
Kim Ficaro, MBA
As we reflect on our significant progress at the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, it is important to acknowledge the essential role our administrative team plays in supporting the research and scientific endeavors that drive our mission.
As detailed in this 2024 edition of Reaction, the MHWFAC’s milestones included the launch of M-SIBS, our birth cohort study; the acquisition of the Phadia Allergy Testing Instrument; and our membership in the NIH’s Consortium for Food Allergy Research (CoFAR), which provides seven years of funding for clinical research. These achievements reflect the dedication of our faculty and scientists, but behind every new hire, purchase, and grant proposal lies the steady work of our administrative team.
In 2024, our administrative staff, which includes Sarah Ellis-Senseney and Melissa Rennells, played a key role in hiring and onboarding eight new research staff members, adding to the twelve hired in 2023. With this growth, procurement needs have increased. Our team ensures that research programs have the resources they need, managing everything from ordering lab supplies and computers to coordinating large equipment purchases, overseeing lab setups, and securing maintenance agreements.
As our staff and clinical research expands, so do our space requirements. To accommodate new clinical research activities, including food challenges and research subject space, the center expanded its footprint with new facilities at the Domino’s Farms complex in Ann Arbor and the Med Inn building on the University of Michigan medical campus. These spaces will support the M-SIBS program, new CoFAR projects, and the Michigan Food Allergy and Atopic Dermatitis (M-FAAD) program.
The administrative team also plays a critical role in assisting with grant proposals and managing funds. This year, the faculty submitted 13 grant proposals, securing four awards and completing five projects with sponsors such as the NIH, FARE, and private and industry partners. The center’s research administrator, Pat Bergeron, worked closely with faculty to ensure that proposals met sponsor and institutional requirements, supporting the compliance, documentation, and submission processes. Additionally, all spending was carefully monitored to ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and adherence to budget constraints.
Our presence at the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine, and beyond continues to grow. We strengthened partnerships with the Allergy Clinic, the Department of Dermatology, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and participated in events such as the Medical School’s "Researchpalooza" and “Strolling Science: Biomedical Researchers and You” at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. These events have expanded our visibility and engagement within the broader research and patient advocacy communities, reinforcing our commitment to advancing food allergy research and treatment.
As we pursue new initiatives and achieve our goals, our administrative team remains dedicated to advancing the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center's vision and supporting the success of our faculty and scientists. We also recognize the importance of enhancing communication with stakeholders, donors, and the broader food allergy community. Our communications team, led by Melissa Preddy, is working on a new website and planning a podcast launch in 2025 to share our progress and showcase the impact of our work.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue our work to improve the lives of individuals with food allergy.