The American Society of Hematology (ASH) presented Mohandas Narla, DSc, of the New York Blood Center, with the 2020 Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology. Dr. Narla is being recognized for his significant contributions to hematology through his groundbreaking research, his inspirational mentoring style, and his invaluable service to ASH and to the advancement of the field at large during his career.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this incredible recognition from my peers at ASH—where I’ve been an active member for nearly 50 years,” said Dr. Narla. “It is particularly gratifying to be the first engineer to receive this prestigious award named after Mr. Wallace Coulter, who was an engineer himself.”
Mohandas Narla, DSc
Pioneers in Hematology
The Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, the Society’s highest honor, is named after the late Wallace H. Coulter, a prolific inventor, innovator, and entrepreneur. His most significant discovery, the Coulter Principle, pioneered the development of flow cytometry, defined particle characterization, and made possible automated hematology, thus revolutionizing laboratory medicine. Additionally, the Coulter Counter led to major breakthroughs in science, medicine, and industry.
Dr. Narla, who has focused on the pathophysiology of inherited and acquired red blood cell disorders, is known for his invention of the ektacytometer, a tool used today in clinical research and diagnosis to characterize red blood cell abnormalities. Using his skill set as an engineer, he also invented what can be considered an entire resource toolbox to address various scientific problems. Most recently, Dr. Narla has worked on developing strategies for the quantitative analysis of the various stages of erythropoiesis in human peripheral blood and bone marrow. He believes that a detailed understanding of normal and disordered erythropoiesis will lay the groundwork for novel diagnostic and therapeutic options that can improve patient care.
