Student working in chemistry laboratory
Beckman Scholars Program

»Beckman Scholars Program

Chapman’s Beckman Scholar Program (BSP) is a distinctive research experience that ignites and inspires passion for research in chemistry, biochemistry and the biomedical sciences. By leveraging an established foundation of scientific critical thinking skills in our science coursework, the Chapman BSP tailors deep, meaningful, and sustained research and professional development experiences in partnership with the scholars.

This includes direct research collaborations with BSP faculty mentors; advanced instrumentation training in state-of-the-art research facilities; networking with science professionals, alumni, and faculty; and high-impact professional development activities e.g., peer research mentoring, literature discussion, science communication workshops, and support for fellowship/graduate program applications. 

In 2021, Chapman University was selected by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation as one of 12 institutions in the United States to receive a three-year Beckman Scholars Program Award. In 2024, Chapman was awarded a second three-year Beckman Scholars Program Award based on the outstanding research done by the first five Chapman Beckman Scholars with their faculty mentors.

The program will support two undergraduate students selected each spring over the course of three years, with research beginning in the summers of 2024, 2025 and 2026. Each Beckman Scholar receives funding from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation for 15 months of laboratory research (two summers and the intervening academic year). 


Applications for 2025 are due Friday, December 6, 2024. 

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Scholar Award Benefits

Scholars will receive support for two summers and one academic year:

  • Chapman BSP will tailor a deep, meaningful and sustained research and professional development experience in partnership with the Scholars and their BSP Faculty Mentor.
  • Student Stipend: $18,200 ($6,800 first summer, $4,600 academic year, $6,800 second summer)
  • Student Travel: $2,800 
  • Faculty Mentor Stipend: $5000 to support research expenses for their scholar, travel and publication fees.
  • Beckman Scholars will be invited to attend the annual Beckman Symposium, in at least one of the two summers of their award term. The symposium typically takes place in August, in Irvine, California.
  • Advanced instrumentation training in state-of-the-art research facilities. 
  • High-impact professional development activities such as networking with science professionals, peer research mentoring, literature discussion and science communication.
  • Support for fellowship and graduate program applications.

Requirements and Expectations

  • If selected, a commitment to work in the student-selected research mentor's laboratory for 15 consecutive months:
    • Summer 1: full-time (40 hours per week)
    • One academic year: part-time (ten hours per week)
    • Summer 2: full-time (40 hours per week) 
  • Beckman scholars are expected to conduct independent research suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Attendance and the presentation of your research at the Beckman Symposium, if invited.
  • Participate in high-impact professional development activities.
  • Participate in career exploration seminars to gain experience communicating research to a broad audience and motivate other students to engage in research. 
  • Beckman Scholars are expected to demonstrate exemplary scientific and academic ethics and a deep sense of duty as a leader in their local and global community.

Eligibility

  • Sophomore and Juniors 
  • Pursuing a B.S. degree in one of the following major subject areas:
    • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    • Biological Sciences
    • Chemistry
  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Full-time student who is intending to pursue an advanced science degree or other scientific pursuits

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: Friday, December 6, 2024, by 5 p.m.
Proposal Submission: Friday, February 7, 2025, by 5 p.m.
Interviews:
 March 11-14, 2025
Scholar Selection: April 4, 2025

 


girl with beaker
Emma Kocik '22
Chapman's First Beckman Scholar
Kocik '22 filled a key gap in marine research with a project to test nanoparticles as a tool for restoring ecosystems. Kocik is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvan
person with arms in machine
Benjamin Janda '23
Chemistry Major
Janda '23 worked towards developing more sustainable chemical processes. Working with Assistant Professor Allegra Liberman-Martin, they investigated organic catalysts they hope will be more sustainable and cost-effective replacements for precious metals. Janda is now pursuing his Ph.D. at UCLA.
person with chemistry tools
Ishaan Shah '23
Chemistry Major
Shah '23 worked with Assistant Professor Jerry LaRue, focusing on making hydrocarbon-based fuels more energy-efficient. Now Shah looks forward to advancing his own photochemistry research to address symptoms of severe asthma, a health concern he has lived with for seven years.
portrait of paul rosa
Paul Rosa '24
Biological Sciences Major
Rosa '24 is working with Assistant Professor Maduka Ogba using computational techniques to investigate how Lewis acidic salts activate sulfur-fluoride bonds.
portrait of kevin nguyen
Kevin Nguyễn '24
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
Nguyen '24 is researching drought tolerance in chia by zeroing in on these plants at the genomic level. In addition to being a Beckman Scholar, Nguyen is also a Simon STEM Scholar and Goldwater Scholar.

Contact Us


Elaine Benaksas Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of External Relations and Student Advancement
Keck Center 229
eschwart@chapman.edu