JILA postdoctoral researcher Dr. Megan Bentley, a member of Heather Lewandowski’s research group, has been awarded a 2026 Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. The prestigious national fellowship recognizes outstanding early career scientists pursuing innovative research in the chemical sciences.
Bentley was selected as one of 18 fellows nationwide in the 2026 cohort following a highly competitive, multi stage review process led by a panel of scientific experts. Fellows are chosen for both the originality of their research and their potential to transition from mentored postdoctoral work to independent scientific leadership.
In the Lewandowski group at JILA, Bentley’s research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with close connections to fundamental chemical physics. Her work aligns with the Beckman Foundation’s mission to support foundational scientific research that advances experimental methods and deepens understanding of the physical world.
The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship supports advanced research in core areas of chemistry, including chemical physics and related instrumentation. The award provides multi year funding for salary and research expenses and is designed to accelerate the professional development of exceptional postdoctoral researchers.
Bentley’s selection highlights both her individual research accomplishments and JILA’s strength as a home for interdisciplinary, early career science at the interface of physics and chemistry.