Awarded in recognition of a faculty member's mentoring of doctoral students who completed all degree requirements in the last ten years, i.e., from Jan. 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2025. Nominators should focus on the career paths students take and the professor’s placement of students. Faculty advisors in all disciplines are encouraged. Descriptions should focus on the overall influence of the advisor on both their own students and the students in the broader degree program. Please list the students’ post-thesis or post-dissertation positions and other accomplishments. If addressing publications, focus on those that are student-led. Please do not include achievements outside of the specified time period. Of the $3,000 prize, the full amount is for the recipient's personal use.

Faculty who have been at Rice for at least 5 years. Previous winners are only eligible every 7 years. Nominations can be made here. 

2025: Sibhani Lisa Biswal, chemical and biomolecular engineering

2024: Richard Lavenda, Shepherd School of Music

2023: Pulickel Ajayan, materials science and nanoengineering; Jeff Hartgerink, chemistry