Beckman Scholars Profiles

Allison Baker
Major(s): BiologyAdvisor: Dr. Bruce Riley
Thesis Title: Beckman Scholars, Dept of Biology. Regeneration of hair cells and neurons of the zebrafish inner ear.
Organizations & Programs: Beckman Scholars Program
Biology Honors Program
University Honors Program
Awards: Beckman Scholar
Class Year: 23
Allison is a Biology major from Dallas, Texas. She is fascinated in how science is able to find solutions to macroscopic problems when looking at the microscopic scale. Allison is active on campus, being a member of both the Biology Honors Program and the University Honors Program.
As a Beckman Scholar, Allison joined the laboratory of Dr. Bruce Riley, a Professor in the Department of Biology, looking into the regeneration of hair cells and neurons of the zebrafish inner ear by testing functions of Fgf genes during development. Ultimately, Allison strives to better understand important pathways and proteins involved in molecular biology.

Mikayla Barry
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringContact: mikayla.barry@gmail.com
Thesis Title:
Scientist II at The Clorox Company, 2021-present
PhD University of California, Santa Barbara, Materials Research Laboratory, Dr. Rachel Segalman, 2017-2021. The design and study of hydrated polymer surfaces.
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Dynamic Whole Blood Study of Silicone Modified with PEO-Silane Amphiphiles
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M's Wind Symphony
Texas A&M Wind Symphony and Advocates for Christ Today
University Honors program
Aggies Invent
Engineering World Health
BME Ambassadors Program, Discover
Explore
Enjoy Physics and Engineering (DEEP)
Awards: Advanced Light Source Doctoral Fellowship 2019-2020
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) 2017 –2019
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society Fellowship 2017
Astronaut Scholarship (one of 40 recipients nationwide) 2016 –2017
Texas A&M Undergraduate Research Scholar 2015 –2016
Beckman Scholar (first ever Texas A&M recipient) 2014 –2015
Terry Foundation Scholar 2013 – Present
Class Year: 17
Mikayla Barry always knew she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, but the undergraduate biomedical engineering major had no idea she would be helping develop a potentially life-saving technology so soon after embarking upon her academic career at Texas A&M University.
As a Beckman Scholar, Mikayla joined a research team led by Professor Melissa Grunlan, an authority on biomaterials and regenerative therapies from the university’s Department of Biomedical Engineering developing a coating for medical devices that prevents clotting as well as infection. Her research excellence earned her numerous national fellowships, authorship on several publications, and acceptance into the top materials graduate programs in the country.

Connor Bowerman
Major(s): PhysicsContact: chbowerman@tamu.edu
Class Year: 24
Advisor: Dr. Peter McIntyre
Research Focus: Particle physics and the Standard Model, nuclear energy, applied physics, superconductors, detection of COVID-19, the mechanisms of bacteriophage lysis
Organizations & Programs: Society of Physics Students
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Rock climbing, Kayaking, Board games, Movie marathons
Awards: Beckman Scholars, Honors Student for Department of Physics and Astronomy, Eagle Scout
Connor Bowerman ‘24 is a Physics major from Austin, Texas. Bowerman is the first Physics major chosen for the TAMU Beckman Scholars Program. He began his research experience as a research assistant studying the detection of COVID-19 using fluorescent nanoparticles as well as worked with enhancing the sensitivity of lateral flow assay with application to COVID-19.
As a Beckman Scholar, Connor joined the lab of Dr. Alexey Akimov to study light and its interaction with matter. Connor enjoys the rigid definitions of physics and is interested in exploring basic physics research in areas such as particle physics, nuclear energy and semiconductors. When not focused on physics, Bowerman also enjoys discussing philosophy. Describing himself as “strategic” and “ inquisitive”, his career goal is “to maximize the amount of good I do while minimizing the amount of bad I do”.

