Beckman Scholars


The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation identifies colleges and universities that will receive Beckman Scholars application invitations. The extremely thorough selection process is a two-part review led by a panel of scientific expert with institutions chosen based on their dedication to undergraduate research in chemistry, biology and/or combinations thereof and their ability to compete in national level programs. 


With support from The Beckman Foundation, Texas A&M Beckman Scholars are identified as the top undergraduate students majoring in specific science fields during their freshman year. Once selected, Beckman Scholars receive a generous stipend and begin their research careers with designated Beckman faculty mentors the summer prior to their sophomore year. Beckman Scholars continue their research projects through graduation and also participate in various activities:

  • Leadership development
  • Networking opportunities
  • Review and publication of scientific research
  • Preparation for National Fellowship, graduate, or professional school applications.

Beckman Scholars commit to full-time (40 hours/week) research for at least ten weeks for the summers after their freshman and sophomore years with an approved Beckman Faculty mentor, and at least 10 hours/week of research during the fall and spring semesters of their sophomore, junior and senior years. The summer after their junior year is free for an internship, study abroad, or other summer program.

The Beckman Scholars meet as a group once a month through the summer, fall, and spring semesters to discuss science and research, leadership case studies, and meet with high profile administrators and scientists and former Beckman Scholars.  They are expected to take on leadership positions at TAMU and within the undergraduate research community.

Beckman Scholars must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents, attend TAMU full-time, and maintain a 3.5 GPR from the end of their freshman year to the start of their junior year.

Beckman Scholars

Award Year Recipient
2021 Connor Bowerman '24, Physics       
 
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Alexey Akimov 
Miriam Stein '24, Molecular & Cellular Biology          
       
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vishal Gohil
2020 Allison Baker '23, Biology       
 
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bruce Riley
Emily Chapa '23, Biology           
       
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Deborah Bell-Pederson
2019 Brandon Lookfong, Biomedical Engineering     
   
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Bondos
Ryan Rahman, Biology            
       
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Gomer
2018 Rachel Porter '19, Molecular and Cellular Biology         

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Deborah Bell-Pederson
Cody Martin '20, Biochemistry and Genetics        
           
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryland Young
2016 Ashley Holt, Biomedical Engineering         

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryland Young
Luke Oaks, Biomedical Engineering              
     
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gerard Coté
2015 Brooke Versaw '18, Chemistry         

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Karen Wooley
Jennifer Tran '18, Biochemistry and Genetics                     

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryland Young
Gabrielle Lessen '18, Biochemistry                     

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dorothy Shippen
2014 Mikayla Barry '17, Biomedical Engineering         

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Melissa Grunlan

To read more about how LAUNCH: National Fellowships helps prepare outstanding students to compete for nationally-competitive awards such as the Beckman Scholarship with the generous support of the Association of Former Students, please visit http://natlfellows.tamu.edu.

To learn more about the Beckman Foundation, visit https://www.beckman-foundation.org.