Beckman Scholars Program
Research funding opportunity for students pursuing degrees in Biology, Chemistry, or Neuroscience
The prestigious Beckman Scholars Program at Emmanuel College, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, provides an immersive research experience for exceptionally talented undergraduates who have a clear commitment to a career in scientific research.
Beckman Scholars conduct independent research over 15 months (two consecutive summers and one academic year) guided by one of twelve expert faculty mentors from the School of Science and Health.
Beckman Scholars will receive additional professional development opportunities including conference attendance, and will be advantageously positioned to pursue graduate education and careers in scientific research.
Beckman Scholars will receive $18,200 stipend over the 15 month award period ($6,800 for each summer and $4,600 for the academic year) and $2,800 for travel and research supplies.
The faculty mentors will receive a budget of $5,000 to support the scholars and their projects.
- Emmanuel College full-time undergraduate student scientists majoring in Biology, Chemistry or Neuroscience.
- Students with sophomore status at the time of application.
- Good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Commit to a continuous 15 month research experience (guided by an Emmanuel mentor) comprised of 10 weeks of full-time research during the summers of 2026 and 2027, and 10 hours per week of research during the intervening fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.
- Intention to pursue Distinction in the Field honors within their discipline.
- Intention to pursue an advanced science degree such as PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or other scientific pursuits.
- Participate in the annual Beckman Scholars Annual Research Symposium.
- Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions, or hold DACA recipient statuses
Submit the following to the Beckman Scholars Posting on HireSaints by January 31st:
- A current CV that includes relevant lab or research experience (1-2 pages).
- A transcript (screenshot is fine) that includes all courses completed to date.
- Statement that describes (1-2 pages total);
- How participation in the Beckman Scholars Program aligns with your future professional and academic goals.
- Describe any lived experiences, challenges, or barriers that have influenced your path in STEM. How have these experiences shaped your goals?
- Provide a brief explanation of two mentors the candidate is interested in working with and why (see list of faculty mentors for 2026–2027)
Have two Professional Recommendations completed
Share the Beckman Scholars Recommendation Form with two professional references (one of whom must be a faculty member from the School of Science + Health) and ask that they submit the completed form by January 31st
- January 31st: deadline to apply 12pm
- By February 28th: Selected finalists will interview and visit mentor labs. The interview will include finalists preparing a short presentation on a research topic that is impacting society (topics and a guide paper will be made available to finalists). Presentations will be 5 mins with supporting data and visual aids. In addition, the interview will include questions relating to the application packet and future aspirations.
- By March 15th: Beckman Scholars will be announced
For any questions regarding your CV, written statement, or application in HireSaints, please reach out to Meghan Braganca, Science + Health Career Advisor at bragancam@emmanuel.edu
For any questions regarding the program itself— research, funding, previous projects, etc.– please reach out directly to Padraig Deighan, Dean of Science + Health at deighanp@emmanuel.edu
MEET THE 2026-2027 FACULTY MENTORS
Vincent Cannataro
Assistant Professor of Biology
Beckman scholars working with Professor Cannataro will use computational and bioinformatic techniques to investigate the molecular variants driving human cancers, and the mutational processes that shape these variants. Our work will have relevance to many branches of oncology, spanning cancer prevention through clinical treatment.
Elizabeth Crofton
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
Beckman Scholars working with Professor Crofton will investigate individual differences in alcohol intake and the molecular bases of addiction-related behaviors in mice. Scholars will integrate behavioral analyses of voluntary alcohol and water consumption in mice with molecular analyses including immunohistochemistry to examine protein alterations in brain slices and quantitative PCR to examine mRNA expression in select brain regions.
Natalie Karagodsky
Assistant Professor of Biology
Beckman scholars working with Professor Karagodsky will study the impact of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” on lipid metabolism and the stress response using the model organism C. elegans. Given the ubiquitous nature of these contaminants, the research will utilize genetic, biochemical, and behavioral assays to clarify their molecular mechanism of action, paving the way for the identification of future drug targets.
Nathan Lau
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Beckman scholars working with Professor Lau will learn standard organic/inorganic synthesis techniques to build molecules designed to stabilize reactive sulfur species (RSS). RSS include biologically important signaling molecules, but that same reactivity that makes them useful simultaneous makes studying them difficult. By making model complexes to harness RSS through hydrogen bonding, reactive processes can be slowed down to better observe and understand their mechanism of action.
Allen Price
Professor of Physics
Beckman scholars working with Professor Price will learn experimental and computational tools for studying protein-DNA interactions, specifically how proteins that recognize specific sites on DNA locate and identify their binding sites. This research will improve our understanding of how the genome functions and contribute to the knowledge that will allow science to design new molecular therapies that target genetic diseases.