Emily Chapa
Major(s): BiologyAdvisor: Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen
Thesis Title: Beckman Scholars, Dept of Biology. Studying the circadian rhythm control of protein translation.
Organizations & Programs: HOSA
W.H.O.O.P.
Lambda Sigma
Beckman Scholars Program
Awards: Beckman Scholars
Class Year: 23
Emily is a Microbiology majoring in genetics from Brownwood, Texas. She is an aspiring pediatric oncologist and cancer researcher. Emily has previous experience volunteering and shadowing at her local hospital and various health clinics in her hometown. On-campus Emily is involved in several organizations, including HOSA, W.H.O.O.P., and Lambda Sigma. Sheis a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholar as well as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Finalist.
As a Beckman Scholar, Emily joined the laboratory of Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen, a Professor in the Department of Biology, to understand the mechanisms of the Circadian Clock. Emily hopes to find a connection between protein synthesis and cellular processes.

Ashley Holt
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringContact: ash3.holt@gmail.com
Thesis Title:
MD/PhD candidate, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2020-present
Texas A&M University, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics College Station, Texas | Research Technician, January 2020 – August 2020
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: How Bacteriophage PhiKT Breaks Free: A New Phage Lysis Protein (Pending Publication)
Organizations & Programs: Biomedical Engineering Society
Discover Explore Enjoy Physics and Engineering (DEEP)
John 15 Transformers Bible Study
University Honors Program
Biomedical Engineering Society
American Society of Microbiology
Awards: Goldwater Scholar 2018
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholar 2018
Dean's Excellence Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2017
Beckman Scholar 2016-2019
University Scholar 2016-2019
President’s Endowed Scholarship 2015-2019
Class Year: 19
Currently: University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School.
As a Beckman Scholar, Ashley joined Dr. Ry Young’s lab to begin her work discovering the mechanism by which a specific bacteriophage, or virus that infects bacteria, destroys the outer membrane of its host cell. Ashley was excited to have the opportunity to work outside of her department and to gain interdisciplinary knowledge. Overall, in her research career, she would like to work toward the accomplishment of one of the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges: Engineering Better Medicine. Specifically, Ashley hopes to help create new and better antibiotics in order to combat the growing problem of multidrug resistant bacteria.
During her time at A&M, Ashley joined the Biomedical Engineering Society and Discover, Explore, and Enjoy Physics and Engineering (DEEP), as well as John 15 and Transformers Bible Study. She was a Women in Engineering Ambassador and a member of both the Engineering Honors and University Honors programs. Ashley was also selected as a University Scholar. Ashley is from Kingwood, Texas.

Samantha Fehlis
Major(s): ChemistryMinor(s): Economics
Contact: Samfehlis@att.net
Class Year: 26
Advisor: Dr. Karen Wooley
Research Focus: Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Environmentalism
Organizations & Programs: American Chemical Society, Presidential Endowed Scholars, Texas A&M Pre-Medical Society, CARPOOL
Activities:
Awards:
Samantha is a chemistry major with a minor in economics and a focus in biological chemistry. She works in Dr. Karen Wooley of the Chemistry department’s lab focusing on synthetic and organic chemistry. The group’s research attempts to make discoveries that could help reduce environmental impact and pollution. Sam’s project in particular is about developing a new, biodegradable plastic source to reduce plastic pollution using chitin, a sugar polymer in insect exoskeletons and crustaceans. After getting her undergraduate degree she plans to attend graduate or medical school.

Samuel Idah-Oze
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringAdvisor: Dr. Gerard Coté
Thesis Title: Design and testing of Wearable Point of Care Medical Devices.
Class Year: 25
Samuel Idah-oze ‘25 is a general engineering major who intends a major in biomedical engineering. He is pursuing a Biomedical Research Certificate and is a LAUNCH Century Scholar and TAMU Posse Scholar. As a Beckman Scholar, Samuel will be working with Dr. Gerard Coté in the department of biomedical engineering. Dr. Coté focuses on the development of point-of-care biomedical devices, nanoparticle based biomedical sensors, and diagnostic systems. Samuel and Dr. Coté are working on defining a specific research topic for Samuel’s Beckman Scholars project. Samuel notes that he looks forward to learning more from this experience and hopes that the Beckman Scholars program will help him gain experience in research so he can later lead his own research projects in biomedical engineering. Although this is Samuel’s first research experience, he says “I have started dreaming bigger [and] undergraduate research is giving me the tools needed for me to better the world. I have a long way to go, but I’m confident in what I can eventually do.” When he graduates, Samuel intends to go directly into the biomedical engineering industry to gain experience in his field.

