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, or integrative neuroscience 

What Does the Program Look Like?

Selected participants:

Undergo a 15-month (May 2025-Sept. 2026) 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 which you identify two or three of Arnold Beckman's 7 Rules for Success that most resonate with you and explain in depth how you connect your lived experiences to them. (See the Beckman brochure for the 7 Rules for Success.)

Materials Submission:

Deadline: February 1, 2025

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

• sortiz@binghamton.edu
• Subject Line: "Beckman Scholars Application"