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Mentorship

The Power of Mentorship

Burke Fellowship Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Bonds

Matthew Bonds (Burke Fellow ’20) talks about his research through Pivot, a non-profit organization he co-founded, and how his Burke Fellowship award helped him advance that work.

As a former HGHI Burke Fellow, Matthew Bonds, now Associate Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, knows first-hand how transformational the fellowship is. That is why he decided to give back to the community that helped shape his career by serving as a mentor to incoming fellows. He offered guidance to his first Burke mentee Demetrice “Dee” Jordan (Burke Global Health Research Fellow ’23) and helped her refine her research skills. This year, he is supporting Fabian Reitzug (HGHI-Salata Burke Climate and Health Fellow ’25) in investigating how community health workers can help mitigate the health impacts of climate change in rural Madagascar—a project that aligns closely with Matt’s work on health equity and systems strengthening at Pivot, a non-profit organization he co-founded.

Mentorship as a Dynamic Relationship

(Left to right) David Jones, Dee Jordan, and Matthew Bonds
(Left to right) David Jones, A. Bernard Ackerman Professor of the Culture of Medicine Institution at Harvard Medical School; Demetrice “Dee” Jordan, Instructor in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School; and Matthew Bonds, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School

“Mentorship, to me, is both a responsibility and a privilege—one rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and the unwavering belief that people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued,“ said Jordan. “Matt is the epitome of those characteristics, as he strives to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where mentees can bring their full selves, ambitions, doubts, and lived experiences, and know they will be met with thoughtful support.”

Bond’s open-door policy is not just symbolic; it reflects a core commitment to showing up, consistently, compassionately, and without pretense. He views mentoring as a dynamic relationship grounded in trust, where progress is not always linear, and support must extend across the arc of both personal and professional experiences. Whether his mentees are celebrating a career milestone or grieving a personal loss, he holds space for life’s ebbs and flows, offers perspective, and, most importantly, is present.

Supporting The Next Gen in Global Health

“Matt has helped me and his other mentees not only overcome barriers, but to see ourselves as capable of transforming the systems we navigate,” Jordan added. “He leads with kindness, advocates fiercely, and encourages thoughtful reflection that looks forward and backward simultaneously. Above all, he believes that cultivating confidence and wellness are foundational to scholarly success. I hope to instill in others what I’ve learned from Matt, that leadership begins with listening, and lasting impact begins with care.” 

The warmth and kindness of Bonds’ mentorship style shine through almost instantaneously.

“From my first cold email, Matt has been extremely welcoming and supportive,” said Reitzug. “As a mentee, I can see how thoughtfully he engages with my ideas. He always makes sure that I am able to conduct research I find exciting, and he’s also excellent at deeply involving Pivot staff to make the research as equitable and collaborative as possible.”

Through these mentorship roles, Bonds helps build a pipeline of scholars and practitioners committed to addressing complex global health challenges. His leadership extends beyond one-on-one mentorship: as a judge at the 2025 Harvard Global Health Research Student Showcase, he helped spotlight emerging undergraduate student projects and innovative ideas in the field. His continued engagement is a powerful example of how the Burke Fellowship fosters long-term connections and collective impact.

In addition to being a crucial member of the HGHI fellowship community, Bonds is a driving force in global health equity. He recently presented his work in Madagascar at an HGHI event, showcasing the importance of integrating science, data, and implementation in advancing global health. In his research and in his role as a Burke mentor, Bonds truly exemplifies the spirit of “lift as you climb”.

About the Harvard Global Health Institute’s Fellowship Programs

The Harvard Global Health Institute’s Fellowship Programs offer valuable opportunities for emerging global health leaders to advance their careers, receive expert mentorship, and connect with Harvard’s diverse community of health professionals. The HGHI Burke Global Health Fellowships and the HGHI-Salata Burke Climate and Health Fellowship provide funding for postdocs and junior faculty for their innovative research and curriculum development in global health; while the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a mid-career professional development opportunity specifically designed to promote leadership skills in leaders from low- and middle-income countries.