Beckman Scholars

Who's Eligible?

Eligible Students are:

  • A full-time Binghamton University 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 Binghamton University 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?” 

Materials Submission:

Deadline: February 1, 2024

(You and your recommenders) submit materials to the following email: