NEW YORK — L’Oréal USA has named the five recipients of its 2026 For Women in Science awards, each receiving a $75,000 grant to advance research spanning computational biology, biological engineering, ecology, astronomy and neuroimmunology.
The 2026 awardees are Danielle Stevens of the University of California, Berkeley; Anna Romanov of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Katherine Lagerstrom of Princeton University; Clarissa Do Ó of the California Institute of Technology; and Tana Pottorf of The Ohio State University.
Stevens is studying how computational tools, including protein language models and agentic AI, could accelerate the development of sustainable, disease-resistant crops. Her work aims to identify plant immune proteins that recognize disease-causing microbes and design genetic edits that could strengthen crops’ protection against pathogens.
Romanov is developing programmable molecular technologies to study how B cells evolve, with potential applications in vaccines and immunotherapies. Lagerstrom is examining how human-driven environmental changes affect wildlife gut microbiomes, including the potential emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.
Do Ó is developing technologies and observing strategies for directly imaging exoplanets, including techniques designed to improve scientists’ ability to detect Earth-like planets outside the solar system.
Pottorf is studying how macrophages, immune cells that respond to injury, can be guided to improve recovery and prevent complications following spinal cord injuries.
“L’Oréal USA’s For Women in Science program has awarded incredible scientists at a critical moment in their career journey for more than two decades,” said Marissa McGowan, chief sustainability officer for L’Oréal North America. “Through mentorship and connection, the program supports awardees while also recognizing each of their dedication to inspiring future generations of scientists.”
L’Oréal USA will honor the recipients at an awards ceremony in New York City on Oct. 22. The ceremony follows three days of programming that includes a visit to L’Oréal’s North America Research and Innovation Center in Clark, N.J., mentorship opportunities and professional development focused on scientific communication.
The U.S. For Women in Science program is part of the global L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative. L’Oréal USA partners with the American Association for the Advancement of Science to manage the application and peer-review process.
Since 2003, the U.S. program has supported more than 115 women postdoctoral scientists and awarded more than $5.6 million in grants.
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