Empowering Families Through Food:

Evidence-Based Nutrition for Complex Health Challenges

Meet Aigerim

From Genetics Researcher to Functional Nutritionist

Hi, I'm Dr. Aigerim Bijelic — a certified nutrition specialist and licensed dietitian nutritionist who uses evidence-based, root-cause approaches to help clients feel their best. I hold a Master's in Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States and have completed advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Before becoming a nutritionist, I spent seven years working as a researcher focused on the molecular biology and genetics of thyroid cells. I'm a co-author of nine peer-reviewed publications and two book chapters on thyroid genetics. This experience gave me strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of how our bodies function at the cellular level.

Alongside my research, I've spent more than 10 years teaching biology and genetics at the college level. Through that experience, I learned how to break down complex scientific ideas and explain them in simple, relatable ways — something I now bring into every client session.

My Personal Health Journey

My journey into functional medicine began when I developed hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). At the time, conventional medicine offered only medication and antibiotics, and that didn't sit right with me. Around the same time, my son was diagnosed with ADHD, and I knew I needed to become an advocate, not just for myself, but for him.

I dove into research and made targeted changes to our diet and lifestyle. Over time, I felt better, and my gut and thyroid symptoms improved. We also noticed positive changes in my son's speech, sleep, and behavior. Experiencing these shifts firsthand made me even more passionate about expanding my knowledge and supporting other individuals and families facing similar challenges.

My Approach

I approach every case through a functional medicine lens, taking into account each person's health history, biochemistry, genetics, lifestyle, cultural background, and food preferences. I believe our bodies have an innate ability to heal when given the right support, and my goal is to help create that environment for healing.

I follow a food-first approach and focus on guiding my clients to build healthy eating habits that become part of their daily rhythm. Every person is unique and comes from a different background, so I meet them where they are.

Supporting Families

From my personal experience, I know what it is like to raise a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder and how it can affect the entire family. I can help parents become empowered and make targeted yet gentle adjustments to their diet and lifestyle so that their children can start thriving. My approach focuses not just on addressing symptoms, but on creating sustainable changes that work for the whole family.

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Professional Background and Credentials

Licenses & Certifications

  • Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)

  • Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

  • Certified Gut Health Practitioner

  • Certified Microbiome Specialist

Education

  • Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology — Northwestern University

  • M.S. in Nutrition and Functional Medicine — University of Western States

  • M.S. in Genetics — Clemson University

  • M.S. in Biochemistry — Kazakh National University

  • B.S. in Biology — Kazakh National University

Clinical Training & Continuing Education

  • Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

    • Advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine, focusing on root-cause, systems-based care.

  • Clinician’s Code Foundation Program, 6-month clinical mentorship with Dr. Bryan Walsh
    An intensive, case-based program focused on:

    • Blood chemistry interpretation

    • Metabolic health optimization

    • Fatty liver support

    • Adrenal function and stress physiology

    • Evidence-based weight loss strategies

  • Advanced Microbiome Manipulation Certification Course, 10-week clinical training with Dr. Jason Hawrelak

    Specialized training in:

    • Gastrointestinal disorders

    • Microbiome analysis and interpretation

    • Targeted microbiome modulation strategies

  • Microbiome Clinical Science Certificate Program (7 months) through the Biome Learning Center
    Advanced clinical training led by Kiran Krishnan and other leading experts, grounded in a terrain-based, systems biology approach. Focused on:

    • Terrain-based assessment of underlying physiological imbalances

    • Intestinal permeability and endotoxemia as drivers of chronic disease

    • Multi-system pattern recognition across gut, immune, and neurological systems

    • Strategic sequencing of interventions based on patient capacity

    • Functional lab interpretation through a systems-oriented, terrain lens

  • Advanced Microbiome Mentoring Program (Ongoing)

    • Currently enrolled in a 12-month advanced clinical mentorship with Dr. Jason Hawrelak, focused on complex GI cases and advanced microbiome therapeutics.

  • Clinical Experience (1000+ Hours):

    • Clinical Nutrition Internship (1 year) at the Natural Healthcare Center, New Jersey
      Under supervision of Dr. Oscar Coetzee, provided hands-on clinical experience in comprehensive patient assessment, development of personalized nutrition protocols, and real-world application of functional nutrition principles in a clinical setting.

    • Clinical Internship (6 months) at the Designs for Health

      Conducted advanced research on drug–nutrient interactions, genetic polymorphisms (SNPs), and their clinical implications, while contributing to scientific evaluation of nutraceuticals for regulatory (FDA) review.

    • Clinical Nutrition Internship (8 months) at the CNS Virtual Academy

      An intensive, case-based clinical training emphasizing advanced clinical reasoning, functional lab interpretation, and the development of individualized, evidence-informed nutrition strategies.

  • Academic & Research Experience

    • 7 years of research in thyroid molecular biology and genetics

    • Co-author of 9 peer-reviewed publications & 2 book chapters on thyroid genetics

    • 14 years of college-level teaching in biology, genetics, and nutrition