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Connie Eaves (1944–2024)

2024; Elsevier BV; Volume: 19; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.003

2213-6711

Nika Shakiba,

On March 7, the stem cell field lost a pioneering scientist, a staunch advocate for trainees and women in science, and a devoted mentor (Peters, 2024Peters D. Trailblazing Cellular Biologist Explored the Origins of Certain Cancers. The Globe and Mail, Obituary, 2024Google Scholar). Dr. Connie Eaves leaves a legacy that permeates the fabric of several fields, from stem cells in the blood and mammary systems to cancer. Many in the scientific community know Connie through her influential body of work—over 550 papers, tens of thousands of citations, as an Officer of the Order of Canada, co-founder of the Terry Fox Laboratory, and founding member of the Canadian Stem Cell Network (SCN) (BC, 2024BC CancerIn memoriam: Remembering Dr. Connie Eaves, a world-renowned pioneer in stem cell research. BC Cancer Website, Stories.http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/in-memorium-remembering-dr-connie-eaves-a-world-renowned-pioneer-in-stem-cell-research1Date: 2024Google Scholar; Eaves, 2024Eaves D. Connie Eaves, mother in life and science.https://eaves.ca/2024/03/10/connie-eaves-mother-in-life-and-science/Date: 2024Google Scholar). She was also a member of the Stem Cell Reports Editorial Board and served on the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Board of Directors from 2009 to 2015. While these measurable metrics of her scientific success parallel her quantitative approach to science, the depth of her impact can best be felt through the voices of the over one hundred trainees she mentored (BC Cancer Foundation, 2024BC Cancer FoundationBC Cancer Loses Longest Serving Scientist and Beloved Mentor.https://bccancerfoundation.com/news-and-media/blog/bc-cancer-loses-longest-serving-scientist-and-beloved-mentor/Date: 2024Google Scholar), the colleagues she worked with, and those she worked for through her research and advocacy. Connie's scientific curiosities began in the blood system. Pursuing a PhD at the University of Manchester under the supervision of Professor Laszlo Lajtha, Connie became fascinated by the lineage of antibody-forming cells (Kent and Purton, 2024Kent D. Purton L.E. Remembering Professor Connie Eaves: an exceptional researcher, mentor and friend.Exp. Hematol. 2024; 133104213https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104213Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar). Her adventures tracing the trajectories of cells led her next to the University of Toronto, where she was a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch, together making key contributions to the understanding of the erythroid lineage in the hematopoietic hierarchy. In 1973, she moved to Vancouver and joined the newly formed BC Cancer Institute to start her lab. The throughline to Connie's scientific exploration was a dedication to quantitative approaches. Along with this principle, Connie has equipped the field with gold standard tools to take up the cause; the competitive repopulation unit (CRU) assay was one of the earliest approaches to calculating hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) frequencies and is still broadly in use. In 2018, she was the recipient of the ISSCR Tobias Award for her foundational contributions to understanding healthy HSCs and how cancer stem cells shape disease, one of her many recognitions. Connie's scientific journey later led her to venture to the mammary system, where she also made key contributions to understanding its resident stem cells as well as breast cancer. In pursuit of scientific discovery, Connie broke boundaries. While she may not have described herself as such, she was a role model to many of us. Entering the scientific arena in the 1960s, she had to make room for herself as a woman in a male-dominated sphere with often-uncensored leanings to misogyny. She continued to make room for others throughout her career, not only to balance the scales but also because she understood that we are all richer in science when we are inclusive. Connie welcomed trainees into her lab not only from around the world but also from non-traditional disciplines in the biomedical sphere. By intersecting the strengths of individuals, she broke boundaries of paradigms and welcomed new generations of innovators into the field. She dared to venture by allowing her curiosity to lead her between boundaries of fields—biology to bioengineering, blood to breast. She was also a voice for trainees, women, and junior faculty; not only did she listen to our struggles but she was also often the first to amplify our voices in rooms where we could only dare to whisper. Connie's remarkable scientific contributions are undoubtable, and, while she pursued important scientific questions, her approach to mentorship made it clear that her investment was in people—rigorous science was the return. Her mentorship mirrored the very stem cells she devoted her life to understanding. An academic mother, grandmother, and even great-grandmother stem cell to many of us in the field, Connie's lineage of trainees is as diverse as the blood system. She devoted her career to ensuring that the training environment, a "niche" to many of us, was rich with her time and energy. Connie embodied what it meant to be a scientist of the highest echelon, one driven by a rigorous approach in pursuit of truth and the forethought to know that exploring the potential of stem cells was just as important as helping the next generation of scientists discover their potential. This is a mantra that now reverberates across her scientific progeny, an expanding legacy she leaves alongside her science. It was 2016 when I first met Dr. Eaves. However, I had known about her research and leadership with Canada's SCN long before that. She had a reputation for being tough but fair minded, analytical, and deeply passionate about her research. The contributions she made to cancer research are second to none. For example, her 2006 Nature paper that described the cellular and developmental properties of stem and progenitor