Beckman Scholars Program

Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Beckman Scholars program. The Beckman Scholars program is designed to enhance research opportunities for students who have demonstrated a strong background in their science courses and show exceptional promise for independent research.

A student chosen as a Beckman Scholar in 2024 will receive stipends ($6,800/summer) to be part of the Wellesley Summer Research Program during Summer 2024 and Summer 2025. The Scholar will also receive a stipend ($4,600) to perform research during the 2024-2025 academic year. In addition to working in the lab during these times, Scholars will be expected to complete the honors thesis program and present their findings in presentations on and off-campus. To support these expectations, Scholars will receive funding for research supplies and for travel to present their work at national research conferences.

Beckman Scholars must work in the research lab of one of the following faculty research mentors:  Chris Arumainayagam (chemistry), Becky Belisle (physics), Steve Biller (biological sciences), Louise Darling (biological sciences), Don Elmore (chemistry), Sharon Gobes (neuroscience), Vanja Klepac-Ceraj (biological sciences), Courtney Marshall (neuroscience), Mala Radhakrishnan (chemistry), Rachel Stanley (chemistry), Yui Suzuki (biological sciences), Mathew Tantama (chemistry), or Marc Tetel (neuroscience).

If you are interested in applying for the 2024 Beckman Scholars program, you should contact one of these mentors to discuss potential projects. Applications for 2024 Beckman Scholars will be due on Thursday, February 15 at 10 PM.  All applicants will need submit the following materials as part of their application:

1)  A research proposal (2-3 pages) describing your proposed research in a faculty mentor’s lab.  This proposal should include literature references (not included in the page count).

2)  A personal statement (1 page) outlining previous research experience and how participating in the Beckman Scholars Program would support your future plans.  This statement can include any information on how your personal background may enhance the diversity of the Beckman Scholars Program.

3)  An unofficial transcript (obtained through Workday).

4)  A letter of recommendation from the proposed faculty mentor.

Items 1-3 should be submitted using this application form:

https://forms.gle/ahrfscNi4WdA1BN86

Faculty mentors can submit their letters of recommendation using the following form:

https://forms.gle/JDmLKzLFwFCK1S476

If you have any questions about the Beckman Scholars Program or the application process, please contact Don Elmore (delmore@wellesley.edu).