Stephen Persaud, MD, PhD, Instructor of Pathology & Immunology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine, was recently named an American Society of Hematology (ASH) Scholar for 2023. One of ASH’s most prestigious research award programs, the ASH Scholar Awards support early career investigators dedicated to careers in hematology research as they transition from training programs to careers as independent investigators. ASH has selected 33 recipients of its 2023 Scholar Awards including Dr. Persaud, who will receive early career funding from the organization.
“It’s truly an honor to receive recognition and funding from the American Society of Hematology for my work,” said Dr. Persaud. “My application for the ASH Scholar Award comes at a time when I am building the foundations to launch my career as a principal investigator. Demonstrating my potential viability as an independent researcher, including my ability to secure extramural funding, is an important part of this challenging transition from trainee to tenure-track faculty. The ASH Scholar Award will provide key resources allowing me to further build and expand upon my research program, not to mention a major confidence boost as I move forward towards opening my own research lab.”
Dr. Persaud earned his MD and PhD from Washington University School of Medicine, where he did his PhD thesis work with Paul Allen, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Pathology & Immunology. After graduating from MD/PhD program, Dr. Persaud joined the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) in the Department of Pathology & Immunology. Upon completing his clinical training, Dr. Persaud has worked with John DiPersio, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, to make novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to reduce graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation. The ADCs “have shown remarkable results in mouse models, demonstrating Steve’s outstanding abilities in a competitive area of hematology research,” said Nima Mossamaparast, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology & Immunology and Co-Director of PSTP.
