Birnbaum named interim head of Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences

Angela Birnbaum, PhD, FAES, MLS(ASCP), professor in the Department of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology (ECP) has been named the interim head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), effective Jan. 13, 2025. Birnbaum will work in tandem with Professor Donna Spannaus-Martin, PhD, MLS(ASCP)cm, program director for the MLS program. Spannaus-Martin is currently progressing through a phased retirement. 

Birnbaum has been a faculty member in the U of M College of Pharmacy since January 1996. She earned Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology and Medical Technology (BSMT) degrees from Ohio Northern University. Her training included completion of a 12-month medical technology internship at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio. After graduation she worked as a medical technologist in hospital laboratories and a commercial drug reference laboratory before pursuing her PhD in pharmacology from the U of M’s Department of Pharmacology (Medical School) followed by a fellowship in clinical neuropharmacology in the college.

Birnbaum is a translational researcher studying the pharmacokinetics of neurological medications with an emphasis on neuropharmacology and special populations. Her research focuses on the variability of drug concentrations and response and has included investigations in topics related to the older adults, pregnant women, children, and drug addiction. She previously served as the director of graduate studies for the college’s Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Graduate Program.

“Angela’s training and experience provide her with a unique opportunity to provide leadership within the MLS department,” said Interim Dean Amy Pittenger. “This serves as another example of the important connections that exist across our programs in the college. I look forward to the many ways we will continue to leverage our expertise across the College of Pharmacy.”