The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has established a national award honoring Sandra K. Masur, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, for her distinguished career in research and mentorship. The Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award is the first ASCB award named for a woman and will honor individuals with exemplary achievements in cell biology who also are outstanding mentors.
An accomplished researcher, Dr. Masur joined Mount Sinai in 1968 and has been a proponent of the advancement of women and underrepresented minorities in biomedical sciences. She is the Founding Director of the Office for Women’s Careers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has chaired the Women in Cell Biology Committee of the ASCB since 2009.
“I am filled with pride to have my name so closely associated with the ASCB. The Women in Cell Biology Committee is composed of outstanding scientists who are actively engaged in fostering the careers of women and men in cell biology,” says Dr. Masur.
Stefano Bertuzzi, PhD, MPH, Executive Director at the American Society for Cell Biology, says “Dr. Masur’s dedication to women in cell biology and to ASCB has been an exemplar of leadership and volunteer engagement in our society.”
James C. Tsai, MD, MBA, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai Health System, and President of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, says, “Winning a lifetime achievement award is impressive, but having the award named after you is at another level entirely. Dr. Masur has been a prolific researcher and mentor throughout her career.”