Media Contact: Kara Flynn, 202.257.8424, press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has named Cinnamon Bloss, PhD, as the recipient of the 2022 Mentorship Award. Dr. Bloss is a tenured Professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego and the Founding Director of the Center for Empathy and Technology, situated within the UC San Diego T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion.
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.
“Dr. Cinnamon Bloss is a dedicated champion for trainees and has elevated their expertise by entrusting them with leadership roles in research projects, grant-writing, and publications,” said ASHG President Charles Rotimi. “Dr. Bloss’s passion for research and steadfast encouragement has transformed trainees by imprinting a lasting love for science, multidisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to social justice and equity.”
Dr. Bloss approaches mentorship with encouragement, opportunities for success, and collaboration. She is praised by her mentees as leading with empathy and compassion. On a weekly basis, she provides updates on research opportunities, seminars, and conferences, which has proven to be invaluable for those at the beginning of their careers in research and eager to learn more about genetics and genomics. Dr. Bloss has mentored over 25 trainees who have first-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles and dozens of conference abstracts.
“Although I’d worked in research for several years, it was only due to Dr. Bloss’ mentorship that I realized how much I’d enjoy a research career,” said Burcu F. Darst, PhD, in Dr. Bloss’ nomination letter, who was mentored by Dr. Bloss from 2010 to 2013. “She taught me how meaningful and rewarding a research career can be, gave me opportunities to contribute to high impact research, and network with others through attending ASHG at an early career stage, and encouraged me to pursue a PhD to become an independent investigator. I’m now enthusiastically preparing my transition to Assistant Professor—a direct result of her confidence in me, and her thoughtful and patient mentorship that set me on this career path ten years ago.”
Dr. Bloss holds secondary faculty appointments in Psychiatry and Medicine (Division of Biomedical Informatics) at UC San Diego, where she has received multiple teaching awards and also founded a new concentration in Technology and Precision Health for the Master in Public Health degree. Dr. Bloss obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of California San Diego. She is a California-licensed clinical psychologist.
ASHG will recognize this year’s award winners in the weeks prior to the Society’s annual meeting with a series of videos honoring their accomplishments. These videos will also be presented during the meeting, which will be held in Los Angeles on Oct. 25-29.
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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 and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (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://new.ashg.org.
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