Recognizing Impact: Nicole Mancini

Nicole Mancini is a PhD student in the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases program.  Her research targets a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis mechanisms through which Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC) may contribute to development or propagation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She is studying how AIEC induces mitochondrial dysfunction in the gastrointestinal epithelium, and methods for blocking this dysfunction which could be extrapolated as a treatment option for patients who are infected with AIEC.

Nicole’s research could have an impact on Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients worldwide. Canada experiences a higher prevalence of IBD than many areas in the world, effecting 1 in 300 individuals. She finds this work interesting due to the opportunity to study microbiology in a unique context, and also to use advance microscopy technology to image sub-cellular structures.

In Nicole’s time away from the lab she works as a coach for a baton twirling club teaching children ages 3-17.  She has been coaching for about 8 years, and also judges baton twirling at competitions. She competed in the sport herself for more than 10 years in domestic, national, and international competitions.