Alisa Wolberg, PhD, serves as chair of ASH’s Committee on Scientific Affairs. She is a professor and vice chair for basic science research in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
1. If you were to compile a bucket list, what would top that list?
I don’t really have a bucket list. I just enjoy new opportunities.
2. What ASH luminary do you most admire (Who’s your ASH-lebrity?)
Evan Sadler. He had tangible joy in learning about science and showed kindness and grace in how he approached people and life.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Revise and resubmit.” It’s a metaphor for life. I also ran these questions by my kids, and they added, “Wear sunscreen.” That’s good advice too.
4. When I’m down, _____ brings me up.
Running or walking — being on the ground and in touch with my surroundings.
5. What’s your one can’t-miss presentation or event at the ASH annual meeting?
The oral abstract sessions. That’s where you learn about the NEWEST new data. It’s the place where “you heard it here first.”
6. What’s your hidden talent?
Finding typos in a single glance.
7. If you could wave a wand and change one thing about the practice of medicine, what would that be?
If I could wave a magic wand, I’d want to use it to change one thing about the practice of research. I’d eliminate administrative paperwork so we can focus on scientific questions and figuring out cool things.
8. What do you see as the next big advance in hematology?
Since I’m in the hemostasis/thrombosis space, I have to make this about clotting. It would be amazing to have the ever-elusive “anticoagulant that doesn’t increase bleeding risk.” This would have impact across many hematologic diseases.
9. When starting my career, I wish I had known …
Lots of things! Mostly, how much fun my academic research career would be.
10. What’s your favorite movie?
I have to name two: The Princess Bride and My Cousin Vinny; they make me laugh every time.
