After celebrating the remarkable work showcased at this year’s poster presentation (Nov. 10, 2025), the Alaska WWAMI E24 class recognized someone whose guidance helped make those accomplishments possible. Dr. Elizabeth Ferucci, Affiliate Professor in the Division of Rheumatology and physician with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, was presented with the Outstanding Research Mentor Award. The award honors faculty mentors who create an environment where students feel encouraged, challenged, and supported throughout the research process. Many students expressed that Dr. Ferucci did exactly that.
In her nomination letter, one student described her as “supportive, accessible, and deeply invested in my growth as a student and future clinician.”
Students emphasized that Dr. Ferucci brought both a framework and reassurance to what can be an overwhelming aspect of medical training.
“Dr. Ferucci provided structure, clarity, and encouragement at every stage,” one student wrote. Another shared how meaningful her responsiveness felt: “She responded quickly and thoughtfully to my emails, offering valuable feedback.”
Her mentorship helped students build lasting scholarly skills, from understanding research design to interpreting complex papers. As one student explained, “These sessions built my confidence in reading and interpreting research.”
Beyond technical expertise, students repeatedly highlighted the example she set through her professionalism and generosity. One comment captured her impact succinctly: “Dr. Ferucci modeled the values of a generous, invested mentor.”
Alaska WWAMI is proud to honor Dr. Ferrucci’s contributions and celebrate the meaningful role she plays in shaping the next generation of physicians.
