Awards and Lectureships
Over the nearly 50 years of its history, the Massachusetts Association of Blood Banks has developed several awards and lectureships:
MABB Cellular Therapy Award
This award was established in 2019 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of cellular therapy, a field that encompasses bone marrow transplant, genetic engineering and therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine. Recipients of the MABB Cellular Therapy Award must practice in at least one of the three areas of cellular therapy (academia, regulatory/quality operations, or industry), have long term service to the field of cellular therapy with distinction, and have made significant contributions in the cellular therapy field.
Morten Grove-Rasmussen Award
This award was established in 1976 in memory of Dr. Morten Grove-Rasmussen who, as Blood Bank Director of the Transfusion Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, became known as a leader in the field. It is given to an individual (or group) who has made a significant contribution to the field of transfusion medicine.
Karen Tiegerman Memorial Lectureship
This lectureship was established in 1993 by the New England Medical Center Blood Bank in memory of Karen Tiegerman, who was the Blood Bank Supervisor. Karen was an independent thinker who took time to share her knowledge with others. She loved her work and took pride in being a Medical Technologist. This lectureship is awarded to a Medical Technologist who, like Karen, loves his or her work and is dedicated to the profession.
Angelyn Konugres Lectureship
Dr. Konugres is well known to our community. She has been a recipient of numerous scientific and civic awards, including our Association’s Morton Grove-Rasmussen award. She has served as Director of the Blood Bank of the Los Angeles County General Hospital, USC School of Medicine, Research Associate and Associate Director for the Blood Grouping Laboratory, Boston, and as director of the Blood Bank, Boston Hospital for Women. She was for many years Associate Director of the Blood Bank at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She served as a Principal Associate in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard Medical School. She is recognized nationally as an author on hemolytic disease of the newborn, neonatal transfusion therapy, and blood testing for disputed parentage.
Upon her retirement, the Angelyn Konugres Lectureship was established in her honor to recognize a blood bank professional who exemplifies leadership and commitment to this field.
Dr. Konugres passed away on July 27, 2023, just 3 months before her 100th birthday. The MABB community grieves the loss of this shining star in the field of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology. Visit our In Memoriam page for more about Dr Konugres.
Upon her retirement, the Angelyn Konugres Lectureship was established in her honor to recognize a blood bank professional who exemplifies leadership and commitment to this field.