My lab investigates how the gut microbiome and host co-metabolism of diet and environmental pollutants shape cancer risk and early-life disease. We use untargeted metabolomics, multi-omics integration, microbial culture systems, organoids, and preclinical models to map how bacteria and the host generate bioactive metabolites that influence toxicity, inflammation, and tumor progression. 

A major focus is understanding subsite-specific microbial–metabolite interactions in colorectal cancer and their links to liver metastasis and tumor heterogeneity. We also study how pollutant- and diet-driven metabolic variation in human populations contributes to cancer susceptibility, including risks in childhood cancer. Our group develops advanced metabolomics technologies and computational tools to identify novel conjugated metabolites and biomarker discovery. Ultimately, we aim to uncover microbial-metabolite signatures that enable early detection and guide microbiome-informed cancer prevention and therapy.

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Join Us!

Our lab is growing, and we are actively recruiting at all levels. We have several exciting projects ready to advance, and we always welcome innovative ideas from new team members. If you’re interested in joining our team or discussing potential opportunities, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

APHL–CDC Fellowship Applicants

Our lab is an approved host site for the APHL–CDC Fellowship. If you would like to work with us through this fellowship, please contact us—we’d be happy to discuss potential projects and how your interests fit within our program.

 

Program Updates

Wadsworth Researcher Invited as Judge for Bioanalysis Rising Star Award 2026 by Bioanalysis Zone, Taylor & Francis Group

Dr. Abhishek Jain of the Wadsworth Center has been selected to serve as a judge for the Bioanalysis Rising Star Award 2026, presented by Bioanalysis Zone, Taylor & Francis Group. Judges for this award are recognized as leading experts in the bioanalytical community, responsible for evaluating and identifying the most promising early-career scientists whose research demonstrates innovation, rigor, and potential to advance the field. Serving as a judge highlights Dr. Jain’s expertise, leadership, and influence in shaping the next generation of bioanalytical researchers.

Wadsworth Center Researcher Abhishek Jain, PhD Recognized for Contributions to the Field of Bioanalysis Made During Time at Yale, Uppsala and Nanyang Technological Universities

Dr. Abhishek Jain is a newly recruited investigator in the Wadsworth Center’s Division of Environmental Health Sciences, and has been selected to receive The Bioanalysis Rising Star award recognizing the most promising early-career scientists in the field of bioanalysis. The vision of this award is to promote the work of highly talented researchers, offering a springboard to help establish themselves in the exciting world of bioanalysis. This award recognizes Dr. Jain’s overall contributions to the field of bioanalysis over the past 10 years.