cells in the mammary gland provided the basis from which to understand what causes malignancies in the breast. It was for this she earned the 2006 Till and McCulloch Award. She was also an extraordinary mentor to hundreds. She cared deeply about their training and wanted trainees to have access to the best opportunities possible. On more than one occasion she spoke to me about the types of programs SCN needed to offer to ensure the success of the next generation. I always listened and we responded. I shall always cherish the few moments we had together at the Till and McCulloch Meetings in 2022 when she received a life-time achievement award. She quietly said, "You're doing good work, keep it up." This compliment from a formidable scientist and female leader who started the Network years before meant the world to me. Thank you, Connie, for all you have done for science, for Canada, and in the fight against cancer. I have known Connie Eaves for 55 years since she joined the Jim Till lab as a postdoctoral fellow. Her groundbreaking research, along with the clinical and industrial acumen of her husband Allen, soon made them a formidable couple as they founded the Terry Fox Laboratory at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and later STEMCELL Technologies to develop stem cell products and services for the scientific community. In 2000 when the Canadian government announced a competition for new Networks of Centres of Excellence, the time was ripe for the stem cell community to come together and apply for a Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) devoted to stem cell science. The first person I called to determine her interest was Connie, and, despite some clearly articulated concerns, she agreed to co-host a meeting in Vancouver with stem cell researchers attending a human genome meeting, where we developed the concept and plan to create a Network proposal. The proposal was successful, and the SCN came into being in November 2001, with me as the Scientific Director and Connie as the Associate Scientific Director. STEMCELL Technologies became a major industrial partner, and it is fair to say that Connie and Allen were prominent players in the Network's phenomenal success. I remember meeting Connie when I was a newly minted Assistant Professor when visiting UBC to give a talk. She was very impressive with very precise questions about the experiments in question! Connie was one of the first people Ron Worton reached out to when setting out to prepare the application to the National Centres of Excellence to create the SCN. She was an enthusiastic supporter and did a lot of heavy lifting in conceptualizing and writing of the proposal. Her attention to detail and formidable editing skills really helped put the application over the top! After funding of the SCN, she played a key role as Associate Scientific Director and helped provide continuity and mentoring when I came on board as Scientific Director and CEO. Connie was a huge supporter of SCN and our community and worked diligently to build out parts of SCN that she felt strongly about, for example, the training programs. Connie was a scientist and a scholar of the first rank who made many seminal contributions that have been recognized by many awards. Connie was also kind and considerate and fiercely loyal to her colleagues and her people. I have many fond memories of conversations with Connie over the years as we crossed paths here and there. Her warmth and genuineness were always front and center. I am amazed to contemplate Connie's impact on so many lives as well as strengthening our nation's contributions to stem cell research, training, and ultimately research translation. This was achieved in so many ways, from what appeared to be an inexhaustible capacity for excellent work. A crucial component of that was Connie's outstanding ability to make sense from complex biological results, crafting judicious research paths forward. I recall repeatedly leaving meetings, buoyed with the newfound optimism and clarity of purpose that her insights would provide. Connie hugely impacted my biomanufacturing field by recognizing the valuable contributions engineers could make to both scientific and engineering stem cell research. Thereby, just one of her many contributions was advocating to add the engineering theme to the Stem Cell NCE. While that choice would seem obvious now, it was so innovative at the time that Connie also made me one of the first engineering professors to enter the cell therapy biomanufacturing field. By now, Connie's influence has yielded three generations of biomanufacturing professors, all hybrid scientists and engineers. Their collective expertise serves as a crucial bridge between scientific discoveries and clinical applications, such that this, just one of Connie's enduring impacts, will benefit countless patients. First time I met Connie was in 1991, interviewing for my fellowship. Within 5 minutes she announced that would possess my soul, as life in research is extremely demanding (sic). She scared the hell out of me! Fortunately, I had the chance to meet with Keith later that day … Over the years she became a key person in my life, one that I enjoyed meeting with over and over again. I was deeply attached to her and consequently very affected when she precipitously left us. As we do sometimes in these circumstances, I could not stop myself from writing a text message, telling her what she has always known, how much I will be missing you … There are many things Connie taught me, both directly and by example, but the one that stands out most as I write this is the importance of rigor and accuracy in words and language. Her passion for science and knowledge was infectious, as was her support for its growth in others. Connie was an early advocate of interdisciplinary research. As a chemical engineer in her lab (also with Jamie Piret), I learned how numbers, models, and technologies could be used to uncover new biological insights. I consider myself privileged; Connie could unravel complex sciences and ideas, presenting them in a way that did not diminish you but instead made you excited about the possibilities ahead. I have