The University Missouri-Kansas City honors the impact of a dedicated researcher and longtime School of Medicine faculty member, Augustino Molteni, M.D, Ph.D. (1933-2025).
Molteni was a distinguished professor in the departments of Pathology and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Known for his dedication to research and education, he leaves behind a legacy of discovery, collaboration and mentorship that continues to shape the School of Medicine community.
Molteni joined UMKC in 1996 after devoting two decades at Northwestern University’s School of Medicine. At UMKC, his research into the pathological and molecular basis of pulmonary disease and hypertension led to groundbreaking collaborations with faculty across disciplines. His work was supported by more than $16.9 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans Administration, the American Heart Association and other organizations.
Over the course of his career, Molteni authored 176 scientific publications, 21 book chapters and more than 400 abstracts. His pioneering work on hypertension contributed to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program, which received the prestigious Albert E. Lasker Award in 1980.
Beyond his research, Molteni was deeply committed to mentorship. As a member of the School of Medicine’s Student Research Committee, he helped connect hundreds of students with research mentors, guiding them in projects that shaped their medical and academic paths. In 2016, he received the School of Medicine’s highest honor for mentorship—the Betty M. Drees, M.D., Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award.
“Dr. Molteni was cherished by one and all,” said School of Medicine Dean Alexander Norbash (B.A. ‘85/M.D. ’86). “His dedication to science and his enthusiasm for educating our medical students was unparalleled. Dr. Molteni believed in the power of mentorship and helped create numerous careers benefiting society and science. He was an example and inspiration. He will be sorely and visibly missed.”
Molteni’s passion for research and mentorship positively impacted his fellow faculty members as well.
“What I’ve learned from Dr. Molteni in my years working with him is to have a lifelong passion for research and a lifelong passion for mentoring students,” said Paula Monaghan-Nichols, Ph.D., professor and associate dean at the School of Medicine.
We remember Molteni with this video produced a few years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiEP3maMt0s