Element E
Advance Clinical Translatable Science by Addressing Roadblocks
Element E has the goal to advance clinical translational science (CTS) through innovative, highly-translatable research projects that address significant roadblocks in the field. Specifically, we will identify and nurture CTS projects aimed at improving dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions. We will leverage the resources of NJ ACTS to ensure the success of these high-impact CTS projects and disseminate findings broadly to improve clinical care and population health in New Jersey.
2026
Project E3 - Translating innovations in cancer screening into substance use disorder care settings
- Women with substance use disorder (SUD) are at increased risk of preventable cancers.
- Women with SUD face several social, structural, and trauma-related barriers to accessing health care.
- Patient self-sampling for cancer screening represents a low-touch strategy to increase screening and close gaps in preventive care.
Project E4 - A platform for translating microbiome studies into clinically relevant applications
A new trans-generational gnotobiotic mouse model to study microbiome-derived phenotypes. The model:
- Compares the impact of the human gut microbiome from different but otherwise healthy donors on recipient mouse physiology and disease
- Is trans-generational, allowing experiments on first, second, and subsequent generation mice born to parents already colonized with the microbiome of choice
- Allows for comparison of microbiome-derived host phenotypes under a resting healthy state, and under challenge conditions of choice, introduced after reaching adulthood
- Allows for the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed differences in phenotypes between the colonies, on both the microbiome and the host
2025
Project E1 - Implementation of a novel genetic services model to enhance patient care
- Recent genetic advances led to dramatic increases in genetic testing availability
- The number of patients referred for genetic services has grown faster than the number of MD clinical geneticists
- Wait times are 6-12 months for an initial appointment, which may perpetuate health disparities
Project E2 - Translating evidence on opioid overdose prevention into practice
Applying translational science to strategies and outcomes for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment engagement among overdose survivors
- Emergency departments represent important, novel touchpoints for addressing opioid overdoses
- However, uptake of evidence-based treatment (i.e., buprenorphine) is low in emergency departments
- There are knowledge gaps on best practices for increasing treatment uptake in emergency departments
Element E Leadership
Emily S. Barrett, PhD
George G. Rhoads Endowed Legacy Professor of Epidemiology
Vice Chair, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Deputy Director, Rutgers Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED)
Co-Director of Population Exposures and Outcomes Research Core
Director, Maternal-Child Environmental Health Lab
esb104@eohsi.rutgers.edu
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