ASH News Daily 2017 - Issue 1 - B-26

ASH News Daily

Page B-26

Saturday, December 9, 2017

MupdAte
iNoRity
RecRuitMeNt
iNitiAtive

Dr. Pace

«« From Page B-18

She provided some updates regarding the progress made, including
demonstration that the transcription factor NRF2 is an attractive
target for genetic or pharmacologic
activation to induce fetal hemoglobin during normal erythropoiesis;
evidence of dimethylfumarate as
an attractive candidate for clini-

cal development, proven to reduce
oxidative stress and inflammation that contributes to the clinical
severity of SCD; and evidence of
small molecules that activate NRF2
expression, which have been determined to be excellent targets for developing novel agents for SCD. Dr.
Pace is also extremely excited about
other breakthroughs in the field
including the FDA approval, after
two decades of research efforts, of
a second drug, L-glutamine, for the
treatment of SCD. She commented,
"Even more exciting is the prospect of several other drugs under
investigation in numerous clinical
trials holding the promise of addi-

tional agents that can be used alone
or in combination with hydroxyurea." She also expressed enthusiasm about progress being made
toward gene therapy approaches
for β-hemoglobinopathies, including lentivirus vectors and CRISPR
Cas9-mediated gene correction or
fetal hemoglobin activation, which
offers hope of cure for all patients
by modifying their bone marrow
hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo,
followed by autologous transplantations.
Dr. Pace recognizes challenges
currently faced in her area of work,
including the need for expanded
funding opportunities from federal

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This new award
recognizes hematologists
who have supported the
development of an
inclusive hematology
workforce, encouraged
the career development
of underrepresented
minority trainees, or
made a commitment to
inclusiveness through
contributions in support
of the Society's mission.
agencies and private organizations,
as well as the need for more diversity within the field. She praised the
Society's efforts to promote diversity in hematology, remembering
being an underrepresented physician-scientist with the career goal
of establishing a laboratory to conduct basic research and learning the
value of mentoring from senior investigators. "Through the support
of my past mentors," she states, "I
solidified my commitment to train
young scientists from all genders
and ethnic/racial groups." Dr. Pace
also praised early-career mentors
during her tenure at the Medical
College of Wisconsin, Drs. Joan Gill
and Bruce Camitta, who supported
her decision to become a hematologist and advised her about the need
for subspecialty training to achieve
her career goals. Dr. William Seltzer of the University of Colorado
Health Sciences Center taught her
how to conduct basic research and
Dr. George Stamatoyannopoulos
of the University of Washington
helped her stay committed to her
career goals and be confident in her
ability to become an independent
investigator. Dr. Steven Goodman
of the University of South Alabama
provided mentorship during the
early stages of her career, and, under his leadership, she obtained
National Institutes of Health funding, which helped establish an independent research and training
program.
Dr. Pace advises those in the field,
especially underrepresented minorities, to look for organizations such
as ASH that promote diversity. She
stressed that the hematology field
is made up of a community of investigators with a desire to increase
diversity through mentoring the
next generation of scientists and a
willingness to collaborate with other investigators in the field. She is
confident of the opportunities these
organizations provide for physicians and research investigators to
receive support and mentoring and
thus ensure a successful career in
hematology.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASH News Daily 2017 - Issue 1