Beckman Scholars

The Beckman Scholars Program is suspended for 2025-26. Applications are not being accepted. Stay tuned for 2026-27.

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: Applications are not being accepted for 2025-26. Stay tuned for 2026-27.

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

Meet the 2025-2026 Mentors

headshot of Susan Bane

Susan Bane

Professor; Biochemistry Program Director

Chemistry; Biochemistry Program

Research Interests

  • Chemical Biology
  • Microtubules
  • Molecular mechanism of Taxol chemotherapy
  • Site-specific fluorescent labeling of proteins
  • Molecular mechanisms of colchicine and related drugs
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headshot of Terrence Deak

Terrence Deak

Vice Provost and Dean of The Graduate School; Professor

Academic Affairs, Office of the Executive VP and Provost; Graduate School; Psychology

Research Interests

  • Stress responsive systems
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Neural-immune interactions
  • Alcohol
  • Developmental neurobiology and brain aging
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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
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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
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headshot of Kaiming Ye

Kaiming Ye

SUNY Distinguished Professor and Chair

Biomedical Engineering

Research Interests

  • Advanced biomanufacturing
  • 3D bioprinting
  • stem cell and regenerative medicine
  • nanomedicine
  • cell engineering
  • vaccine development
  • single molecular imaging
  • biosensors
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