many fond memories of Connie, from watching (and awkwardly joining) her on the conference dance floor during my PhD, to the warm welcome she (and Allen) gave me upon my return to Vancouver after almost 25 years away. Strangely, one of my most cherished memories is a wonderful post-COVID lunch I had with her a few years ago. She was recently diagnosed with cancer, and it was important for me to express to her how much she meant to our community and my career. Naturally, she preferred to discuss science and the latest experiments and projects we were pursuing—a humble and rare joy to have the opportunity to explore ideas, scientific nuances, and possibilities. Connie was a giant in our scientific community, a wonderful mentor, and an inquisitive and inspirational leader. She will be deeply missed. It is often said that in science we are standing on the shoulders of giants. Connie Eaves was undoubtedly one such giant in the field of hematopoietic and mammary stem cell biology. Her seminal works helped to define and quantify the differentiation hierarchies and heterogeneity of both systems along with the regulatory mechanisms that defined them. Connie was a dedicated scientist, always striving for the truth, no matter how complex or difficult that truth may be. Beyond simple dedication though, Connie loved science and even to the end never lost her curiosity, sense of wonder, or joy in discovery. It was not unusual to find her in the lab late into the night, or at a conference even if it had to be with a chemo bag in her pocket. She proved that science can be enjoyed while still being performed to the highest standards of rigor and precision. She was not just a fantastic scientist though but also a devoted and nurturing mentor, single-handedly training hundreds of budding scientists over the course of her life. While her work is now finished, her contributions and her legacy live on in all of us who are proud to call ourselves a part of Connie's scientific family. Connie was an exceptional scientist, and an extraordinary mentor and role model who went above and beyond to teach us how to critically think about fundamental biological processes. She emphasized the importance of clear writing and communication, skills that continue to impact our daily lives. Some of our most critical scientific "light bulb" moments occurred during Friday morning lab meetings, where chalk talks were a regular feature. We learned how to ask and formulate clear questions, with a focus on using and developing robust assays. Throughout our graduate years and beyond, Connie supported us every step of the way. She opened her heart and her life to us, welcoming us into her home for many special occasions, such as our Eaves lab retreats, where we brainstormed new ideas and built lasting memories. Her mentorship and guidance extended beyond science after we graduated, and many of us were fortunate to share and celebrate several important personal milestones with her. Connie nurtured a generation of strong, independent women leaders, motivating and guiding them forward in their careers. Her impact and influence are felt deeply and regularly. We feel humbled to have been part of her legacy and are committed to making her proud. Connie will be dearly missed.Maisam was a PhD student in the Eaves lab from 2007 to 2013.Sneha was a PhD student in the Eaves lab from 2012 to 2018. She moved from India to train with Connie and since graduating continued to see her regularly. Connie taught us so much: that nothing in life, especially scientific endeavors, should be approached with anything less than absolute rigor and dedication, that your door should always be open to friends and colleagues, that everything can and should be questioned, that appropriately directed criticism is science's love language and collaboration is key, that stem cells are a concept, and that one's energy is best focused on ideas and pursuits that we are most passionate about. I will remember Connie for many things but mostly for her generosity of mind, heart, and spirit. She accomplished so much but remained so humble to the end. Connie, you are our hero and always will be. Lastly, one cannot consider Connie without her partner in life, science, and everything in between. Allen, your gentle and steadfast commitment to your partner and the Eaves' scientific community does not go unnoticed. Thank you Connie and Allen for taking such excellent care of us, our community, and our world.Michael was a MD/PhD student in Connie's lab from 2005 to 2013. Connie was my science mom. Unlike your actual parents who you do not get to choose, selecting your PhD supervisor is one of the most important choices you will ever make—and I massively lucked out. I remember going out to interview in Vancouver and meeting her in that tiny hovel of an office amid a stack of printed emails with hand-written responses (which her secretary would later type and send). But rather than worrying about little idiosyncrasies, I was captivated by the raw curiosity and excitement that Connie showed for science. Connie imprinted her quantitative way of thinking, and getting a paper out of her lab was often harder than going through peer review. The sea of red pen on various drafts was an incredible learning tool, and her criticisms were never about making you feel bad, but much more about training you to do it better next time. Connie and her husband Allen (former Terry Fox Lab Founder/Director, Hematologist and head of STEMCELL Technologies) doled out advice over the years that came from that same place of wanting their people to be the very best versions of themselves in the future. They both invested in the long-term product of the training years—the people. Connie will be sorely missed by the entire experimental hematology and stem cell communities. She was a generous mentor for countless people, and, just like HSCs, she had two key "properties": 1) a near-limitless capacity for finding time (self-renewal) and 2) the ability to boost you when you needed a lift and to knock you down a peg when you thought too much of something (differentiation). I learned so much from her and will always treasure her; my sincere condolences