Gabrielle Lessen
Major(s): BiochemistryContact: aggiefan18@tamu.edu
Thesis Title:
MD/PhD candidate, UTSouthWestern, 2018-present. The Effect of Inflamation on Glycolslation of Intestinal Epithelial Cells.
Summer Undergraduate Research Institution for the Study of Kidney Disease (SURISKD Program), University of Texas Southwestern Participant
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Determining the Individual Roles of Telomere-Associated Proteins in Telomere Regulation in Arabidopsis
Organizations & Programs: Biochemistry and Genetics Society
Honors Housing Community
University Honors program
Awards: Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award 2018
Senior Merit Award, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2018
Nestor R. Bottino Award, Biochemistry & Biophysics, 2017
Goldwater Scholarship Nominee – Texas A&M University 2016
Alpha Zeta Outstanding Sophomore Award Nominee, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2016
Alpha Zeta Outstanding Sophomore Award, Representative for the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics 2016
National Aggie Scholar Ambassadors “Ambassador Award” 2016
ElectHer Workshop Nominated Attendee 2016
University Scholar – Texas A&M University 2015-2017
Alpha Zeta Outstanding Freshman Award Overall Winner, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2015
Alpha Zeta Outstanding Freshman Award, Representative for the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics 2015
Memorial Student Center First Year Involvement Award 2015
Memorial Student Center Freshmen in Service and Hosting "Star Fish" Award 2014
President’s Endowed Scholar at Texas A&M University 2014-2017
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Honor Roll 2014-2016
National Merit Scholar 2014
National Samsung American Legion Scholar 2014
Class Year: 18
Currently: University of Texas, SouthWestern Medical School, MD/PhD program. Research with Dr. Jennifer Kohler, 2019--present. The influence of inflammation on glycosylation of intestinal epithelial cells.
Gabrielle spent her first year in Aggieland as a member of the University Honors program and the Honors Housing Community. Her interest in research led her to join the DeBakey Undergraduate Research Program as a first semester freshman, working with a team that models the flow of fluid through the kidneys.
Gabby received an early start on leadership development in the MSC Champe-Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar the summer before matriculating at TAMU and continued her development as a member of the MSC Freshmen Leadership Organization “Freshmen in Service and Hosting” or FISH. She has a long history of community service.
Gabby became a Beckman Scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Dorothy Shippen studying plant telomeres, the specific structures at the ends of chromosomes that keep them from unraveling. Telomeres have been implicated in aging and cancer as well as in diseases linked to chromosome instability, making telomere studies an excellent match for her interests.

Brandon Lookfong
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringContact: Brandon_Lookfong@tamu.edu
Thesis Title:
MD/MS at EnMed, 2022-present
Beckman Scholars, Dept of Molecular Medicine. Explore the use of functionalized protein materials to treat peripheral neuropathy.
Aggies Invent: removing microplastics from the ocean environment 2020
Aggies Invent: develop portable energy unit for natural disasters 2019
Aggies Invent: develop indoor navigational technology for hospital patients 2018
Organizations & Programs: Biomedical Engineering American Medical Student Association
NASA University Leadership Initiative
Beckman Scholars Program
University Scholars Program
University Honors
Engineering Honors
Activities: Houston Helpers taking on COVID-19
TAMU Build
The Big Event
The Special Olympics
GTF mentor
Awards: President's Endowed Scholar
Greater Texas Foundation Scholar
Beckman Scholars
University Scholars
Class Year: 22
Brandon is a sophomore biomedical engineering student from Spring, Texas. Brandon has previous research experience, having completed a bio printing design project where he improved the biological printing capabilities of 3D printers by optimizing a method to isolate biological extracellular matrices. Brandon has also competed in the Aggie Challenge and Aggi-E Invent Challenge, winning with his projects on optimized patient flows and bio printing.
As a Beckman Scholar, Brandon joined the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Bondos in the Department of Molecular Medicine using materials science to address neurological disease.

