SEARCH LOGIN DONATE DONATE BLOOD PRODUCTS/SERVICES RESEARCH ABOUT US SUPPORT US NEWS COVID-19 RESEARCHINVESTIGATORS Connie Westhoff, SBB, PhD Title Executive Scientific Director, National Center for Blood Group Genomics Head, Laboratory of Blood Group Genomics Member, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute Research Area The primary focus of the laboratory is to improve transfusion practice through the use of genomics to bring personalized medicine to the field with a focus on patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The discovery that patients with SCD have increase RH genetic diversity has led to our current studies to address alloimmunization by implementing genetic matching. A second focus is on the production of cultured RBCs (cRBCs) from stem and iPS cells, which hold the promise of revolutionizing the existing RBC supply system, however the number of cells and the cost of production remain major road blocks. Our goal is to generate clinically useful rare reagent cRBCs to improve and expedite patient workups. This lays the foundation for the future by providing clinically useful products that require relatively small amounts achievable with today’s technology. Contact Information Email: CWesthoff@nybc.org Phone: +1 (212) 570-3205 Lab Personnel Judith Aeschlimann, Research Technologist III Funding Support NIH U01HL13469 PI: Chou; NYBC Subcontract PI (Westhoff) 09/15/2016 – 05/31/2023 “Improving transfusion for patients with sickle cell disease with pluripotent stem cell derived erythrocytes” NIH R01 HL140625 An, Lobo, Westhoff (Multi-PI) 12/15/2017-11/30/2021 "Use of forward genetic approaches to identify Babesia receptors” LIST OF PUBLICATIONS It takes more than blood to save a life MAKE A GIFT NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the largest community-based, non-profit blood collection and distribution organizations in the United States. ©2021 New York Blood Center Privacy Policy Terms ABOUT NYBC Work Here Press Room NYBC Enterprises SUPPORT US Donate Blood Volunteer Make a Financial Contribution PRODUCTS & SERVICES Comprehensive Cell Solutions™ Hospital Customers Blood Products Laboratory Services Medical Services Clinical Services Blood Experts Blog Request Testing Kit GET CONNECTED Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Youtube CONTACT US 310 E 67th St New York, NY 10065 (212) 570-3000 Contact New York Blood Center BLOOD DRIVES VIEW TODAY'S DRIVES