From the Chroma Technology Website:
This year, Chroma Technology is happy to present the Anne Heidenthal Prize for Fluorescence Research award to Prof. Sabrina Spencer from the University of Colorado Boulder. This annual international prize is awarded to a young scientist who has performed extraordinary research in the field of fluorescence imaging. Dr. Spencer was selected by the committee for her work on the regulation of cell-cycle progression and cell-cycle withdrawal, enabled by single-cell, time-lapse imaging and computational tracking of novel live-cell sensors, in particular her sensor for CDK2 activity. In her prize lecture, she described her latest discoveries on the mechanisms by which cells rapidly adapt to to the new class of CDK2 inhibitors, allowing completion of the cell-cycle. CDK2 is hyperactive in many cancers, and Dr. Spencer's imaging of the dynamics of CDK2 activity suggests how to best apply these therapeutics, which are now in clinical trials for several types of cancer.Â
“We trust the committee year after year to select a scientist worthy of supporting, and we couldn’t be happier with this year’s choice,” said Georg Draude, General Manager of the Chroma GmbH German branch and presenter of the Anne Heidentah Prize, “We look forward to following Dr. Spencer’s future work.”
The was established in 2014 to honor the memory of Anne Heidenthal (1968-2010). Anne Heidenthal was an accomplished researcher with a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular research who played a very important role in Chroma’s history. Anne led the opening of Chroma’s first international sales office in Germany in 2006. In preparation, she spent two years in Vermont working at Chroma’s main facility in Bellows Falls to learn the business and become deeply knowledgeable about our products and operations. Her commitment and energy laid the foundation for our future success.