Among ASH’s highest honors, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of hematology, the medal will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, December 6-9
Karina Yazdanbakhsh, PhD, Vice President and Director of Research for New York Blood Center Enterprises’ (NYBCe) Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute (LFKRI), is recognized for her decades of outstanding research in transfusion medicine. Her impressive body of work has led to advances in the understanding and treatment of several classical (non-malignant) blood disorders.
Dr. Yazdanbakhsh’s research explores the interplay of the immune system with platelets or red blood cells in blood disorders, including in the context of transfusions, where they can cause immune-mediated complications, and how these transfusions contribute to the development of inherited blood disorders.
“We are deeply honored to celebrate Dr. Karina Yazdanbakhsh’s recognition with the Henry M. Stratton Medal from the American Society of Hematology,” said Christopher D. Hillyer, MD, President and CEO of New York Blood Center Enterprises. “This prestigious award reflects her trailblazing research in the basic science of sickle cell disease and underscores more than two decades of unwavering dedication to advancing human health through science. Dr. Yazdanbakhsh’s groundbreaking discoveries have redefined our understanding of hematologic disorders and exemplify the profound impact of scientific rigor and leadership. Her work stands among the most distinguished in the field, and we are immensely proud of her contributions to both NYBCe and the global hematology community.”
With a focus on sickle cell disease, Dr. Yazdanbakhsh’s pioneering research into the patterns of immune dysregulation – which increases susceptibility to illness, infection, and inflammation – in patients living with sickle cell disease, is providing the foundation for more targeted, effective therapies for these patients. Her work also informs strategies to mitigate immunological adverse responses to transfusion, improving transfusion management and enhancing the foundation for more targeted, effective therapies and better quality of life for patients.
Her contributions to the field extend beyond scientific research; Dr. Yazdanbakhsh is a dedicated and trusted advocate, leader, and mentor both at NYBCe and in the field.
This year’s ASH awards recipients are a group of pioneering scientists, innovative clinicians, and selfless mentors who have advanced hematology through vital contributions, from revolutionary achievements in cord blood transplants, hematopoietic stem cell research, and microbiome research to supporting medical students underrepresented in medicine.