Joel F. Destino, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Creighton University, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award. This award, established in February 2022 by a gift from Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA), is in honor of CUR’s past president and current RCSA Senior Program Director, Silvia Ronco. The Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member within ten years of their first faculty appointment who demonstrates success in chemical sciences and whose mentoring practices have supported undergraduate research.
“Undergraduate research was foundational to my own career trajectory, showing me how discovery, mentorship, and belonging can shape one’s future in profound ways,” explains Destino. “Receiving the Silvia Ronco Award from the Council on Undergraduate Research is especially meaningful because it affirms that my intentional, deep investment in mentorship is valued not only by my mentees and immediate colleagues but also by the broader undergraduate research community. At this stage of my career, this kind of recognition is immensely important as it reinforces that uplifting people and innovative approaches to mentorship are as important as the research itself.”
Destino is known for designing innovative research experiences that actively engage students in hands-on scientific inquiry, fostering both technical skill development and independent thinking. His mentorship emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world application, empowering students to take ownership of their research and contribute meaningfully to the field. Through his dedication to inclusive and forward-thinking mentorship practices, Destino has helped cultivate a dynamic research environment that inspires curiosity, confidence, and long-term success among his students.
Mardell A. Wilson, EdD, RDN, Provost at Creighton University, explained, “Dr. Destino’s commitment to accompanying our students on their respective research journeys is a testament to his role as a mentor to the next generation. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Destino for being selected for this national recognition, honoring the many ways he inspires so many young women and men to turn their curiosity into innovative ideas and transformative discoveries.”
Lindsay Currie, CUR’s Executive Officer continued on with the congratulations. “Dr. Destino’s innovative approach to mentorship empowers students to move from learners to contributors. His impact on student growth and discovery makes him a standout recipient of this award, and we are thrilled to recognize his impact nationally within the undergraduate research community.”
Destino will be recognized at CUR’s upcoming Award Celebration on June 10. Find out more details here >>
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
Creighton University, founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1878, is a leading Jesuit, Catholic institution offering students an exceptional educational experience. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. With a full range of undergraduate majors; master’s and doctoral programs; opportunities for original research; and non-degree offerings for working professionals, Creighton students of all faith traditions learn to think critically, seek justice, serve others and lead in their communities and on the global stage.
Creighton’s primary campuses, located in Omaha, Nebraska, and Phoenix, Arizona, are home to more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The university’s newer health sciences campus in Phoenix, which will soon accommodate nearly 1,000 students, is the largest expansion outside of Omaha in Creighton’s history and positions the University as one of the largest Catholic health professions educators in the country. Creighton is ranked in the top third of National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