Cody Martin
Major(s): Biochemistry and GeneticsThesis Title:
PhD candidate, Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2020-present
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Analysis of the Phikt Disruptin: A New Class of Lysis Proteins (Pending Publication)
Organizations & Programs: Biochemistry and Genetics Society
Freshman Leadership Experience
Awards: Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholar 2020
Goldwater Scholar 2020
George Bush Presidential Library Foundation Student Travel Grant 2019
Beckman Scholar 2018-present
President's Endowed Scholarship 2017-present
Welch Foundation Scholarship 2017-present
Class Year: 20
Currently: PhD in Microbiology at University of Wisconsin-Madison in process.
Cody, a biochemistry and genetics double major from Red Oak, Texas, is particularly intrigued by the combination of science and technology in healthcare, hoping to apply microscopic phenomena in a manner that is beneficial.
As a Beckman Scholar Cody joined the laboratory of Dr. Ry Young researching the mechanisms of bacteriophage lysis. Cody's work focused on how a new class of potential antimicrobial peptides derived from bacteriophage destroys bacterial cells. “I enjoy that medicine is not a stagnating field: Professionals must be adaptive and stay current with advances. I wouldn’t like to do the same exact thing every single day! Therefore, my dreams align quite well with my personality traits,” says Cody.
Cody also joined a Global and Local Health committee, which educates and brings awareness to health issues from a political standpoint. His long term goal is to earn a PhD and enter academic medicine as a medical geneticist researching the genetic aspects of disease.

Luke Oaks
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringThesis Title:
Bray International, Inc. | Houston, TX | July 2019 – Present Controls Engineer
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Improving Transformational Teaching and Learning by Advancing Higher Education Feedback-Based Dialogues at Texas A&M University
URS advisor: Heather Wilkinson
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassador
Editorial Board for Explorations: the Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal
TAMU Tennis
Awards: Craig C. Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer 2018
Texas A&M Buck Weirus Spirit Award 2016
Texas A&M Race, Identity & Social Equity (RISE) Fellow 2016
Goldwater Scholarship Campus Nominee 2016
Zachry Leadership Program Cohort 2 Delegate 2016
National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholar 2016
Beckman Scholar 2016-2017
University Scholar 2016-2018
Yucatán Initiative Delegate 2016
Texas A&M Freshman Leadership Class Star 2016
Brown Foundation Scholar 2016
Presidents Endowed Scholar 2015
National Merit Scholar 2015
Class Year: 19
Currently: Controls Engineer for Bray International.
As a freshman, Luke joined the lab of Dr. Melissa Grunlan to develop an implantable glucose biosensor. During his first semester at Texas A&M, Luke was an experimental researcher for the DeBakey Undergraduate Research Scholars program, studying the relationship between radiation therapy and lymphatic failure. Additionally, in the summer before his freshman year, he was contracted as a Wright Scholars Research Assistant for the Air Force Research Lab in southwestern Ohio to work with heart rate sensors.
As a Beckman Scholar Luke joined Dr. Gerard Coté’s bioinstrumentation lab, where he initiated an independent project to develop a novel biomarker platform technology that uses surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy for lung cancer diagnosis.
In addition to his research endeavors, Luke has heavily involved himself in a variety of campus activities, including serving as a Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassador, joining the Editorial Board for Explorations: the Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal, and participating in three design competitions through Aggies Invent.
He was designated as one of 15 college students in the nation to serve on an advisory board for Pearson Higher Education, where he helped to improve modern educational technologies by focusing his passions for sociology and academic empowerment.

