REACH-HBMC Celebrates Outstanding Summer 2024 Research Mentors
November 12, 2024 - by Aria Small and Sonoo Thadaney Israni
In the spirit of the season for giving thanks, we on the Stanford REACH-HBMC Summer Research Program team would like to express our immense gratitude for the extraordinary impact of our Summer 2024 mentors. These distinguished Stanford colleagues were recently nominated by their mentees to receive 2024 RISE (Recognizing Individuals for Support and Empowerment) Awards, and we would like to take this opportunity to share some of the wonderful things that were said.
One powerful theme from these heartfelt nominations stands out above the rest: our REACH-HBMC mentors consistently exemplify the art of “intentional mentorship,” by creating purposeful opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery. The impact of these mentors reverberates through their intentional approach to guidance, creating environments where mentees feel both challenged and supported.
The commitment of our faculty mentors extends far beyond the laboratory bench and research supervision and encompasses career development, professional networking, and personal growth. By organizing meaningful events, sharing personal experiences, and creating inclusive spaces, these mentors exemplify the REACH-HBMC Program's mission of fostering excellence while nurturing the next generation of medical leaders from Historically Black Medical Colleges (HBMCs).
Thank you to the tremendous village that works to support REACH-HBMC Summer Research Program and foster these meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
About the Program
The REACH-HBMC Summer Research Program was launched by PRESENCE and the Department of Medicine in 2017 with two mentees from Meharry Medical College and, upon joining forces with the REACH Initiative in 2022, now collaborates with all four of our nation’s Historically Black Medical Colleges (HBMCs) to bring mentees for 8-weeks of research across our School of Medicine (SoM). In 2024, we hosted 55 mentees across 18 SoM Departments and Institutes.
2024 RISE Award Winners
Cara Liebert, MD (Surgery)
Nominated by Reyonna Maloney, Morehouse School of Medicine
“She was a great mentor all summer. Outside of research, she helped me with a lot of academic and professional skills. She was always responsive and allowed me to have many simulation opportunities."
Jonathan Lin, MD, PhD (Pathology)
Nominated by Angel Sims, Morehouse School of Medicine
“Dr. Lin went above and beyond as a mentor this summer. He presented me with wonderful opportunities and, through these opportunities, I made great connections. I also admire how knowledgeable he is and have learned a lot through the summer experience! “
Alarice Cheng-Yi Lowe, MD (Pathology)
Nominated by Angel Sims, Morehouse School of Medicine and Mishaal Gardezi, Meharry Medical College
“Dr. Lowe was outstandingly supportive this summer! I enjoyed learning more about Pathology and her facilitating a detailed tour around the department. She also connected me with wonderful individuals. I hope to become a dedicated, knowledgeable, and kind physician like her in the future!”
Byung (Jason) Chul Yoon, MD, PhD (Radiology)
Nominated by Vishal Rao, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“He made my research experience an overwhelmingly comfortable and exciting environment. He challenged me to think critically, guided me on formulating processes for our experiment, and stimulated interest in research overall. Additionally, his life advice and passion for the field of radiology furthered my desire to pursue this medical specialty!”
Alyce Sophia Adams, PhD (Medicine/Cancer Institute)
Nominated by Chinaza Udekwe, Meharry Medical College
“Dr. Adams was an incredible mentor to me this summer. She pushed me to work hard and think outside of the box, but she was extremely kind and supportive. She helped me develop any ideas I brought forth and gave me great advice. She even invited me to attend multiple conferences and get exposed to groundbreaking research happening across the country. I could not have asked for a better mentor and I hope to continue working with her!”
Jill Helms, PhD, DDS (Surgery)
Nominated by David Stewart, Meharry Medical College
“Jill has been an amazing mentor since the moment I met her. Not only did she teach me a tremendous amount about research and the world of medicine but she's also connected me with other surgeons who have made a substantial impact on my career. I went to Stanford with no publications and no hopes of a publication, and with the help of Jill I'll have at least 5 publications by the time I graduate, 3 of which I'll be first author on. This has been not only an experience that lasted for the summer but I'm also keeping in close contact with her. [...] Jill has not only changed my understanding of research but also has helped jumpstart my career.”
Michelle L. James, PhD (Radiology)
Nominated by Desiree D'Moore, Morehouse School of Medicine
“Michelle fostered my passions and made this summer unforgettable. I was able to reconnect with my love for the sciences while enjoying the company of like-minded individuals. I'm certain Michelle understands how deeply grateful I am to her for allowing me to be myself and uplifting me throughout this journey. Her openness about overcoming adversity made me feel less alone, and she has truly become one of my biggest role models.”
Erinn Rankin, PhD (Radiation Oncology)
Nominated by Briana Lopez, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“Dr. Erinn Rankin, my mentor, was brilliant and did her best to make me feel included in the lab and was so kind in giving me life and career advice that I will carry with me throughout my life.”
Irogue Igbinosa, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Nominated by Sabrina Montgomery, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“Dr. Igbinosa went out of her way to mentor me, and she wasn't directly my primary mentor. She allowed me to sit in on meetings and work on her project with her, which led to an end product that I was not expecting. She included me constantly and consistently as a part of her team, which made me feel very welcomed. She also was very intentional about mentoring me one-on-one as a Black woman physician in research and medicine. She made intentional events such as the OB/GYN DEI mixer, where she invited all of the HBMC mentees to connect with the OB department faculty and residents. She made my experience very memorable.”
Katherine Bianco, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Nominated by Sabrina Montgomery, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“Dr. Katherine Bianco was extremely kind to me. From allowing me to borrow a bike of hers to going beyond the requirements of the program for my individual learning. [...] She was also very intentional about mentoring me to prepare me for sub-I's and residency. She connected me with other mentees and was very encouraging about the work I did over the summer. “
Sharon Williams, PhD (Psychiatry)
Nominated by Teneshia Huggins, Howard University College of Medicine
“Dr. Williams was instrumental in my learning more about the field of psychiatry and connecting me with those at Stanford that could give more insight into my future. [...] Coming into the program I was unsure about Psychiatry but with Dr. Williams being in charge, she made sure I connected with those in the department and ensured we met the head faculty in a very intentional way. Each meeting opened my eyes to what Psychiatry offered and informed me more about a field I didn't really consider. Dr. Williams made my time at Stanford truly impactful and I am forever grateful.”
Andrea Reitsma (Surgery)
Nominated by Reyonna Maloney, Morehouse School of Medicine
“She took me under her wing when I first arrived in the lab. She was my main point of contact and helped guide me throughout the summer. I know she had a lot to do in her position, but she was very helpful to me.”
Anthony Giuliano (Radiation Oncology)
Nominated by Briana Lopez, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“Tony went above and beyond to help me get connections in the Department of Radiation Oncology and I will forever be grateful for his generosity and kindness towards me throughout the summer.”
Josselyn Pena (Surgery)
Nominated by Reyonna Maloney, Morehouse School of Medicine
"She was very helpful during my time at Stanford. She was working on her dissertation, but was still available for help and advice!"
Stephanie A. Leonard, PhD (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Nominated by Sabrina Montgomery, Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine
“I am nominating Dr. Leonard because of her dedication to teaching me the important aspects of research as well as her commitment to fostering a longitudinal relationship with me. She was very patient and equipped me with everything I needed to succeed over the summer and beyond. She was also very willing to connect me with other physicians in the department so that I would have a well rounded learning experience.”