2025 Western SPR Medical Research Conference Recap

HOUSTON, January 28, 2025 – David McCulley, MD, SPR North American Regional Ambassador, shared his experience at the 2025 Western Society for Pediatric Research (WSPR) Medical Research Conference last week.

“The Western SPR meeting provides a fantastic opportunity for investigators who conduct research in child health to share their recent findings, network with people conducting similar work in the western region, and promote the importance of improving healthcare of children. Best of all, the Western SPR meeting provides an outstanding venue for early-stage investigators to present their research for the first time” said Dr. McCulley.

“Shierica Veloria, an undergraduate student at UCSD who works with me, presented her work investigating the mechanisms of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The session where she presented included presentations by world leaders in lung biology. The audience, and environment generally, is incredibly supportive of people who are at early stages of their careers and many of the senior presenters and WSPR leadership commented on how this meeting was their first chance to present their work at a scientific meeting when they were trainees.

Person wearing a dark business suit, white dress shirt, and a navy tie with small white polka dots, posed against a solid blue background.

David McCulley, MD
SPR North American Regional Ambassador

A person standing behind a podium with a laptop and microphone, gesturing with one hand while presenting in a conference or meeting setting. The background is plain, and several cables are visible on the podium.

Shierica Veloria
University of California, San Diego

The meeting featured talks by invited speakers from institutions around the country and highlighted mentorship by outstanding leaders including Dr. Satyan Lakshminrusimha, who received the WSPR Joseph St. Geme Jr. Mentorship Award. Dr. Lakshminrusimha is an inspirational mentor and role model for child health researchers at his home institution, in the western region, as well as nationally and internationally. Recognition of the significance of his mentorship through this award was a highlight of this year’s annual meeting.”

A person standing at a podium giving a presentation in a conference room. The large screen behind shows a colorful slide featuring an illustration of an infant connected to an oxygen device, along with text discussing “Floor FiO₂” and oxygen management in PPHN. The slide includes a poll with percentage results for different FiO₂ levels.

Satyan Lakshminrusimha, MD, MBBS
WSPR Joseph St. Geme Jr. Mentorship Award Recipient

Dr. McCulley continued, “Western SPR as a society is thriving with leadership by Past President Dr. Mariana Baserga, President Dr. Kathleen Angkustsiri, and Secretary Treasurer Dr. Shanlee Davis and a great partner, collaborator to focus on the SPR mission to cultivate a diverse network of child health researchers through collaboration, community, mentorship, and advocacy. These ideas and this mission specifically are shared by WSPR, SPR, and each of the regional societies that focus on pediatric research. Looking forward to attending the upcoming Southern SPR meeting and Eastern SPR meeting!”

WSPR Officers

President

Kathleen Angkustsiri, MD
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
University of California, Davis

Past President

Mariana Baserga, MD
Neonatology
University of Utah

Secretary Treasurer

Shanlee Davis, MD
Endocrinology
University of Colorado

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About the Society for Pediatric Research

The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multidisciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health. For more information, please visit www.societyforpediatricresearch.org, and follow us on Facebook and X.