University of Michigan Scientist Wins Award for Accomplishments in Gas Chromatography

Caitlin Cain focuses on exploring the brain metabolome using advanced techniques like liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and chemometric data analysis to gain deeper insights into complex neurological processes.

Caitlin Cain is the 2024 Award winner of LCGC International’s Rising Stars of Separation Science Award for Outstanding Achievement in Gas Chromatography, sponsored by Organomation. The award was presented on October 7, 2024, at the 34th International Symposium on Chromatography in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The inaugural Rising Stars of Separation Science Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in separation science by early career researchers, fostering the next generation of innovators in the field. The awards are divided into four categories: Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (LC), Biopharmaceutical Analysis, and Pharmaceutical Analysis. Cain was chosen by an independent panel of experts in gas chromatography, chaired by John Langley from the University of Southampton.

Cain began her academic journey at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she received her B.S. in Chemistry and Forensic Science in 2019. She then pursued her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Washington, completing her dissertation under the supervision of Robert Synovec in 2024. Her doctoral research centered on developing innovative non-targeted data analysis techniques to enhance analyte discovery for both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-MS (GC×GC-MS) platforms. During this time, she co-authored more than 20 journal publications and book chapters, with 14 as the first author, showcasing her contributions to the field.

Cain's research accomplishments have been recognized by multiple prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars in Analytical Chemistry at the 2024 American Chemical Society Fall National Meeting and the JEOL – Richard D. Sacks Student Award at the 20th International GC×GC Symposium. She has also received accolades from the Chinese American Chromatography Association and a Multidimensional GC Poster Award at the 12th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop, underscoring her impact and promise as a leading scientist in analytical chemistry.

Fostering the growth of young scientists is essential for cultivating a scientific community that thrives on collaboration, diversity, and cutting-edge innovation. LCGC International is committed to equipping the next generation of researchers with the resources and support they need to lead transformative discoveries and drive progress in both fundamental and applied science.