The Beckman Scholars Program  provided by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to the University of Utah College of Science, and spans three years (2024 – 2027). This generous institutional award will enable the funded support of six scholar–faculty mentor pairs. This is a repeat three-year award for the U. Each internally selected scholar will receive a $21,000 research stipend to facilitate 15-months of mentored research (nine academic calendar months, two three-month summers), in addition to $5,000 provided for the mentor-directed research.

The Beckman institutions were selected after a rigorous application process which included a two-part review led by a panel of scientific experts. (Read the full list of institutional awardees.)

Each awardee institution will receive funding to support six Scholar-Mentor pairs, with two Scholars named per year for the three-year award term. This year’s award is comprised of more than $2.1 million in funding for 84 undergraduate Beckman Scholars at 14 institutions, including the U. The 15-month mentored research experience is designed for exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry, biological sciences, and interdisciplinary combinations thereof. Co-director of the program at the U Andrew Roberts, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Science, says, "It is most important that current research students in our groups and in other groups (that promote undergraduate research generally) know about this opportunity. If they aren’t ‘ready’ this year, they should still apply for the experience. Many of our past Beckman Scholars were UROP and ACCESS Scholars first. Many applied multiple years in a row." Roberts will work with fellow co-director Luisa Whittaker-Brooks, associate professor of inorganic/materials chemistry.

"Undergraduate research is central to our educational mission," said Peter Trapa, dean of the College of Science.  "I'm proud that this award will support so many exceptional students in the chemical and biological sciences for years to come."

Read more about the Beckman at the U here.

Prospective scholars must apply with one of fifteen internally selected UoU Beckman Scholars Program mentors. For participating faculty research mentors, see below.

College of Science faculty mentors for the Beckman Scholars Program.

In addition, prospective scholars must:

• Be a full-time student and a declared science major;
• Beckman Scholars must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions or hold status as DACA recipients;
• Be a freshman, sophomore, or junior;
• Commit to a research project that will last two summer semesters and the entire academic year in between.
• Please email roberts@chem.utah.edu with any questions.