Professor Receives Mentorship Award from Human Genetics Society.

Josée Dupuis, professor and chair of biostatistics, has received the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2020 Mentorship Award.

The $10,000 award recognizes ASHG members who have provided exemplary mentorship at the graduate student, postdoctoral, residency, or fellowship level. The Mentorship Award is typically presented in person during the organization’s annual meeting in October, but this year’s presentation will take place at a later date since the 2020 meeting will be held virtually.

Dupuis, who has been a member of ASHG for more than 20 years, has dedicated her research to the development and application of methods for genome-wide associate studies, with an emphasis on the development of novel statistical approaches to analyze genetic data collected on large families. She has mentored and trained many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have since received awards of their own, as well as independent funding for their research.

“I have had the great fortune of having outstanding mentors throughout my career,” says Dupuis, who continues to consult with her mentors. “I have realized early on that I would never be able to repay my mentors, but one thing that I can do is to pass along the great advice that I have received to the next generation. I am extremely humbled to be named among prior recipients of this award.”

Dupuis believes that she can have the greatest impact on the fields of biostatistics and public health by enabling others to succeed. She says her mentoring philosophy is two-pronged: to provide information that enables her mentees to make good career decisions, and to create opportunities for her mentees.

“When my mentees are faced with a decision, I will rarely tell them what I think, but I will help them sort through the pros and cons so that they can arrive at a decision that is right for them,” she says. “Whatever decision they make—whether I agree or not—I will offer them my full support so that they can be successful.

“Seeing my mentees succeed is the greatest reward of mentoring,” says Dupuis.

In a nomination letter for the Mentorship Award, Audrey Hendricks, assistant professor of statistics at The University of Colorado-Denver and a mentee of Dupuis, wrote that Dupuis has been an “integral mentor” to numerous students and fellows.

“I have heard others refer to Josée as a lifelong mentor; I could not agree more,” said Hendricks.

In addition to chairing the Department of Biostatistics at SPH, Dupuis teaches Statistical Genetics II (BS860) and also serves as an investigator for the Framingham Heart Study, collaborating with researchers to identify genes related to diabetes, pulmonary function, and atrial fibrillation.

Founded in 1948, ASHG is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists throughout the world, with a goal to advance human genetics and genomics in science, health, and society in research, education, and advocacy. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics.

—Jillian McKoy