2010-11-01

The ASH Mentor Award was established in 2006 to recognize hematologists who have excelled at mentoring trainees and colleagues. Those selected to receive the award are chosen because they have shown a sustained commitment to mentoring, have made a significant, positive impact on their trainees’ careers, and have advanced research and patient care in the field of hematology through their trainees and trainees’ trainees. Two awards are given each year, one in basic science and one in clinical investigation.

Mentor Award – Basic Science

Harvey F. Lodish, PhD

Dr. Lodish is a member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and is professor of biology and professor of bioengineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As a leader in the field of membrane biology, Dr. Lodish is responsible for discoveries that have had important implications for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In his long career at MIT, Dr. Lodish has mentored more than 150 students and postdoctoral fellows. Many of these mentees have gone on to successful academic careers and leadership roles in their fields. Dr. Lodish has provided his trainees with “true intellectual freedom, nurturing them tirelessly, and guiding them when need be,” according to one of many letters in support of his nomination for this award. His continuous and generous encouragement of those who have left his lab is particularly noteworthy. One of his mentees stated, “He always treats us with respect, remains highly accessible, is ready to discuss our newest experiment, asks about our kids and spouses, and is always extremely proud of our achievements.” As summarized by another of his mentees, “What is really special about Harvey is that he made almost every one of us successful. I think that is truly remarkable. I’ve been running my lab for five years now, and I’m still trying to figure out how he actually came to do that.”

Mentor Award – Clinical Investigation

Mary M. Horowitz, MD, MS

Dr. Horowitz is professor of medicine, the Robert A. Uihlein Jr. Chair in Hematologic Research, and interim chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), where she is also an active blood and marrow transplant physician. She is the chief scientific director of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) and heads the Coordinating Center of the U.S. Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network. Dr. Horowitz’s work focuses on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, specifically the analysis of transplantation outcomes. Dr. Horowitz has been the primary mentor for many successful individuals who have passed through her institution and her mentoring has had a global reach through the CIBMTR. Dr. Horowitz has always made time for junior investigators, championed their projects and involvement with CIBMTR, and created ways for them to mingle as equals with leaders in the field. As one mentee noted, “Dr. Horowitz is an amazing role model, particularly for women. She represents the highest ideals for excellence in collaborative research, administrative talents, and leadership. Her impact on the field is far-ranging as evidenced by her CV, yet she is devoted to her three children, family, friends, and colleagues.”

Drs. Lodish and Horowitz will be formally presented with their awards prior to the Plenary Scientific Session on Sunday, December 5, at 1:30 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center, Hall D.

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