Maria Alice V. Willrich

Maria Alice V. Willrich, Ph.D., is a Clinical Chemist and Consultant in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She specializes in Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology, focusing on test development for monoclonal antibody therapies, monoclonal gammopathies, and complement system analysis using mass spectrometry. Her work aims to improve biomarker accuracy for demyelinating diseases and immunodeficiencies.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo (2011)
  • M.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo (2006)
  • B.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Analyses, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2003)

Research Interests span four key areas: (1) laboratory testing for monoclonal gammopathies, (2) analysis of immunoglobulin free light chains in cerebrospinal fluid, (3) complement system dysfunction, and (4) innovative mass spectrometry methods for monoclonal antibody detection. Her recent publications highlight advancements in therapeutic drug monitoring, complement assay validation, and biomarker discovery for multiple myeloma and multiple sclerosis.

• Scientific Awards
  • 2023 Teacher of the Year, Mayo Clinic
  • 2021 Outstanding Scientific Achievements by a Young Investigator, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine
  • Multiple Young Investigator and Travel Awards (2013–2023)
  • 2014 Laboratory Scientist Award, Association for Medical Laboratory Immunologists
• Professional Leadership
  • Chair, Immunology and Infectious Disease Division, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (2024–present)
  • Program Director, Clinical Chemistry Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program (2022–present)
  • Chair, American Association for Clinical Chemistry Clinical Diagnostic Immunology (2020–2022)

Laboratory and Team Affiliations include the Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology at Mayo Clinic and contributions to the Complement Alternative Pathway Thrombotic Microangiopathy (CAP-TMA) Disease Oriented Group. Her work integrates mass spectrometry, immunology, and clinical diagnostics to address challenges in autoimmune and plasma cell disorders.