs or if you are looking for more general information we will be offering introductory as well as more in-depth workshops on the Microbiome and Health in the near future.

If you are interested in either individualized wellness coaching or would like to attend a workshop please contact us at mauimybiotics@gmail.com and let us know what you are looking for. CE credits for some health professionals are also being developed.