President's Report Masthead
March 31, 2015

Beck Research Grant to advance student work in chemistry

Lisa C. Beck made a $250,000 gift to establish the Beck Summer Research Grant in honor of her late husband, Jeffrey S. Beck ’84. The grant will provide summer research support for an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry.

“Jeff was a chemistry major and his wife wanted to recognize that his legacy in science at Binghamton led him to a highly successful career in industry,” says, Wayne Jones, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry.
Jones notes many students must work in the summer to help pay for college. The Beck grant recipient will receive support to conduct research and a fellowship stipend that will offset his or her summer living expenses.

The grant recipient will participate with a current faculty member’s research team of graduate students and visitors. The student will also have access to professional development activities by participating in the cohort of students in Jones’ Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), a program of the National Science Foundation. At the end of the summer, the student will present his or her work at an undergraduate summer research showcase.

“Hopefully, their research will lead them to become more involved in STEM careers which have been identified as a New York state and national need,” Jones said.