Michelle L. Manni, PhD, Appointed Ombudsperson for University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Michelle L. Manni, PhD, research assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, was appointed as the new ombudsperson for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

The Ombuds Office provides an avenue for students to relay concerns and explore informal resolution in a safe, welcoming, and confidential setting. The team is advised by Valerie Kinloch, PhD, who is the Renée and Richard Goldman Endowed Dean of the School of Education.

“I am honored to serve in the medical school’s Ombuds Office.  In this role, I hope to create a safe and confidential space for students to address problems that arise during their training and to bring systemic concerns to the attention of school leadership for resolution,” says Dr. Manni.  “As a graduate of the School of Medicine Interdisciplinary PhD Program, I am excited to help foster the growth of this office to maintain an engaging, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.”

More About Dr. Manni

Research assistant professor Michelle Manni, PhD, from the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, studies the immunological mechanisms of severe, steroid insensitive asthma. She also investigates the immune mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of acute asthma exacerbations and obesity-associated asthma.

In March 2021, Dr. Manni was awarded a National Institutes of Health R01 grant to continue her studies of the IL-22 signaling pathway in the context of severe and treatment-resistant asthma. This translational work utilizes a preclinical animal model and human samples,
aiming to uncover new therapeutic targets for severe asthma treatment.

Read more about Dr. Manni and her research, and view a selection of recent publications at this link.