News & Events

Franklin Lakes, NJ (October 04, 1996) -- At a special recognition luncheon held today, Clateo Castellini and other company leaders recognized the significant contributions of Rob Campbell, a scientist with Becton Dickinson Research Center (BDRC) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. At the conclusion of the luncheon Castellini announced that Campbell will receive a $50,000 award in recognition of his accomplishments.

"Rob Campbell's scientific discovery has enhanced medical practice and patient care, gained a U.S. patent for Becton Dickinson and significant financial rewards, as well. But what most distinguishes Rob's achievement is the high level of personal initiative, creativity and commitment he has brought to his success," said Castellini. "We are recognizing him publicly today to show our appreciation and to encourage employees everywhere to apply this kind of innovation and commitment to their own jobs."

Campbell joined Becton Dickinson in 1978 as a technician at a toxicology laboratory in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1980 he relocated to BDRC where he very quickly began to learn everything he could about immunodiagnostics and the needs of clinical laboratory customers using Becton Dickinson diagnostic products. Through his service in the U.S. National Guard he also became familiar with competitors' instruments and diagnostic tests at a military hospital, gaining valuable knowledge about their products and even more information about customer needs.

In the mid 1980s, Campbell became part of a team working on ways to develop products that would rapidly test for conditions such as pregnancy and strep throat without the need for a laboratory instrument. His efforts in connection with this research led the team to the invention of a rapid, accurate test format used in the development of several Becton Dickinson products designed for doctors' office and home use, and for which he and his co-inventors were awarded a United States patent. The technology has since been licensed to many other U.S. diagnostics manufacturers, generating millions of dollars in royalty payments for Becton Dickinson.

At the luncheon, Campbell, who made the trip to Franklin Lakes with his wife Terri, was praised by several Becton Dickinson executives. Roger Wilsnack, Director, Becton Dickinson Research Center, told of his early relationship with Campbell and the personal attributes that contributed to Campbell's success. "Rob is the most customer-astute industrial scientist I have ever seen," said Wilsnack. "Of his own volition he spends time with customers, asking lots of questions and is learning, always learning." Wilsnack also praised the many BDRC employees who work with Campbell and share his passion for serving the customer.

Vince Forlenza, President, Worldwide Microbiology Systems, recognized Campbell's contributions to the immunodiagnostics business. "It is hard to overstate Rob's contribution. Rob's basic invention offered the fastest easiest-to-use direct test for strep available at the time...and the royalty money has been used judiciously by the division to fund initiatives key to our future success." Forlenza also singled out the work of several Becton Dickinson patent attorneys for their support.

Vince De Caprio, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, described how Campbell's personal approach to achieving his goals reflects the attributes the company values most in its employees. "Rob made his patented discovery before he had earned his bachelor's degree - he had something more valuable -- a voracious appetite for acquiring knowledge through self-education and out-of-the-box thinking."