Rachel Porter
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular BiologyThesis Title:
PhD candidate, Molecular Cell Biology at Stanford University, 2020-present
Fulbright Scholar at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia with Dr. Nina Gunde-Cimerman studying the Greenland ice sheet microbiome.
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Circadian Regulation of Ribosomal Protein Composition in Neurospora crassa
Organizations & Programs: FMC Science Personal Assistant
FMC Science Research Assistant
Sigma Xi
Biology Honors
University Scholars
Beckman Scholars
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
Supplemental Instructor
Activities: Peer Note Taking for Disability services
TAMU Urban Farm United
Awards: Fulbright Scholar
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
University Scholars
Beckman Scholars
Explorations Author
Class Year: 19
Currently: PhD program in Molecular Cell Biology at Stanford University.
Rachel, a molecular and cellular biology major from Kempner, Texas,worked with Dr. Steve Lockless researching ion channels in E.coli. Porter compares the fitness of a strain to observe differences in growth given different environmental conditions.
As a Beckman Scholar, Rachel joined the laboratory of Dr. Deb Bell-Pedersen studying whether ribosomes, the protein producers of the cell, have different compositions and activiities during the day and at night. Her long term goals include continuing on to graduate school to study biology. Rachel says that her time at Texas A&M has only confirmed her choice to pursue a path in research; “before starting, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in research, after joining the lab, I know I want to. I have enjoyed every aspect of research, from the work itself to the people I’ve met along the way.”
Rachel's excellence resulted in an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and acceptance into the top Molecular Biology graduate programs in the country. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia with Dr. Nina Gunde-Cimerman studying the Greenland ice sheet microbiome. After returning from Slovenia she started her graduate work at Stanford.

Ryan Rahman
Major(s): BiologyContact: rr4hman17@tamu.edu
Thesis Title:
MD/PhD candidate, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, 2022-present
Beckman Scholars, Dept of Biology. Investigation of the signals that regulate bacterial destruction after engulfment by Dictyostelium discoidium.
Organizations & Programs: Beckman Scholars Program
University Scholars Program
American Medical Student Association
Biology Honors Program
Activities: Swaram A Cappella Ensemble
Awards: Astronaut Scholar 2021
Goldwater Scholar 2021
Beckman Scholars 2019-present
University Scholars 2019-present
Class Year: 22
Ryan is a biology major and neuroscience minor from Ransom Canyon, Texas. Ryan has previous medical experience working as an intern at the Trustpoint Rehabilitation Clinic in his hometown. He is active on campus in the American Medical Student Association and the Biology honors program. In addition, Ryan is a recipient of the President’s Endowed Scholarship and a National Merit Commended Scholar.
As a Beckman Scholar, Ryan joined the laboratory of Dr. Richard Gomer in the Department of Biology where he is investigating the signals that regulate bacterial destruction after engulfment by Dictyostelium discoidium. His research creativity and independence have led to several publications and National Fellowships based on research excellence. Ryan is currently in the process of applying to MD/PhD programs.

Travis “Horton” Richard
Major(s): BiochemistryAdvisor: Dr. Vishal Gohil
Thesis Title: Correcting mitochondrial defects in Barth syndrome models by stimulating mitophagy.
Class Year: 25
Travis “Horton” Richard ‘25 is a biochemistry major with a minor in economics. He is in the LAUNCH University Honors Program. As a Beckman Scholar, Horton will begin working on a research project with Dr. Vishal Gohil from the department of biochemistry, where they will use Barth syndrome models to investigate how correcting mitochondrial defects could act as a treatment for patients with Barth syndrome. Barth syndrome is a disease where people lack cardiolipin, an important component of their cells’ mitochondrial membrane. Without cardiolipin the mitochondrial membrane cannot function properly, resulting in symptoms like enlargement and weakness of the heart. Horton intends to test how a chemical component known as spermidine can destroy defective mitochondria in yeast cells. He will then ask if spermidine has the same effect on human cells to investigate if it can be used as a potential treatment for this disease. Horton is excited to start this research project where he will “perform research that has some positive impact on others.” When he graduates, Horton plans on going to graduate school to pursue a lifelong vocation of research.

