Markella Zanni, MD

Director of Women’s Health Research, Metabolism Unit, Endocrine Division, MGH; Associate Chief Metabolism Unit, MGH; Associate Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School

From Dr. Zanni’s nominations: 

Dr. Zanni has played a transformative role in my career development as an underrepresented in medicine faculty member, and her steadfast commitment to mentoring and diversity in academia is nothing short of exemplary.

What sets Dr. Zanni apart as a mentor is her unparalleled generosity with her time and expertise. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide advice, encouragement, and valuable insights. Dr. Zanni approaches mentorship with a warm smile and unwavering reassurance, creating an environment where her mentees feel empowered to grow and succeed.

One of the most remarkable aspects of working with Dr. Zanni is that she shows genuine care and concern for her mentees as individuals, not just as faculty members. She maintains a deep and meaningful connection by checking in frequently and offering words of encouragement whenever we might encounter personal or professional obstacles. Her investment in our well-being fosters a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that I didn’t even realize I was lacking before I began working with her.

Dr. Zanni’s mentorship has not only accelerated my professional growth but has also instilled in me the belief that no goal is out of reach. Her staunch support and guidance have been an antidote for the venom of imposter syndrome; whenever I have found myself doubting my abilities, she has been there to remind me that I am competent, I am talented, I am capable and I am deserving. She has provided me with unwavering support, advocacy, guidance, and sponsorship – all of which have been essential to the advancement of my research/ academic career.

Lauren Breithaupt, PhD

Assistant Professor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

From Dr. Breithaupt’s nominations:

Lauren’s initiative to make sure I was being properly compensated for my work demonstrates her dedication to uplifting students of different socioeconomic backgrounds, rather than just those who can afford an incredible research opportunity.

Dr. Breithaupt has hit the ground running, bringing important new concepts and procedures into our translational research program, immersing herself in our multi-disciplinary team, and emerging as a natural leader.

One recent coordinator who was with our team for 2 years before moving onto a clinical psychology PHD program shared, “Lauren took every opportunity to help us grow. She mentored us through writing a publication [resulting in a first-author meta-analytic review for this trainee], and was always willing to review my applications and meet with me about the graduate school application process. I am so grateful to her!”

Importantly, Lauren’s role as a mentor has had a tremendous impact on our program’s mission to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the field of eating disorders. Specifically, Lauren has made it her priority to recruit and mentor individuals who have been historically underrepresented in the sciences, and further, in the field of eating disorders research.

Dr. Breithaupt supported my Diversity Fellowship, and through this, she has mentored me on several first-authored poster presentations and manuscripts and has devoted a significant amount of time to my growth.