Meet Caitlin Cain

Caitlin’s research combines multidimensional gas and liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry to increase metabolomic coverage. She also develops chemometric workflows that transform complex datasets into chemical information, helping researchers characterize the biological differences between sample classes.

She is currently applying these bioanalytical tools to map the brain metabolome in vivo. “The living brain is a dynamic chemical landscape of thousands of small molecules spanning vast structural classes and concentration ranges,” she says. “Uncovering these neurochemicals in real time allows us to directly connect subtle metabolic variations to brain function, behavior, and disease.”

An undergraduate research position first sparked Caitlin’s fascination with chromatography. “As a freshman, I was incredibly fortunate that Sarah Rutan and Maryanne Collinson took a chance on me and trusted me with full ownership of an independent research project,” she says. “Wrestling with column chemistry and troubleshooting separations immediately hooked me on chromatography research. That combination of independence and mentorship completely changed my career trajectory, driving me to become a professor so I could provide similar experiences to the next generation.”

Caitlin believes analytical science must break down barriers between research communities. “No single platform can capture the full picture. I believe integrating complementary instrumental techniques is essential to yielding richer, more reliable insights into complex chemical systems.”

Outside the laboratory, Caitlin is an avid skier. “Standing at the top of a steep, intimidating line forces you to trust yourself and commit to the challenge,” she says. “Once you drop in, you have to react, adapting your line to the terrain and how the snow feels underfoot. That mindset translates surprisingly well to analytical research. Skiing has taught me not to back away from hard problems, but to be confident, lean into the difficulty, and adapt to changing conditions.”