HCC Mentors Recognized for Paying it Forward

2025 CURE Mentor Appreciation Event

Published  12/11/2025

Karen Burns White, James DeCaprio, MD, PhD, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's CEO Benjamin Ebert, MD, PhD addressed a crowd of CURE students, CURE mentors, colleagues, and staff to kick off the 2025 HCC CURE Mentor Appreciation Award Ceremony.

Our first recognition and appreciation is Dr. David A. Drew (MGH), an Assistant Professor at the Mongan Institute at MGH. (second from right)

Mentee Quotes: 
"My time in Dr. Drew’s lab was truly inspiring and deeply formative in shaping what I want to do with my future. It was my first time in a research setting, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Dr. Drew and his lab members immediately made me feel welcome and supported. The culture in his lab truly reflects the kind of mentor and leader he is. Dr. Drew's mentorship was unmatched; he was always available and open to any questions I had or to general conversations about research and my future endeavors. I am genuinely thankful for the time I spent under Dr. Drew's mentorship because it truly has had a lasting impact on my confidence as a scientist and my love for science.

Dr. Drew created an environment that encouraged critical thinking and collaboration while ensuring that every student felt supported and valued. His mentorship extended beyond research; he consistently inspired us to approach challenges with curiosity and integrity.

Dr. Zhenbo Tu (BIDMC) (second from right)

Our next awardee is Dr. Zhenbo Tu, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Antoine Karnoub’s lab. The Karnoub lab has been hosting students since 2017, and Zhenbo has worked with several of our CURE students over the last 4 years. His commitment to CURE students does not end when the summer ends, but rather continues into the academic year as students return to conduct research during the semester. His students have said:

Mentee Quote: 
"He was always willing to help and guide me through anything, no matter what. He was also extremely humble and approachable, which made it so easy to learn from him. If you ever needed something, he would be the first to step in and offer a hand. The lab itself was an amazing place to be and it honestly cemented my love for research. Dr. Karnoub was also fantastic, always open to helping out and trying new ideas. The whole work environment was practically perfect, filled with some of the best people I have ever met. Looking back, I really cherish those memories."

Dr. Elijah Mena (BWH) (second from right)

Dr. Elijah Mena, who has been volunteering with the CURE Program since 2021 and has provided both informal and formal mentorship to numerous CURE trainees. Elijah stands out for his unwavering dedication to training young people in scientific research and enthusiasm for the CURE Program, serving as a journal club facilitator and developing journal club curriculum, demonstrating leadership as a summer assistant for the CURE Program, and mentoring CURE students in the research environment. His students have said:

Mentee Quote: 
"Elijah has a rare way of mentoring that truly stands out. He is patient, caring, and incredibly well-rounded, combining deep scientific knowledge with a strong work ethic. What sets him apart is how he challenges you to think critically while also supporting your growth, making you feel capable of tackling complex problems. Working with him has not only given me meaningful exposure to research but also inspired me to approach my future career in medicine with the same dedication, curiosity, and integrity he demonstrates every day." 

Dr. Philip A. Cole (pictured), a Professor of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology

Dr. Cole has served as a mentor for the CURE program since 2019, inviting a total of six trainees into his lab for their mentored research training. Students thrive under Dr. Cole’s mentorship and many attend the Annual Biomedical Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS) to present the work they do with him each summer. His trainees have said:

Quotes:
"Dr. Cole was an exemplary PI during the time I was within his lab. He made sure to not only confirm I met my goals as part of the CURE program, but also push me to understand and internalize every aspect of my research. Working with Dr. Cole was my first formal research experience, and I couldn’t think of a better person to have been my first PI."