As a cancer epidemiologist, Dr. Schmit’s transdisciplinary research studies the factors that influence colorectal cancer (CRC) across the continuum from etiology to survivorship at the population level. Combining wet and dry lab approaches, research in the Schmit lab implements integrative molecular epidemiology methods and statistical genetic approaches to better understand the roles of germline and somatic genetics, host immune responses, lifestyle factors, and environmental variables in CRC development and the modulation of disease progression and outcomes. Her research revolves around 3 major themes: Genetic epidemiology, Tumor-associated immune responses, and Health disparities.