Miriam Stein
Major(s): Molecular & Cell BiologyContact: MiriamStein@tamu.edu
Advisor: Dr. Vishal Gohil
Thesis Title: Investigating mechanisms of potential therapeutic agents for human genetic disorders of copper deficiency.
Research Focus: The role of mitochondrial membrane composition on function.
Organizations & Programs: University Honors Program
Explorations: The Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal
Activities: Undergraduate Research Summer 2021: UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Dept of Cardiology
Awards: Beckman Scholars
Baumberger Endowed Scholar
Deans Honor Roll 2021
Experience: mitochondrial physiology, calcium and magnesium signalling, confocal microscopy, spectrofluorometry, western blotting, histology and immunohistochemistry, PCR genotyping, RNA sequencing
Class Year: 24
Miriam ’24 is a Molecular & Cell Biology major from . Miriam is fascinated by genetic diseases and how the tools of molecular biology can be used to understand underlying disease mechanisms. She is currently investigating the role of copper and copper transport in zebrafish mitochondria can be regulated.
As a Beckman Scholar, Miriam joined the laboratory of Dr. Vishal Gohil, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, looking into diseases of copper metabolism where she will be investigating how drugs transport copper into cells and whether they can be used to treat mitochondrial diseases of copper insufficiency. Ultimately, Miriam hopes to better understand important pathways regulating metabolism and disease.

Jennifer Tran
Major(s): Biochemistry and GeneticsMinor(s): Biology and Classics
Contact: jentranxd@tamu.edu
Thesis Title:
PhD candidate, Microbiology at University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2018-present. Using CRISPRi tools to map cell envelope pathways in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Genetic Characterization of Single-Stranded RNA Phage Lysis Genes
Organizations & Programs: Aggie Research Scholars
Freshman Leadership Experience Service
Biochemistry and Genetics Society
University Honors
Awards: PharmSci Poster Award, 2nd place 2019
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship 2018-present
SciMED Graduate Research Scholar 2018-present
Dean's Outstanding Award for Undergraduate Research, College of Agriculture and LIfe Sciences 2017
Poster Recognition Award - Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Phages Conference August 2016
Beckman Foundation Scholar May 2015-Present
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Honor Roll Fall 2014, 2015, 2016
President’s Endowed Scholar August 2014
Brown Foundation Scholar May 2014-Present
National Merit Scholar May 2014
Class Year: 18
Currently: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI Microbiology Doctoral Training Program 2018- present. Using CRISPRi tools to map cell envelope pathways in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Jennifer Tran ‘18 is a biochemistry and genetics double major from Carrollton, Texas. Jennifer impressed the faculty, staff, and student reviewers and interview panel with her ability to view issues from multiple angles, her appreciation of a “eureka” moment earlier this year that changed her view of the world and her enthusiasm for problem solving. While her description of herself as “independent” and “involved” was clearly demonstrated by her many activities, the critical self-knowledge and self-deprecating humor demonstrated in her application essays made quite an impact on the application readers.
Jennifer was a University Honors freshman and member of the Biochemistry and Genetics Society. She began research her first semester at TAMU with the Aggie Research Scholars helping to build a self-regulating pressure pump and then moved to the laboratory of Dr. Vishal Gohil in the department of Biochemistry and Biophysics to study mitochondrial copper transport. Jennifer started her leadership development through the MSC Champe-Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar the summer before matriculating at TAMU and has continued as a member of the Freshman Leadership Experience Service committee. Even while in her first semester at TAMU, she continued community service she began in the Dallas area, such as her volunteer work with the Dallas Marathon.
As a Beckman Scholar, Tran joined the laboratory of Dr. Ry Young, the first Director of the Center for Phage Technology, looking for ways to identify and adapt phage particles for use as a new paradigm for antibiotic function.

