HCC Mentors Recognized for Paying it Forward

2024 CURE Mentor Appreciation Event

Published  12/2/2024

On November 6th, Karen Burns White, James DeCaprio, MD, PhD, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's incoming CEO Benjamin Ebert, MD, PhD addressed a crowd of CURE students, CURE mentors, colleagues, and staff to kick off the 2024 HCC CURE Mentor Appreciation Award Ceremony.

Mark Murakami
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Mentor of: Mia Blennau, Medjina Oscar, Wilmer Abdiel Huggins Rivera, 2024

Mentee Quote: 
"Dr. Murakami has not only provided me with an in-depth understanding of oncology but has also encouraged me to develop essential life and professional skills, all while supporting me through the college process with wisdom and advice. He has inspired me to become a more curious, resilient person, encouraging me to approach challenges with a mindset of growth and persistence."

Shannon Stott, PhD
d’Arbeloff MGH Research Scholar 2022-2027
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mentor of: Judy Huynh, 2024

Mentee Quote: 
"Currently, I am in the process of applying for my Co-op, and I can confidently say that Dr. Stott's influence has gravitated me to oncology as one of my top choices. 
Even after the internship, her continuous support of me with my nursing aspirations and job applications, as well as encouragement has helped me grow personally and professionally."

Stecia-Marie Fletcher, PhD
Research Fellow, Radiology
President, Postdoc Leadership Council '23 - '24
Postdoctoral Fellow Representative, Research Oversight Committee
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Mentor of: Sofia Martinez, Vanessa Murati, 2024

Mentee Quote: 
"In my amazing time at CURE, one thing I deeply admire and appreciate about Dr Fletcher is how much she cares. In every instance this past summer, she committed herself to making sure I had an enriching fun experience at the lab, encouraging me to attend networking events and to reach out to professionals. She constantly checked in with me and made me feel supported." 

Marilyn Hammer, PhD, DC, RN, FAAN
Instructor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Director, Phyllis F. Cantor Center
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Ijeoma Eche-Ugwu, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, AOCNP, CPHON, BMTCN
Instructor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Nurse Scientist, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Rachel Pozzar, PhD, RN, FNP-BC
Instructor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Associate Director, Phyllis F. Cantor Center
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Mentors of: Bali Henkel, Fiona Williams, Amerie Jackson, 2024

Quotes:
"Her mentorship is not just about teaching technical skills; it's about helping create a deeper understanding of how research can improve lives."

"Dr. Hammer not only helped me find a solution but turned what felt like a roadblock into a powerful learning experience."

"Their incredible depth of knowledge and experience seamlessly introduced me to a whole new side of medicine whole sparking a love for clinical research."