Joy Cappel Scholarship
Each year, the Joy Cappel Scholarship will award two collegiate life science students with $2,500 each. The scholarship is intended to foster a new generation of researchers and help support these young investigators in their scientific training.
For over 30 years, Rockland was led by Joy Cappel, a self-made CEO whose determination shaped the company’s legacy. After the sudden death of her husband, just as Rockland was beginning, Joy stepped away from her beloved career in illustration to take the reins of a struggling business, all while raising her children. With no scientific background but a fearless spirit, she transformed Rockland into a trusted name in antibody research. Her vision, to help define the mechanisms underlying cell function and disease through targeted detection, continues to inspire the next generation of scientists. This scholarship honors her legacy.
Conditions of Participation
- Must be a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently accepted or enrolled at a college or university in the United States for the upcoming fall or spring term
- Intended major must be in Life Sciences or a related field
- Video length should be between 2-4 minutes
- Video must include at least 2 references to support your topic
Rubric
| Category | Weight | What We're Looking For |
| Scientific Rigor | 1/3 | Accurate explanation of scientific concepts, use of peer-reviewed sources, and clear citations. |
| Originality & Creativity | 1/3 | Unique angle or topic choice, strong storytelling, creative framing or metaphor use. Avoid generic summaries. |
| Visuals & Conceptual Engagement | 1/3 | Use of visuals (slides, props, diagrams, imagery) to deepen understanding. |
Tips
- Plan ahead: Outline your main points and rehearse if necessary.
- Use visuals: Use slides or relevant images to enhance your presentation.
- Depth over breadth: if choosing a major topic (COVID-19 vaccine, CRISPR, Stem Cells, etc.), focus on a single study or subtopic.
- Show your passion: Speak with enthusiasm and demonstrate your genuine interest in the life sciences.
- Ensure good audio and video quality: Run a test beforehand and record in a well-lit, quiet location.
Deadline
The application below must be submitted by July 20th for fall semester or by January 20th for spring semester of the current year.
After a review process, including marketing and technical representatives, a winner will be selected and notified two weeks after the application deadline. A check will then be sent directly to the university provided in the application.
Past Winners
Justin Lim
After a thorough review process by marketing teams from both Rockland and antibodies-online, the Spring 2025 scholarship has been awarded to Justin Lim at Stony Brook University. Congratulations!
Crystal Wang
After a thorough review process by both marketing and technical representatives, the Fall 2024 scholarship has been awarded to Crystal Wang at Dartmouth College. Congratulations!
Jordan Bayon
Following a thorough review by both marketing and technical representatives, the Spring 2024 scholarship has been granted to Jordan Bayon at the University of San Diego. Congratulations!
Jasnoor Kaur
After an extensive review process, the Fall 2023 Joy Cappel Scholarship has been awarded to Jasnoor Kaur at Michigan State University. Congratulations!
Ari Schwartz
After careful consideration, Ari Schwartz from Kennesaw State University was ultimately chosen as the Spring '23 winner of the Joy Cappel Scholarship. Congratulations!
Emily Chan
After a 3-round review process that included marketing, technical representatives, and our Chief Scientific Officer, the Fall 2022 Scholarship has been awarded to Emily Chan at the University of Maryland College Park. Congratulations!