Beckman Institute Mentorship Prize

The inaugural Nemko Mentorship Prize, administered by Caltech's Beckman Institute, has been awarded to Dr. David Delgadillo (postdoc, CCE, Nelson Lab) and Dr. Jacob Rothbaum (postdoc, CCE, Hadt Lab).

Graduate students and postdocs whose research makes use of Beckman Institute facilities and centers were eligible to apply. Each application included letters of support from the candidates' mentees, describing applicants' commitment to mentorship in the lab as well as through cross-campus and community-wide efforts.

Delgadillo's and Rothbaum's mentees described them both as highly engaged and compassionate colleagues, committed to training students not only in science but in professional activities such as publication, conference presentations, and public speaking. One student noted that Rothbaum's mentorship was "a key factor" in their ability to succeed in their degree program. Mentees described both Rothbaum and Delgadillo as "passionate" scientists and "role models" of excellence and leadership.

Mentees also noted both awardees' commitment to increasing access to science research and working with students from communities historically underrepresented in chemistry (and in academic STEM research generally). Delgadillo gives science presentations at local middle schools and high schools and leads tours of Caltech labs for Pasadena City College students interested in pursuing science careers. He points to Caltech's Summer Research Connection and Science Journeys programs as ideal opportunities for grad students and postdocs to connect with the broader community and "communicate their work in a way that resonates with younger students." Rothbaum participates in Rising Tide, a Caltech outreach program that works with students at Pasadena City College, and WAVE, a summer research fellowship for students from historically underrepresented communities.

The prize was established by a donation from longtime Caltech supporter Dr. Marty Nemko, author and career coach. Nemko's commitment to active mentorship stems from the formative relationships he enjoyed with his own mentors early in his career. Beckman Institute Director Dr. Marianne Bronner, Edward B. Lewis Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering, is also deeply invested mentoring students and trainees; she is the 2023 recipient of Caltech's Shirley M. Malcom Prize for Excellence in Mentoring. Nemko's and Bronner's shared interests in recognizing mentorship achievement among early-career researchers led to the establishment of this prize, which, thanks to Dr. Nemko's gift, will continue to be offered annually for the next several years.

The Beckman Institute is proud to offer this award to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders. Application dates for the 2026-27 cycle will be announced in Fall 2026.