Tuesday, April 8, 2025
holds three advanced degrees. He established a thriving research lab that explores
cardiovascular health in pregnant women and new mothers. He mentors future scientists,
serves as a minister at his church and volunteers at local schools sharing his passion
for science with kids.
He achieved all of this and more before the age of 40.
For his outstanding contributions to his field, Mark Cunningham, PhD, MBA, MDiv, assistant professor of physiology at the at The was named to list.
In his role as a faculty member at CBTS his contributions to science and future scientists are apparent. On top of teaching and conducting research, an integral part of Cunningham鈥檚 role is mentoring students in 向日葵视频HSC鈥檚 PhD and MS in Biomedical Sciences programs, guiding them through complex research projects and preparing them for their careers.
鈥淚nvesting in people is a big part of who I am, so I believe in spending a lot of time with my students to make sure they鈥檙e fulfilled. I want my students to understand the science, but I also want to help them be the best versions of themselves,鈥� Cunningham said.
鈥淚 believe that my call is to help them figure out what they want to achieve and empower them toward excellence.鈥�
And Cunningham鈥檚 guidance is paying off. Recently, three of his lab members鈥� Kylie Jones MS, research assistant; Jonna Smith, PhD candidate; and Savanna Smith MS, PhD candidate鈥攁ll published their first, first-author papers in research journals, an important milestone for new scientists.
鈥淓xploration is crucial for scientists to grow in their fields of research and Dr. Cunningham fosters growth in all of us,鈥� Savanna Smith said. 鈥淗e is always thinking outside the box and encouraging new ideas from his mentees. He has created a flexible, explorative environment that allows us to generate and not shy away from the unknown or untested.鈥�
His lab鈥檚 research examines the mechanisms of cerebrovascular dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension in women during pregnancy and postpartum and their offspring. Through that research, Cunningham has an active publishing record, participates in professional societies, and has attended numerous scientific conferences where he has given oral presentations and been the recipient of several awards.
Along with his research, Cunningham is also focused on serving his community. Under his leadership, his lab team volunteers at local schools where they teach kids about careers in science. And outside of his work at 向日葵视频HSC, he mentors young people in his community as assistant minister at the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
The scientific research, mentorship and volunteerism are all part of Cunningham鈥檚 holistic approach to work and life, catering to the minds, bodies and souls of those that he serves. He says that all his efforts align under one purpose: To help others.
鈥淚鈥檓 so honored to receive the 40 Under 40 Award from Fort Worth Inc. Magazine,鈥� Cunningham said.
鈥淭hrough this recognition, I hope that I can inspire others to achieve excellence and be of service to their communities, whether it be through science, teaching, mentoring or simply lending a helping hand.鈥�
Cunningham and the 40 Under 40 honorees were celebrated at a reception, dinner and award ceremony where they received custom-made belt buckles emblazoned with the 40 Under 40 logo to signify their achievement.
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From - Community by Matt Havlik