Nancy Heddle trained as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. She completed a Masters degree in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University in 1992 and set up a clinical research program in Transfusion Medicine at McMaster University in 2001. Her research has utilized both qualitative and quantitative methodologies with a focus on evidence-based and safe transfusion practices. She is currently a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and the Research Director at the McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research. Throughout her career she has been an educator, a researcher and a mentor, teaching transfusion science andresearch methodology to over 250 fellows, residents, graduate students and medical laboratory technologists. A teaching award in her name was created by the Division of Hematology atMcMaster University and is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching. Professor Heddle has published over 225 scientific papers and given more than 260presentations nationally and internationally. Nancy served as an Associate Editor for the journal Transfusion from 2004 to 2018 and initiated the Clinical Research Focus section for the journal as a resource to understand clinical research methodology. She has received 18 national and international awards including the International Woman in Transfusion Award (AABB, BBTS and ISBT), the Emily Cooley Award from the AABB and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Canadian Blood Services.