go out to Allen and the family as they deal with this loss. Connie was my mentor not only during my postdoc in her lab but also through all the following years thereafter as I was developing my own team. Through the years, she trained me as a scientist and always encouraged me to jump into new challenges as she did to decipher stem cell regulation in such distinct tissues as hematopoietic bone marrow and epithelial mammary gland. Talking science with Connie was a real and profound pleasure but inevitably ended in deep questioning: first in terms of concepts that she was always challenging and second technically as she sought to rigorously quantify stem cell function regardless of difficulties. Connie was also willing to provide precious advice to handle human relationships in science, and her vision was always full of kindness and very wise. Her conceptualization of very complicated mechanisms was disarming as it seemed so easy for her and so difficult for us to follow sometimes, but in the end it was always so bright and impactful! Connie then provided to the stem cell community many seminal discoveries that definitely changed our view of stem cell biology and features. She will definitely continue to guide us from the stars where she now belongs. I had the privilege of undergoing rigorous training under the legendary Dr. Connie Eaves from 2008 to 2016 and later collaborating with her, an experience that helped me dive deep into the world of stem cell biology. Her trailblazing work discovering mammary stem cells and progenitor cells profoundly influenced my scientific journey, propelling me forward in ways I could never have imagined – from Auckland, New Zealand, to Vancouver, Canada, and eventually to Rochester, Minnesota, where I lead a thriving stem cell program at Mayo Clinic. She pushed the boundaries of my ideas and tested my endurance, leaving a lasting impact on my career. I was particularly inspired by her articulate and fearless demeanor, despite her being an introvert in the world of science. Her emphasis on unbiased, quantitative, and rigorous assays has revolutionized stem cell and cancer stem cell research, setting standards that continue to shape our field. Research was never merely a job but an expression of herself, her true calling, and her heartbeat. She dedicated herself tirelessly to reviewing and writing grants and manuscripts and training the next generation until her final days. There was never a bad day at work for Connie. For me, she embodied the essence of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, and her legacy will forever illuminate laboratories worldwide, including mine, where her life and work will continue to inspire us during challenging times. Connie's work in stem cell biology has profoundly shaped the field in Canada and internationally. To me, Connie was a phenomenal person, scientist, and mentor. My fondest memories with Connie were in the lab late in the evening when she would still have an eager line of trainees outside her office waiting to discuss experiments, data, and manuscripts in preparation. I distinctly recall many times entering her office with a new research direction but leaving with my head spinning from so many new ideas and angles she suggested I consider. She never told me what to do, and I suspect this was her master plan to teach me to develop my own research questions and experimental plans that I was passionate about and that could withstand external criticism. When I would win a debate with her on a scientific concept, she would offer me a metaphorical cookie. I still hear her voice in my work as a scientist and hope to keep her legacy alive by producing high-quality science. I am very fortunate to have been her PhD student, and I will miss her deeply.Long was an MD/PhD student in Connie's lab from 2009 to 2016. Dr. Connie Eaves was celebrated for her groundbreaking scientific contributions; however, her legacy extends far beyond her research achievements. She was renowned for her exceptional mentorship, having trained over 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the BC Cancer Terry Fox Laboratory, which she co-founded. This mentorship shaped the next generation of stem cell scientists, many of whom have ascended to senior leadership positions globally, carrying forward Connie's exemplary model of advocacy and support in their careers. Beyond this, Connie was an outstanding role model for us as Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and a fierce advocate who was never afraid to stand up for what she thought was right. Connie's mentorship style was unique and highly effective, balancing support for women in science while ensuring fair treatment for all her trainees. In many faculty meetings she would be the voice that would bring up "where does this policy leave the trainees?," and ground the conversation in ensuring the new generations would get a voice at the table. Her commitment to elevating women in STEM was reflected in her active efforts to provide them with opportunities for recognition and growth, evident in initiatives like bringing trainee talks to the plenary stage at the Till and McCulloch Meetings. Connie was deeply respected for her dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive community for early-career investigators, highlighting her role not just as a scientist but also as a champion for equity and diversity within the scientific community. In the School of Biomedical Engineering, she led get-togethers with new faculty and, even during her illness, provided a helping hand and support to ECRs. Her advocacy work was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award, which commended her not only for scientific excellence but also for her dedication to supporting early-career investigators and women in science. Connie's impact as a mentor and advocate ensures that her legacy will endure through generations of students she has trained that are continuing to push science and mentoring with the same passion, integrity, and commitment to inclusivity that she exemplified throughout her career. As we come to terms with her departure, we find comfort in thinking "what would Connie do?"