Blake Rushing

Dr. Blake Rushing serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health and Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). He holds membership in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

His educational background includes a BS in Chemistry from Catawba College (2013) and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from East Carolina University (2018). Dr. Rushing's research applies multi-omics approaches to investigate metabolic dysregulation in cancer and chronic diseases, with emphasis on precision oncology applications through nutritional and pharmacological strategies.

Recent publications reveal strong focus on cancer metabolism (particularly lung, breast, and endometrial cancers), environmental toxicology impacts on development, and nutritional interventions across diverse populations. Key themes include metabolite signatures of disease progression, therapy resistance mechanisms, and race-specific metabolic responses to dietary factors.

Major awards include the Emerging Leader Award in Metabolomics Service Cores (2024), NRI Research Development Award (2023), and Frank C. Lu student award from the Society of Toxicology (2017).

As Associate Director of NRI's Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory (MEL), Dr. Rushing leads NIH-supported initiatives including HHEAR and NPH programs. He recently secured a $3.9 million NCI grant to develop the Human Cancer Metabolome Atlas. His teaching includes co-directing NUTR714: Nutritional Biochemistry, Metabolism and Health.