With deep sadness, we share the news that Dr. Dana Devine, a long-time friend, colleague and founding member of the UBC Centre for Blood Research (CBR), passed away on November 12, 2024.

Born in Massachusetts, Dana started her research career in marine biology as an undergraduate student at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. As she became more curious about the causes of human disease, she joined the Duke University lab of Wendell Rosse, a famous scientist and blood expert. She earned her PhD in immunology there, developing a life-long passion for understanding platelets and their roles in blood clotting and immunity.

As a rising star, Dana was invited to join the Department of Pathology at UBC, quickly working her way up to full professor. Along the way, she also joined the newly-created Canadian Blood Services where she held key leadership roles, including its first VP of Medical Scientific & Research Affairs and later, Chief Scientist.

In the late 1990s, Dana and four other forward-thinking UBC scientists saw a chance to create a UBC-based centre focused on blood research—an entirely new idea at the time. With a strong sense of purpose and humour, Dana and her colleagues raised millions from government, industry and private donors, bringing together top scientists across many fields to create what is now the world-renowned CBR. Dana served a term as the director, and her vision and efforts were key to its success.

Dana’s leadership in blood transfusion science, education and training was well-known nationally and internationally. She served on several boards and as president of the American Association of Blood Banks, editor-in-chief of the journal Vox Sanguinis and president of Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion.

At UBC, Dana was an active member and professor of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, serving as the director of graduate studies. Her lab was filled with enthusiastic researchers, technicians and students who valued her guidance and support as they found meaningful jobs in universities and industry. Her research and training leave a legacy that will impact generations to come. Dana will be missed but forever remembered as a dear friend, professor and colleague.

In Dana’s memory, her family has requested that donations be made to the Dana Devine Education and Research Fund at the CBR/UBC. Your gift will honour Dana’s legacy by supporting the program she was so proud of and will have a lasting impact by advancing research and education at the UBC Centre for Blood Research.

The Dana Devine Education and Research Fund at the CBR/UBC will provide students, trainees and researchers with valuable resources, mentorship opportunities and hands-on experience in blood science—ensuring Dana’s vision of scientific excellence and collaboration lives on. Your generous donation will help inspire the next generation of scientists and strengthen innovations in transfusion medicine and blood research, fields Dana was so passionate about.