At the U’s commencement ceremonies this past spring, the prestigious Rosenblatt Prize was awarded to Mary C. Beckerle, professor of biology and executive director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The Rosenblatt award is a $40,000 cash prize given each year to one faculty member who shows excellence in teaching, research and professional service.
“As far as I know, it’s one of the biggest cash awards in the entire country for a faculty member,” said Dave Chapman, dean of the graduate school.
Chapman said the award is the most prestigious honor the U gives to faculty members. Beckerle plans to save the $40,000 to pay for her 12-year-old child’s college education.
University of Utah President Michael K. Young chose Beckerle out of a group of finalists named by a selection committee.
“I don’t wake up every morning and go,’I can’t believe it!’ But the thrill has not diminished,” Beckerle said. “It’s really special because it comes from my colleagues here at the U and the leadership of the institution where I built my professional life.”
Beckerle came to the U in 1986. She was eager to start her own biology lab, but soon found out that she didn’t know where to start.
Fellow biology professor Mario Capecchi soon became her mentor and helped her learn the basics of running a lab. Beckerle said much of her success is due to fellow faculty members such as Capecchi, who have supported her research.
“I feel like I have professional colleagues here who are really close lifetime friends,” she said.
Beckerle is one of only six women who lead cancer-treatment centers across the nation.
“As a woman scientist, I have always felt incredibly supported at the U. It provided opportunities that allowed me to contribute in ways I never would have anticipated or envisioned,” she said.
Her research focuses on how cells in the body get information from their environment, and the influence this has on the condition of the cell.
“My lab has uncovered some novel molecular machinery that controls cell movement and cell survival,” she said. This machinery is relevant to cancer biology.
Right now Beckerle wants to focus on strengthening the Huntsman Cancer Institute, including “recruitment of new faculty and building new programs so science and discoveries can be applied to make differences for human health.”
The Rosenblatt Prize commemorates Nathan and Tillie Rosenblatt, Russian immigrants who came to Utah in the 1880s for religious and personal freedom. The award also pays tribute to their descendents, Joseph and Evelyn Rosenblatt, who were influential in Utah’s educational, artistic and cultural communities. A permanent display detailing the history of the Rosenblatt family and the prize itself sits in the Park Building.
Administrator Brian Eldredge and professor George White were recognized in the Best of State awards ceremony on May 19.