Santa Clara University Named A 2024 Beckman Scholars Program Awardee
Photo credit: Adam Hays
SANTA CLARA, Calif., January 26, 2024—For the second time in five years, Santa Clara University has been selected by The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation as a recipient of a prestigious Beckman Scholars Program award for faculty-mentored student research. The $156K grant will fund 15-month mentored research experiences for six scholar-mentor pairs over three years.
“We are honored to have once again been selected as a recipient of this prestigious award from the Beckman Foundation,” said Ed Ryan, acting provost of Santa Clara University. “One of the many strengths of Santa Clara University is that our students can conduct research with faculty mentors who are recognized experts in their fields. This award reflects our commitment to supporting transformative research opportunities.”
The Beckman Scholars Program is a limited-submission, invitation-only program. To be considered, universities must demonstrate an active commitment to scientific undergraduate research and the capability to compete up to par with national standards of scientific programs to be considered. Both students and faculty are reviewed for the quality of their work and their abilities to meet the standards expected by Beckman Scholars. SCU is one of only 14 award recipients this year.
“Each year the applicants for the Beckman Scholars Program put forth outstanding proposals for unique and engaging undergraduate research programs. Our 2024 awardee institutions were remarkable among that competitive group,” shared Dr. Anne Hultgren, Executive Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. “Santa Clara University’s second BSP award follows a substantial investment by the institution to improve academic facilities and engage a diverse and dedicated group of faculty mentors to provide a supportive framework and outstanding, hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate researchers. We look forward to meeting their next cohort of Beckman Scholars, welcoming them to the Beckman Symposium, and learning more about their research projects.”
This spring, Santa Clara University will select its Beckman Scholars among undergraduate chemistry and life science students based on commitment to research and potential to become scientific leaders. Beckman Scholars commit to research activities full-time over two consecutive summers and part-time during one academic year. The Beckman Scholars Award provides a stipend during this time, sends them to conferences, and provides funding for research materials.
“One of the benefits of being a Beckman Scholar is that students are given the time and resources to perform quality, independent science,” said Eric Tillman, associate provost for research and Fletcher Jones Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry. “The experience will advance these students’ knowledge and skills in the fields of chemistry, biology, and their interdisciplinary interconnections, positioning them to pursue graduate education and successful careers in science.”
About the Beckman Scholars Program
Beginning in 1998, the Beckman Scholars Program was started by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, an organization established to provide grants in support of the scientific community to further advancements and education. They have since given 1,693 student and mentor pairs more than $32 million in grants at 141 universities. The Beckman Scholars Program is a rigorous research program meant to help encourage talented students at four-year colleges and universities by giving them a head start professionally in their scientific pursuits to help advance themselves and the industry in the future.
About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1977 by 20th-century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman and Mrs. Mabel Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit beckman-foundation.org.