A Legacy of Mentorship: Dr. Frank L. Margolis Established the Joyce W. and Frank L. Margolis Scholars and Travel Award in Neurobiology

The University of Maryland School of Medicine is proud to announce the establishment of the Joyce W. and Frank L. Margolis Scholars and Travel Award in Neurobiology, a new endowed fund that was created through the generosity of former faculty member Frank L. Margolis, PhD, shortly before he passed away earlier this month. Dr. Margolis was a lifelong mentor to countless students and trainees.

Dr. Margolis, who found great meaning in guiding and shaping young scientists during his tenure at the School of Medicine, had pledged $200,000 to launch this enduring initiative. His vision ensures that future generations of students and fellows in the Department of Neurobiology will continue to have access to the resources, opportunities, and mentorship needed to excel as scientists and leaders.

The endowed fund will provide two complementary awards each year:

• The Margolis Scholars Named Scholars Award, supporting research costs and professional training for high school, undergraduate, and graduate trainees whose work is dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of neurological diseases.
• The Margolis Annual Travel Award, enabling students and fellows to attend national and international conferences, present their work, and foster collaborations with peers and experts in the field.

Together, these awards will strengthen the Department of Neurobiology’s commitment to hands-on research training, career development, and scientific discovery.

Reflecting on his gift, Dr. Margolis had shared that his most rewarding experiences at the School of Medicine came from mentoring and celebrating the achievements of his students. His late wife, Joyce, also shared this deep commitment to guiding and supporting trainees. This fund ensures that his legacy of mentorship will live on in perpetuity, empowering future generations to push the boundaries of knowledge and transform the field of neuroscience.

“This generous gift honors both Dr. Margolis’s extraordinary commitment to education and is a meaningful tribute to both himself and Joyce who was also a scientist,” said Asaf Keller, PhD, the Donald E. Wilson, MD, MACP Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurobiology. “The fund will inspire and support trainees as they pursue the discoveries that will shape the future of medicine.”

The Joyce W. and Frank L. Margolis Scholars and Travel Award in Neurobiology is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of discovery, and the lasting impact of philanthropy on the School of Medicine’s mission.