Brooke Versaw
Major(s): ChemistryMinor(s): Business Administration
Contact: b.versaw2458@email.tamu.edu
Thesis Title:
PhD candidate, California Institute of Technology, July 2018–present. Analysis of structure-property relationships in mechanochromic polymers.
Undergraduate Research Scholar Thesis: Natural Product-based Engineering Polymers: A Special Emphasis Toward Degradable Polycarbonate Materials from Quinic Acid and Cellulose (Pending Publication)
Organizations & Programs: American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter
a National Aggie Scholar Ambassador
Texas A&M Honor Council
University Honors Program
Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship 2018-2021
Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award 2018
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship 2017
Outstanding Presentation in Materials Science, Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research 2016, 2017
First place Undergraduate Oral Presentation, TAMU Student Research Week 2016
Beckman Scholar 2015-2017
University Scholar 2015-2017
Class Year: 18
Currently: California Institute of Technology Dept of Chemistry graduate program with Dr. Maxwell Robb, 2018--present. Analysis of structure-property relationships in mechanochromic polymers.
Brooke was a University Honors Program freshman and a Sophomore Advisor for the Honors Housing Community. Her application for this leadership position emphasized rational thought, role modeling, and imaginative ideas to help create a sense of community between the two freshman Honors dorms. Versaw also spent her freshman year as a member of the TAMU Honor Council, which hears issues with respect to the Aggie Honor Code, the Student Affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society and as a National Aggie Scholar Ambassador.
Versaw got an early start in research, well before matriculating at Texas A&M in fall 2014. She spent the summer of 2013 as a Robert A. Welch Foundation Chemistry Scholar with Dr. Junha Jeon at the University of Texas at Arlington investigating the mechanism of alkenyl silyl ether hydrolyzation. The following summer Versaw moved to Dr. Steve Lockless’ group in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M to study intracellular signaling using synthetic models of cellular membranes. Versaw’s interest in chemistry and chemical research was evident as early as high school, where she volunteered as a chemistry and physics tutor.
As a Beckman Scholar Versaw joined the laboratory of Dr. Karen Wooley on a research project using organic synthesis and polymerization strategies to build macromolecular structures that can be used to develop new materials.

Trevor Martinez
Major(s): BiologyContact: trevorm8@tamu.edu
Class Year: 26
Advisor: Dr. Richard Gomer
Research Focus: Chemorepulsion, Gene Analysis, Biology
Organizations & Programs: Aggie Research Scholar, TAMU Terry Scholar, Science Leadership Scholar, Certified Peer Visitor for the National Amputee Coalition, Aggie Astronaut Corps, 4-H and FFA Alumni
Activities:
Awards: Beckman Scholar, Terry Scholar
Trevor grew up in Premont, Texas and attended Bishop High School where he was heavily involved in multiple organizations especially 4-H & FFA that gave him the opportunity to gain interest particularly in Biology. During that time he expanded his knowledge and skills through competitive events such as being the 2021-2022 Reserve Grand Champion in his Agricultural Public Speaking Category at the San Antonio Livestock Show as well as 2021-2022 Finalist at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for his distinct presentation Xenografts & Genetic Modification Impacting the Swine & Medical Industries. He additionally was recognized as being the 2022 1st Place State 4-H Open Presentation winner for another presentation over Prosthetics and Synthetic Biological Attachments. Through several programs along with his previous certification as a Certified Peer Visitor for the National Amputee Coalition, he combined his passion for science and paying it forward towards getting a Bachelor's of Science in Biology and intends to go to Graduate School to pursue a further interest in Genetic Modification of Microscopic Organisms. At his time at Texas A&M University, he has been a TAMU Terry Scholar, Science Leadership Scholar, & now TAMU Beckman Scholar. He has previously worked in Dr. Bill Murphy's lab under Andrew Harris' project titled Felid phylogenomics: An exploration of the relations within the eight major cat lineages. He now works under Dr. Richard Gomer's lab which primarily focuses on understanding chemorepulsion in Dictyostelium discoideum as well as ways to combat fibrosis diseases.