The Society for Pediatric Research Announces Dr. David McCulley as 2026 President-Elect
HOUSTON, July 14, 2026 – The Society for Pediatric Research® is pleased to announce David McCulley, MD, as the incoming President-Elect. He will serve as President-Elect from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, then take office as President from September 1, 2027 through August 31, 2028.
Dr. McCulley is a Neonatologist with the Division of Neonatology at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
His research focuses on investigating the genetic and developmental mechanisms responsible for lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension in people with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Dr. McCulley’s lab collaborates with human geneticists, developmental biologists, and pulmonary vascular physiologists to determine the underlying mechanisms of this disease and identify novel approaches to promote lung and pulmonary vascular development, with the goal of improving outcomes for children with CDH.
Throughout his career, Dr. McCulley has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to SPR and its mission to cultivate a diverse network of child health researchers through collaboration, community, mentorship, and advocacy. As an engaged leader within the Society, he has served in several roles, including the SPR Organizational Partnerships Chair (2023-2026) on the Executive Council and President of the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research (MSPR) in 2023. He also partnered with SPR leadership to develop the National Research Cohorts Program, a nationwide initiative that provides mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities for early-stage investigators.
“I am deeply honored to serve as President of the Society for Pediatric Research. SPR has had a profound impact on my career by providing opportunities to collaborate, mentor, and grow alongside an extraordinary and diverse community of child health researchers. I look forward to working alongside all members of the child health research community to advance collaboration, scientific discovery, and innovation that improve the health of children,” said David McCulley, MD.
“Dr. McCulley has been an exceptional leader and champion of SPR for many years,” said SPR President, Eric D. Austin, MD, MSc. “From strengthening partnerships with our regional and international colleagues in Japan and Europe, to work with our emerging scholars in small group settings, to his efforts across other domains, his contributions have had a profound impact on our Society. I am grateful to see Dr. McCulley continue his service in the three-year cycle of President-Elect – President – Past President. I know his collaborative leadership, dedication to mentorship, and passion for pediatric research with serve SPR and our members exceptionally well.”
SPR congratulates Dr. McCulley on his election as President-Elect. We look forward to his leadership and vision as SPR continues to advance pediatric research and support a diverse community of pediatric scientists.
About the Society for Pediatric Research
The Society for Pediatric Research® (SPR) encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by cultivating a diverse network of child health researchers through collaboration, community, mentorship, and advocacy. 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 LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.
