Beckman Scholars

Who's Eligible?

Eligible Students are:

A full-time 91�� student with good academic standing
In the first four semesters of college (including transfer credits transfer credits from another four-year college, but not Advanced Placement or other pre-college credits)
A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or its territories and possessions
A major in biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, chemistry, integrative neuroscience

What Does the Program Look Like?

Selected participants:

Undergo a 15-month (May 2024-Sept. 2025) mentored research experience and receive $21,000 to support their development and research endeavors.

All second-summer scholars will be asked to exhibit their research through poster presentation at the annual Beckman Symposium. If in-person, travel and hotel accommodations for the symposium are provided by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.

Funding Breakdown:

Student Stipend $18,200; distributed as follows:
- First Summer - $6,800
- Academic Year - $4,600
- Second Summer - $6,800
Student Scientific Supply and Travel $2,800; distributed as needed, to support current research activities.

What Kinds of Research Can Scholars Expect?

Accepted students can expect to gain hands-on research in their field while working with respected faculty in their department of choice. Projects vary from mentor to mentor, but Beckman Scholars can look forward to projects such as:

Designing and synthesizing new molecules to detect cell viability
Tissue harvesting and biochemical assay training
Microscopy and microfluidic device design
DNA barcoding, field sample collection, and genomics
Shared mechanisms that underlie the effects of alcohol and stress in the medial prefrontal cortex

What does the application require?

Applicants must provide:

The names of 3 mentors ranked in order most preferred (mentor information can be found below and in the selection packet)
A current resume
A copy of their unofficial transcript, including the current semester
Two letters of recommendation, one from a 91�� faculty member familiar with applicant’s academic work and one additional letter from a supervisor, faculty member, coach, or other person with knowledge of the applicant’s character, work ethic, motivations, or other relevant factors. Recommendations should be emailed directly from the recommender to sortiz@binghamton.edu.
One essay (500 - 750 words) in response to the following prompt, “How do the Arnold Beckman 7 Rules for Success resonate with you as a person and as a budding scientist?”