Mass General Brigham Researchers Share What They're Thankful for This Year

“I am thankful for the large team of ‘unsung heroes’ in the Chief Academic Office that support all aspects of our research infrastructure, which includes the grant administrators, members of the Institutional Review Board, the Mass General Brigham Biobank team, the Digital team and the Clinical Trials Office. We could not be the research powerhouse that we are without their tools and services. I’m thankful for our administrative assistants who work to maintain research operations without delays. I’m also thankful for the donors that generously support our research programs and allow us to launch new areas of research that are not eligible yet for funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).” 

Paul Anderson, MD, PhD
Chief Academic Officer
Mass General Brigham

"As a clinician-researcher at Mass General Brigham, I am most thankful to the amazing technicians, nurses, research assistants, residents and fellows, and, of course, my colleagues and mentors that I work with every day. It is a privilege to work alongside inspiring people that strive to do their best!” 

Ines Lains, MD, PhD
Investigator, Ophthalmology
Mass Eye and Ear

"I am so grateful for our amazing administrative staff who work at our front desk, in our phone center and behind the scenes. They ensure patients get the care they need before, during and after their clinician visit." 

Jeffery Huffman, MD
Investigator, Department of Psychiatry
Massachusetts General Hospital

“I'm grateful for how we work as an integrated team of clinical, research, education, program and administrative staff to serve the needs of our patients. We all support each other amidst the intensity. I find our ability to weave our clinical and research initiatives a source of daily wonder and appreciation.” 

Nomi C. Levy-Carrick, MD, MPhil 
Vice Chair of Clinical Programs, Department of Psychiatry
Brigham and Women's Hospital

“I am exceptionally grateful that I get to work with and for a group of clinician-researcher-healers who are striving to improve the common good. I am grateful for an institution like Mass General Brigham that embodies trauma-informed practices and approaches. This institution prioritizes creating a safe environment for its members and supports my research in trauma-informed systems change. A trauma-informed world is a better, safer world."

Alisha Moreland-Capuia, MD, MACPsych 
Investigator, Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders
McLean Hospital

“I’m grateful to be an active member of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital postdoc community, which is dedicated not only to advancing research but also to shaping the future of science for the better. Initially, I was more of an observer than a participant. However, I found myself inspired by the community's ideas and passion to create a supportive and enriching environment. The opportunity to improve the postdoctoral experience—from advocating for better resources and policies to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity—motivated me to get actively involved.”

Lien Nguyen, PhD
President of the Postdoc Leadership Council
Brigham and Women’s Hospital 

“I am eternally grateful for the mentorship I have received at Massachusetts General Hospital. My mentors have forever altered my career trajectory and showed me I am capable of achieving more than I ever thought would be possible. They have advocated for me, protected me, and taught me how to conduct rigorous clinical research on interventions that are near and dear to my heart.”

Maren Nyer, PhD
Investigator, Department of Psychiatry
Massachusetts General Hospital

“I always respond to this question with the same answer: the people. I am thankful to Lizbeth (Liz) Ayoub, Andrew (Andy) Bolender, Karen Lin and Junhwan Lee, who make research happen at all levels. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes and continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in our field of study.  I am also deeply grateful to my mentors, Vitaly Napadow and Brad Kuo, whose guidance, wisdom and support have shaped my research journey. And, of course, I am thankful to our patients who offer their time and engage in our research efforts that seek to improve the quality of life for patients with gastrointestinal conditions."

Roberta Sclocco, PhD 
Investigator, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Spaulding Rehabilitation 

“As a researcher at Mass General Brigham, I’m incredibly thankful for the collaborative spirit that fuels so much of our work. Working alongside inspiring colleagues at institutions, like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Broad Institute, has made each day a rewarding journey of shared discovery. I’m also grateful for the support from ARPA-H, the Gates Foundation, and Novo Nordisk, whose funding and partnership have allowed me and my team to push boundaries in developing ingestible and implantable devices. These projects hold the potential to transform patient care and knowing that our efforts could positively impact lives keeps me motivated and deeply appreciative of this shared mission.”

Gio Traverso, MD, PhD, MBBCH
Investigator, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

“I am thankful for the resources available to me at the Laboratories for Computational Neuroimaging in the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and my generous and knowledgeable colleagues. I’m also thankful for the K99/R00 funding I received from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which is an award that supports postdoctoral scientists and has provided me the opportunity to pursue an exciting career in research!"

Malte Hoffmann, PhD
Investigator, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
Massachusetts General Hospital

“This year, I am particularly thankful for our patients and their families who generously contribute to our clinical trials. Their participation allows us to develop effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, which are starting to show promising results."

Alexandra Touroutoglou, MSc, PhD
Director of Imaging Operations at Frontotemporal Disorders Unit
Massachusetts General Hospital