Mel Delpech: A civil engineer building up future scientists

Mel Delpech is no stranger to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory. She joined the organization as a National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM) Fellow and interned with Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI). In 2023, she became a full-timer. ​“I just never left,” she says with a smile.

Argonne employees come from near and far. Delpech’s journey began in France. ​“As a native of Togo who grew up in France, English was not my primary language,” Delpech says. Fortunately, she had an encouraging English teacher. By the time she moved to the U.S., she was confident in her English skills.

Another teacher inspired her to pursue engineering. The teacher saw how much she loved physics and encouraged her to become a civil engineer. Delpech went on to earn degrees in civil engineering, French and engineering management. Currently, she is working toward a Ph.D. in engineering education.

“As long as humans are capable of thinking, we will continue to innovate and have an impact… as long as we maintain our ethical duty to do science for the right reasons, innovation will always be the coolest thing.” — Mel Delpech, Argonne National Laboratory

Delpech’s passion for civil engineering continues to build. ​“I have always loved construction and design,” she says, ​“with a goal of helping people and growing communities.” She pursues areas of scientific expertise that align with her interests of making the world a more efficient and people-centered place.

Argonne and DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Technology Office provide opportunities for Delpech to work with other mission-minded scientists. ​“I work on a team of six people,” she explains. ​“We truly embody the core values of Argonne. I am grateful to be part of a team of changemakers who care about science and innovation.”

Her current role is Program Coordinator for the Students for Energy and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program. SEED summer students come from minority-serving institutions. Delpech recruits, supports and creates curricula for SEED students. The goal is to inspire future scientists and strengthen the pipeline to science, technology, engineering and math careers.

Additionally, Delpech is the Operations Coordinator for CRI, where she previously interned. Her job is to ensure CRI operates smoothly and according to regulations. She works onsite once or twice a week and remotely the rest of the time.

Delpech is proud of the work she does at Argonne. ​“I truly love the internship I coordinate,” she says. ​“As an educator, I am a strong believer that students are the future and the change we need.” She is also proud of her contributions to workplace development. ​“Since CRI started, we have raised close to $700 million and created over 650 jobs.”

Her favorite aspect of science is that it never ends. ​“As long as humans are capable of thinking, we will continue to innovate and have an impact,” says Delpech. ​“As long as we maintain our ethical duty to do science for the right reasons, innovation will always be the coolest thing.”