Sunil Puria, PhD, a scientist in the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Mass Eye and Ear, has recently been elected President of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), an organization committed to encouraging and promoting basic and clinical research across the field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery.
Dr. Puria, who also serves as Director of Admissions for the Doctoral Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT) at Harvard University, is the fourth Mass Eye and Ear researcher to serve as the organization’s president. Past presidents from Mass Eye and Ear include Joseph B. Nadol, Jr., MD; M. Charles Liberman, PhD; and Steven D. Rauch, MD.
As a member of the ARO since 1990, Dr. Puria has served on various committees within the organization, including its Long Range Planning Committee, External Relations Committee and Program Committee. As president, Dr. Puria will be responsible for ensuring the continued growth and success of the ARO and its meetings, as well as shepherding the strategic plan of the ARO in preparation for its upcoming 50th anniversary. Major components of the plan include building a diverse and supportive member community, enhancing innovation and elevating the outreach and societal impact of the ARO. Critical to the success of the plan, he said, will be efforts made to increase representation among women and underrepresented minorities across the organization.
“Being elected to serve as president is a once-in-a-lifetime-event,” Dr. Puria said. “It’s an honor to hold a title previously held by my internationally renowned counterparts at Mass Eye and Ear.”