Michelle A. Wood-Trageser

Michelle A. Wood-Trageser, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Translational Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She serves as co-director for the CAP/CLIA certified Research Histology Services Laboratory, working alongside Dr. A. Jake Demetris to advance the field of transplant pathology through innovative histological techniques. Dr. Wood-Trageser earned her BS from Elizabethtown College in 2004 and her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009, establishing a strong foundation for her career in translational research.

Her research program focuses on integrating traditional histopathological approaches with multiplex immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis to enhance understanding of disease processes within tissue. The laboratory's primary focus is on characterizing the immune microenvironment within biopsy tissues, with recent expansion into genomic capabilities for developing novel clinical tests that correlate geographical information from biopsies with molecular signatures. This integrative approach bridges the gap between classical pathology and modern molecular diagnostics.

Dr. Wood-Trageser's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity across two major research domains: reproductive genetics (particularly ovarian biology and infertility) and transplant pathology. Her recent work (2020-2023) shows an increasing emphasis on digital pathology applications in transplantation, including immune synapse detection and T cell monitoring in allografts. She has developed expertise in combining genomic data with spatial tissue information to create more comprehensive diagnostic tools.

• Dorothy Lyet Research Endowment, Summer Research Stipend, Elizabethtown College (2002, 2003)
• Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honors Society, Elizabethtown College (2003-2004)
• Stephen L. Phillips Scientific Achievement Award, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine (2008)
• Gary Betty Scholar, University of Michigan (2009)
• Trainee Day Travel Award, Endocrine Society (2009)
• Outstanding Abstract Award, Endocrine Society (2011)
• Lalor Foundation Travel Fellow, Society for the Study of Reproduction (2014)
• Cornelia Post Channing New Investigator Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction (2014)
• Dr. Paul M. Rike Fellowship Award, Magee-Womens Research Institute (2014)

As co-director of the Research Histology Services Laboratory, Dr. Wood-Trageser oversees a CAP/CLIA certified facility that serves as a hub for advanced histological techniques applied to both clinical and research specimens. Her mentorship approach emphasizes technical excellence in histopathology while encouraging innovation in digital and genomic pathology applications. Current research directions include developing methods to correlate spatial tissue architecture with molecular signatures, creating more precise diagnostic frameworks for transplant pathology and reproductive disorders.