Beckman Scholars Program


Beckman Scholars Program

Union College students in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience are encouraged to apply for the 2019 Beckman Scholars Program. The program is designed to enhance research opportunities for students who have demonstrated an outstanding performance in their science courses and show exceptional promise for independent research. Beckman Scholars will have the opportunity to engage in extended independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Beckman Scholars Award

A student selected as a Beckman Scholar in 2020 will receive stipends to perform ten weeks of research at Union during Summer 2020 and Summer 2021 ($6,800 each summer). The Scholar will also receive a stipend to continue the research activities during the 2020-21 academic year ($4,600 for the academic year). In addition to working in the lab during these times, Scholars will be expected to participate in professional or scientific meetings, establish a connection through the Union College alumnae network with an individual (in academia or industry) whose disciplinary expertise aligns with the Scholar’s interests, and engage in structured writing exercises, such as small research grant proposals, under the formalized guidance of the faculty mentor. Students will also be expected to attend the Beckman Scholars Symposium in Irvine, CA during each of the two summers. To support these expectations, Scholars will receive funding for research supplies and travel.

Eligibility & Characteristics of a Beckman Scholar
A Beckman Scholar must:

  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or its possessions;
  • Be a first, second, or third year undergraduate majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or neuroscience;
  • Have plans to pursue a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or other scientific endeavor;
  • Be a full-time student throughout the duration of the award;
  • Achieve and maintain good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.3) throughout duration of award.

Successful applicants will demonstrate excellent oral and written communication and teamwork skills, will demonstrate initiative, will be highly motivated to excel in academic and research pursuits. Preference will be given to students with prior research experience.

Getting Started

Students interested in the 2020 Beckman Scholars Program must consult with one of Union’s Beckman Faculty Mentors to discuss potential research projects prior to submitting an application. Beckman Scholars must work in the research lab of one of the following professors: Cay Anderson-Hanley (neuroscience), Mary Carroll (chemistry), Leo Fleishman (biology/neuroscience), Kristin Fox (chemistry/biochemistry), Joanne Kehlbeck (chemistry/biochemistry), Scott Kirkton (biology), Laura MacManus-Spencer (chemistry), and Roman Yukilevich (biology).

Apply

To submit an application, please use the online form. All applicants should submit the following materials as part of the application:

  1. Résumé (maximum 1 page) describing the student’s skills and experience, as well as a list of the student’s prior research faculty advisors/mentors, if applicable;
  2. Personal Statement (maximum 1 page) describing the student’s background, interests, qualifications, research experience, and professional aspirations;
  3. Research Plan (maximum 5 pages) developed in consultation with the faculty mentor, describing the research project to be undertaken as a Beckman Scholar, including the research activities to be performed by the student and the contributions the student proposes to make to the research project, under the guidance of the faculty mentor; and
  4. Letter of Recommendation (maximum 1 page) written by the mentor.

Applications are due on or before Thursday, February 13, 2020 by 11 p.m.

Review

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of the Director of Undergraduate Research and the Beckman Faculty Mentors (excluding faculty mentors affiliated with a current student application for the Beckman Scholars Program). The Dean of Academic Departments and Programs will join the committee for final Scholar selection.

Student finalists will receive a request from their faculty mentor to develop a 10-minute oral and visual presentation highlighting their skills, experience, and research plan. An in-person interview will consist of the student’s presentation, followed by a 10 to 15-minute question and answer period with the selection committee.

Final Beckman Scholar selection should occur by mid-March.

If you have any questions about the Beckman Scholars Program or the application process, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Research (ugr-director@union.edu).

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