Dr. Spencer was the original inventor of the sterile connecting device in 1985 when he was with E.I. DuPont. This elegant but simple technology has made a major impact on the practice of transfusion medicine by ensuring sterile conditions in transporting blood and other fluids.

The Dale A. Smith Memorial Award, established in 2002 and endowed by Fenwal Division of Baxter Healthcare Corporation, recognizes an individual or institution that focuses on innovation and creativity in the application of technology for improving transfusion medicine.  Selection of the winner (s) is by the NBF Grants Review Committee, with approval by the NBF Board of Trustees and final approval by the AABB Board of Directors.  Criteria for candidates are as follows:  he/she need not be an AABB member and may not be proposed posthumously.  An honorarium of $7,500 accompanies the award.

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Medical Director of Molecular Diagnostic Lab, Case Western Reserve University

Citation: For her completed National Blood Foundation funded research entitled:
Regulation of Granulopoiesis by Fucosylated Glycans through Selectin-mediated Adhesion and Fringe-modified Notch Signaling Pathways.

The prize is awarded to innovative and creative research that may ultimately lead to improving transfusion medicine outcomes.  This winner of this prize of $10,000 is chosen from the Final reports submitted by NBF grantees and is generously supported by a contribution from the Pall Corporation.  The awardee will give a lecture at the Grants Luncheon and Lecture at the AABB annual meeting.