Published: Monday, July 13, 2020, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, 301.634.8424 press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has named Josée Dupuis, PhD as the recipient of the 2020 Mentorship Award. Dr. Dupuis is a professor and Chair of Biostatistics at Boston University School of Public Health.
This award, which includes a plaque with a $10,000 prize, recognizes ASHG members who have significant records of accomplishment as mentors. It is open to individuals at all academic ranks who have shown a sustained pattern of exemplary mentorship at the graduate student, postdoctoral, residency, or fellowship level.
“ASHG is fortunate to be able to recognize Dr. Josée Dupuis,” said ASHG President Anthony Wynshaw-Boris. “Dr. Dupuis is an exemplary scientist who has also devoted herself to the professional development of others through generous and thoughtful mentorship,” he said. “I congratulate Dr. Dupuis on this well-deserved honor.”
In addition to Dr. Dupuis’ extensive work in the development and application of methods for genome-wide association studies, she also has dedicated significant time to mentoring. Over the years, she has trained many successful mentees, who have gone on to obtain independent funding for their own research and received prestigious awards.
Mentorship is fundamental in a successful career trajectory for geneticists at all levels. “Josée has been an integral mentor to numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. I have heard others refer to Josée as a lifelong mentor; I could not agree more,” wrote Audrey E. Hendricks, PhD, Assistant Professor in Statistics, University of Colorado-Denver, and a mentee of Dr. Dupuis, in her nominator letter.
Collaboration in science is an important focus for Dr. Dupuis when mentoring. “Josée is very committed to her students and her colleagues. She is a generous mentor – always offering advice and creating opportunities for fruitful collaborations. She takes very seriously her role as a mentor and I can say that her mentees always seem to be successful and I think that goes back to her careful and constructive advice,” said Lisa Sullivan, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatistics and the Associate Dean for Education at the School of Public Health, Boston University.
Dr. Dupuis is an accomplished scientist with over 200 publications and is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Statistical Association (ASA). She is an investigator involved in the Framingham Heart Study, working to identify genes related to diabetes, pulmonary function, and atrial fibrillation. Her noted work includes studies of gene by environment interaction, large meta-analyses, and rare variant studies, as well as an emphasis on work in large families.
Although ASHG has made the decision to host the Society’s annual meeting virtually, the exact timing of the Mentorship Award Presentation is not yet known. An update will be provided as soon as information is available.
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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