ANN ARBOR, MI, August 28, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pennelope Blakely Kunkle has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A distinguished expert in the fields of health care and research, Ms. Kunkle has served as the transformation office program manager at the University of Texas Medical Branch since 2024. In this role, she plays a crucial part in screening internal requests for new tools and evaluating external companies and vendors for potential platforms. Her responsibilities extend to conducting initial reviews with the AI intake team and collaborating with stakeholders to assess potential results and return on investment. She is adept at analyzing impacts on revenue cycles, support and specific divisions, facilitating discussions across health care, research, administrative and educational sectors, and managing requests from various departments, including human resources.

Before her current position, Ms. Kunkle was a program manager at the University of Michigan from 2022 to 2024. During her tenure, she managed physician-scientists at the Cardiovascular Cardio-Oncology Institute, providing leadership and oversight in their research initiatives. Her expertise in leading AI integration efforts in research and health care settings has been pivotal in advancing the university's objectives.

From 2019 to 2022, Ms. Kunkle served as a clinical research coordinator at the University of Michigan. Her role involved guiding research groups in microscopy processes at the Microscopy Facility and supervising research in a neuroimmunology lab with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis. Her dedication to bridging basic science with clinical implications was further exemplified by her groundbreaking research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2022. This work successfully linked a specific molecule to the pathogenicity of cardiovascular and kidney diseases, highlighting potential treatments for reducing cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

Ms. Kunkle's earlier career includes her role as a senior research specialist from 2015 to 2019 at the University of Michigan, where she continued to make significant contributions to scientific advancements. From 2007 to 2015, she held the position of research specialist, immediate, and lab manager at the same institution. Her journey began as a research associate and lab manager at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2007, following foundational experience as a research technician at Stony Brook University from 2003 to 2005 and as a laboratory technician at The Scripps Research Institute from 1999 to 2003.

Ms. Kunkle's academic background includes a bachelor's degree in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego, which she earned in 2002. This education laid the groundwork for her scientific pursuits and achievements. Additionally, she holds a biosafety level 3 certification obtained through Emory University while working in the neuroimmunology lab at the University of Michigan—a credential that underscores her commitment to safety and excellence in high-stakes environments.

Ms. Kunkle's professional affiliations include membership in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the American Heart Association, reflecting her commitment to staying informed about industry advancements. Her contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Staff Excellence Award from the University of Michigan in 2021 and the Client Nomination Award from Biomedical Resource Core Facilities in 2016.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Kunkle is actively involved in civic activities as an elementary school coach for a Science Olympiad team and as a volunteer with Clean Water Action. She balances her career with personal interests such as traveling and coaching while setting ambitious goals for future contributions to healthcare efficiency through AI integration. With aspirations to make health care more efficient by sharing its benefits responsibly, Ms. Kunkle envisions a future where timely diagnoses and care improve global health outcomes.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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