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.
Emmanuel College will name two Beckman Scholars in the spring semesters of 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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 $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 2024 and 2025, and 10 hours per week of research during the intervening fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.
- Intention to pursue Distinction in the Field honors within their discipline.
- Intention to pursue an advanced science degree 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
- 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.
- Complete the Faculty Recommendation Forms
Share the link below to have two professional recommendations completed. One recommendation must be completed by a School of Science & Health faculty. (See hyperlink or attachment) - Statement that describes (1-2 pages total);
a) How this program will contribute to the candidate’s professional plans;
b) An example of a challenge/adversity that the candidate has overcome;
c) A brief explanation of two mentors the candidate is interested in working with and why (see list of faculty mentors for 2024-2025)
- February 27th: deadline to apply 12pm
- March 11th – 29th: 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.
- Merit, diversity, equity, and inclusion will be considered as factors of equal weight during the Scholar selection process.
- April 5th: Beckman Scholars will be announced
MEET THE 2024-2025 FACULTY MENTORS
Janel Cabrera
Assistant Professor of Biology
Beckman scholars working with Professor Cabrera will use genetic, molecular, and biochemical methods to investigate the role of epigenetic regulators in coordinating gene expression during early stages of Drosophila development.
Pádraig Deighan
Dean of Science & Health | Associate Professor of Biology
Beckman scholars working with Professor Deighan will use genetic and biochemical assays to discover if candidate proteins from bacteria or bacteriophage have the capacity to form aggregated amyloid-like structures. Understanding the mechanistic details and functions for amyloidogenic proteins in bacteria will contribute to the knowledge base for understanding conditions associated with amyloidogenic proteins in humans.
Aren Gerdon
Professor of Chemistry | Department Chair
Beckman scholars working with Professor Gerdon will use techniques from analytical and biochemistry to study and produce biomaterials using synthetic biomimetic molecules such as gold nanoparticles, DNA aptamers, and DNA origami. These materials relate to bone, enamel, and ocean organisms.
Natalie Karagodsky
Assistant Professor of Biology
Beckman scholars working with Professor Karagodsky will study how nutrient signaling pathways regulate longevity and stress resistance in the model organism C. elegans. Scholars will use microscopy, physiological, molecular, and genetic approaches to gain insights into the regulation of aging and aging-associated diseases such as Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease.
