Early Career Leadership Spotlight: José Humberto da Cunha

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

José Humberto da Cunha
Accessibility Subcommittee
University of São Paulo

Research Interest

My research interest is in human and medical genetics, specifically skull and face dysmorphology, teratology, and related syndromes. I like to research the genetic factors that lead to congenital anomalies in families of carriers and affected individuals. In addition to genetics, other factors associated with environmental exposure contribute to congenital anomalies. One of them, which is part of my study in teratology, is the disease of diabetes mellitus, which triggers many changes during the formation of the embryo. I am directly affected by this due to my mother’s insulin imbalance when she was pregnant with me. As a result, I have bilateral hearing loss, facial paralysis on the right side, neurogenic bladder, malformation of the fingers on the right hand, and heart disease. And with that, I intend to investigate how to reduce the risks of congenital anomalies in gestational diabetes in the next generations.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Diabetes mellitus is a public health problem in Brazil, as well as worldwide. Therefore, I consider it of greater personal interest to raise new questions and continue previous studies around it. The affected phenotype in diabetes mellitus stems from a wide spectrum that can be found in a mother-child relationship during the gestational period. The Brazilian population is heterogeneous due to immigration from Europe, Africa, and West Asia. This both makes the study of the disease interesting and suitable for comparison with others from around the world and also opens the conversation about lowering the risks of congenital anomalies.

My career interest is primarily research. Currently, I develop strategies to organize patient data, identify risks through clinical symptoms and patient family history, and, thus, verify the occurrences of genetic syndromes in the literature. To deepen my analysis, I also create tables with the data, apply the necessary quantitative formulas, and treat this research in a broader and more complex way, just as others in population genetics have done. I want to continue my study around diabetes mellitus in my master’s degree in rehabilitation sciences at the Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofacial in Brazil.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

I aim to promote values essential for fostering a productive and harmonious scientific enterprise. This begins with prioritizing the assessment of social dynamics within research groups, ensuring that respect, empathy, and effective communication prevail. Additionally, offering support and resources, such as psychological assistance, I emphasize the importance of self-reflection to enhance personal conduct and professional relationships. In my interactions with fellow researchers, I advocate for inclusive practices, constructive feedback, and a collaborative spirit aimed at advancing knowledge for societal benefit.

Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines enriches perspectives and fosters collaboration. I plan to share the significance of networking in science by leading through example and engaging in interdisciplinary communication. I aim to discuss my research projects and accomplishments with enthusiasm, stepping out of my comfort zone to interact with others passionate about various fields. By promoting networking as a vital aspect of scientific progress, I hope to inspire others to embrace collaboration and knowledge exchange across boundaries.

Ultimately, by embodying these values and promoting them within the scientific community, I aim to cultivate a culture where curiosity thrives, relationships flourish, and knowledge is shared for the betterment of society.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, my main objective is to help researchers with disabilities from all parts of the world perform well in their research career. I want to understand the accessibility challenges faced by scientists and find solutions that would help scientists with disabilities reach their professional goals. I plan to accomplish this through social media and web outreach, social inclusion projects, and advocacy for a more accessible and equitable scientific community for all.

I also want to promote intercultural dialogue around disability in the scientific community. Since every region of the world has a different culture around disability, there are a lot of opportunities for people to not only learn from each other but also be inspired by one another’s unique personal and professional journeys.

Lastly, as a man with bilateral hearing impairment and other health complications from being the son of a mother who had diabetic complications, I was stereotyped as incapable in childhood by my classmates and teachers, as well as relatives and townspeople. As an accomplished scientist with international experience, I want to tell the world that anything is possible through dedication, respect, humility, and love for others.

Previous leadership experience

• Director of Sports, the Academic Center of Biomedicine at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Creative Director of Marketing & Advertising on social networks, the Academic League of Genetics at the Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba
• Extension Project Developer,  “Conexão LiAGen”, dissemination of basic notions of genetics through social networks
• Senior Ambassador in the Health Sciences area in the science extension project “À Brasileirinha: Organização de eventos científicos, debates e aulas práticas em prol da divulgação científica para a população acadêmica e da comunidade local da cidade da instituição do ensino superior”