At the Fall Welcome Event on August 25, 2026, the Center for Bioethics recognized Katherine R. Peeler, MD, MA and Brian M. Cummings, MD with its annual teaching awards.
Although the Center traditionally presents one award for Harvard medical student teaching and one for Master of Science in Bioethics (MBE) student teaching, this year's honorees teach across both programs. Their awards celebrate their contributions to the education of medical and graduate students alike. Katherine was unable to attend the ceremony to receive her award, while Brian was present to accept his in person.
Students praised Dr. Peeler for creating engaging, welcoming spaces for discussions of sensitive ethical topics and for drawing on her experience as a pediatric intensivist to make complex issues accessible and relevant.
"Dr. Peeler was an absolute gem! She made ethics sessions so interactive and exciting."
Students also recognized Dr. Cummings for his calm and compassionate teaching style, clinical expertise, and ability to foster thoughtful, challenging discussions.
"Dr. Cummings was incredible—easily one of the best professors I’ve ever had."
The Center congratulates Dr. Peeler and Dr. Cummings and thanks them for their dedication to teaching across the Harvard bioethics community.
The Center also recognizes the Capstone Mentors who have reached an important milestone: five full academic years of mentoring in the MBE Capstone Program.
We are grateful to the following mentors:
- Michael Ieong, MD
- Rebecca H. Li, PhD
- Benjamin C. Silverman, MD
Through their mentorship, Capstone Mentors play an essential role in connecting MBE students' academic learning with the practical work of bioethics. Their guidance helps students develop projects grounded in their professional interests and prepares them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they move forward in their careers.
Rebecca and Benjamin were unable to attend the ceremony to receive their certificates, while Michael was present to accept his in person. Please join us in congratulating these mentors and thanking them for their continued commitment to our students.