January 06, 2026
Selected after a competitive international nomination process, Dr. de Mello stood out for her sustained mentorship, her leadership and advocacy in advancing gender equity, and her global efforts to expand opportunities for women in astronomy, especially in under-resourced communities. The award recognizes academics who strengthen inclusive practices, fair hiring, and supportive scientific communities across the field.
The College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing is proud to celebrate Dr. de Mello’s contributions to The Catholic University of America and to the global scientific community. Please join us in congratulating her and supporting continued progress toward a more inclusive, equitable, and collaborative STEM community.