Beckman Scholars Program

What is the Beckman Scholars Program at 91社区? 

The Beckman Scholars Program at 91社区 is a national grant sponsored by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. Since 1998, the Beckman Scholars Program has provided financial support to young scientists during their undergraduate career. Selected participants undergo a 15-month (May 2026 - October 2027) mentored research experience and receive $21,000 to support their development and research endeavors. For the three-year duration of 91社区's award, two applicants will be selected annually to participate in the Beckman Scholars Program.

Who's eligible for the Beckman Scholars Program?

Eligible Students are:

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student throughout the duration of the award and must maintain good academic standing.
  • Stated interest in an advanced science or engineering degree (e.g. Ph.D., MD, MD-Ph.D.) or other pursuits within the STEM workforce. 
  • Prospective or declared major in biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, chemistry, or integrative neuroscience.
  • A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or its territories and possessions or DACA status.
  • Students who will not graduate until or after December 2027.
  • Applicants should be interested in pursuing leadership roles in their scientific and professional journey
  • Must commit to 15-months of continuous research at the college or university (summer, academic year, summer).

What Is the Beckman Scholars Program Experience Like?

Selected participants undergo a 15-month (May 2026-Sept. 2027) 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. Travel and hotel accommodations for the symposium are provided by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.

How does Scholars' funding break down?

  • 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, independent research in their field while working with respected faculty. Projects vary from mentor to mentor. Please see the guide below for faculty and potential projects.

When Can I Learn More at an Information Session?

  • Friday, November 6 or 13 (Exact Date, Time, and Location TBA)

What does the application require?

Applicants must provide the following information in their application:

  • Basic information including name, contact information, major, and general academic and career goals. 
  • Consult the guide below for information about eligible mentors. You will be asked in the form to rank your top three potential mentors. (You will have the opportunity to re-rank if you move on in the process.)
  • 鈥91社区 My Path鈥 response. You can submit this response as either a one-page essay, a 3-page slide deck, or a 3-minute audio or video recording. The greatest scientific minds have had to chart their own path. Tell us the story of your own journey, touching on (1) your past, (2) your present, and (3) your future. What drives you? What challenges have you faced? Where do you want to go?鈥 
  • The names and emails of two potential references who can speak to your curiosity, work ethic, leadership, or other unique attributes. These references need not be faculty or academic mentors. 

When Do I Need to Submit My Application? 

Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027

Submit application materials via the Google form (look for a new form soon for 2027). Please address any questions about your application to Dr. Stephen Ortiz at: sortiz@binghamton.edu 

See the Beckman Program Student Mentor Guide to Learn More!

Meet the 2026-27 Beckman Scholars Program Mentors

 
 

 

headshot of Tony Davis

Tony Davis

Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences

School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research Interests

  • Natural products biosynthesis
  • Infectious diseases
  • Targeted protein degradation
  • Drug discovery and development
  • Chemical biology
  • Synthetic and medicinal chemistry
View Full Profile
headshot of Brandon E. Gibb

Brandon E. Gibb

SUNY Distinguished Professor

Psychology

Research Interests

  • The development and expression of information-processing biases that increase the risk for depression in infants, children, adolescents and adults
  • Understanding the risk for depression and related outcomes (e.g., suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injury) across multiple units of analysis
    View Full Profile
     
    headshot of Christof T. Grewer

    Christof T. Grewer

    Professor; Department Chair

    Chemistry

    Research Interests

    • Biophysical chemistry
    • Dynamics of the transport process
    • Development of pharmacological tools
    • Inhibitor synthesis and characterization
    • Computational studies
    View Full Profile
     
    headshot of Tracy Hookway

    Tracy Hookway

    Associate Professor

    Biomedical Engineering

    Research Interests

    • 3D tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
    • Stem cell biology and tissue morphogensis
    • Cardiovascular physiology
    • Multicellular interactions
    View Full Profile
    headshot of Anushree Karkhanis

    Anushree Karkhanis

    Associate Professor

    Psychology

    Research Interests

    • Adolescent stress and drug exposure
    • Drug abuse vulnerability
    • Kappa opioid receptors
    • Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
    • Alcohol use disorder
    • Cocaine addiction
    • Opiate abuse
    View Full Profile
     
     
        
     
     

     
     

    Former 91社区 Beckman Scholars

    • Clara Rodriguez (2022-23), Doctoral student at the University of Central Florida's Biomedical Engineering program
    • Shruti Venkatesh (2022-23), MD student at SUNY Upstate Medical University
    • Fiddi Hilmi (2023-24), Doctoral student at 91社区's Department of Biological Sciences (Biofilms) 
    • Eric Talbott (2023-24), Doctoral student at Princeton University's Department of Chemistry
    • Sarah Groh (2024-25), Current 91社区 student in Chemistry and Environmental Studies
    • Jiaer Huang (2024-25), Current 91社区 student in Integrative Neuroscience

    91社区 Beckman Scholars in the News

    Watson Scholars graduate made the most of her 91社区 experience