Recognizing Outstanding Students in Chemistry and Biological Sciences Research
 

The purpose of the Beckman Scholars Program is to help stimulate, encourage and support excellence through sustained, in-depth, faculty mentored research activities by exceptionally talented and gifted students who are pursuing their studies at accredited four-year colleges and universities located in the United States of America . These research activities shall be centered in either chemistry, biochemistry, the biological and medical sciences or some combination of these subjects. The Beckman Scholar experience is intended to significantly advance the education, research training, and personal development of students who have the potential to achieve distinction in their academic fields, and become leaders in their careers and professions.

The Beckman Scholars Program was initiated by The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in 1997. Only a few hundred students at sixty-eight selected universities and colleges have received these highly prestigious scholarships to date.

Dickinson College is currently applying to the Foundation for the renewal of the Beckman Scholars Program. In anticipation of a renewal, the usual recruitment, application and proposal review processes will be conducted in Fall of 2007 and Spring of 2008. If Dickinson's renewal request is *declined* by the Foundation, student applications for the Beckman Scholarship will be reviewed by the R&D Committee as a standard Student-Faculty research request, for the summer of 2008 only. The term(s) of the summer research project, including (but not limited to) funding allowances, procedures, and designation of the project (Student Faculty Research Project, rather than Beckman Scholar) may be adjusted at the discretion of the R&D Committee.

Pending receipt of a renewed grant program from the Foundation and availability of funding, Dickinson ’s fifth Beckman Scholarship(s) will be awarded in spring 2008 for research to begin in summer 2008.

If awarded, the Foundation’s grant to Dickinson in 2008 will provide funds to support research activities conducted during one academic year (performed part-time; ten hours per week) and over two summers (full-time; ten weeks each summer) immediately before and after the academic year research experience. The research activities shall be conducted under the guidance of a full-time faculty member and shall be deemed to be publishable by the student's faculty mentor. Students will be named as Beckman Scholars in the spring of their sophomore or junior years. Once selected as a Beckman Scholar, a student will retain the scholarship title as long as he/she continues to excel academically, is in good academic standing, and his/her research work shows satisfactory progress.

 

This scholarship, in addition to a superior academic record and student publications, is probably the single-most important and prestigious award you can have as an undergraduate scientist. It will most certainly assist you in gaining acceptance to the graduate degree program of your choice.

 

Each scholarship will provide:

• During two summers; a) the summer prior to the academic year, plus b) the summer immediately following:
•  Summer research stipend  $300 per week for 10 weeks (total $3,000 each summer)
• On-campus room and board at no cost
• Allowance for supplies, conference and research related travel: $850
• Expenses paid, three/four-day trip in July to the Annual Beckman Scholars Symposium in Irvine California , to meet fellow Beckman Scholars and faculty mentors. Graduating Scholars will present their research at this symposium.
• During the first academic year:
• Stipend to support academic year research: 10 hours per week for 26 weeks x $15.38 per hour (total $4,000)
• Allowance for supplies, conference and research related travel: $1,600
• During the second academic year as a senior (if you are awarded during the sophomore year)
• Stipend to support academic year research: 10 hours per week for 26 weeks 
• Allowance for supplies, conference and research related travel

 

Are you eligible?

• You must be a declared major in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry & molecular biology (BMB)
• You must have a 3.5 GPA overall, and a 3.5 GPA in courses taken for your major.
• You must be a sophomore or a junior.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application.
• Dual-nationals are eligible.
• Demonstrated financial need is not a qualifying criterion, however, financial need will be a consideration in award decisions between candidates judged to be equal.

 

**  In the upcoming application round (Spring 2008) one award may be made.  **

 

The Term of the Scholarship

• One full academic year, plus the two summers bracketing that year.
• Under special circumstances the award may include only one summer, but this is subject to approval by the Foundation.
• Beckman Scholars who are graduating seniors are expected to conduct research in the summer following graduation.
• The appointed Beckman Scholar will retain the scholarship title as long as he/she continues to excel academically, is in good academic standing, and his/her research work shows satisfactory progress.

The Beckman Mentors

Research activities performed by Beckman Scholars shall be conducted under the guidance of one of the full-time faculty members chosen to be Beckman faculty mentors. These faculty members include:

• Prof. David Crouch  Beckman Program Coordinator
• Prof. Michael Holden
• Prof. Kristi Humphreys
• Prof. Cindy Samet
• Prof. Amy Witter
• Prof. Thomas Arnold
• Prof. Kirsten Guss
• Prof. John Henson
• Prof. Missy Niblock
• Prof. Charles Zwemer 

 

Requirements, Obligations, and Perquisites accorded the Beckman Scholar

• The Beckman Scholar shall commit to undertaking research, as described in their proposal, over the course of two summers and one academic year.
• Beckman Scholars are expected to participate fully in the process of publication and dissemination of the results of their research. They will produce a publishable paper on their research and involve themselves in public presentation of their research (in addition to the meeting convened by the Foundation, see below) at the following types of venues:
•  at departmental seminars and Dickinson Science Symposium
• at least one regional conference
• at one national/international professional conference such as the meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology, the American Society for Cell Biology, the American Chemical Society, or the Association for Integrative and Comparative Biology.
• Beckman scholars are required to file reports with the Beckman Program Coordinator and the R&D Committee at the conclusion of each research term:
• at the conclusion of the first summer research term (by August 1st).
• at the conclusion of the academic year term (May 10th)
• prior to August 1^st in the second and final summer of the Scholar’s term. This last report will form the final report to the Beckman Program Coordinator, which will be forwarded to the Foundation by the College. 
• Reports must include:
• Description of research progress
• Brief commentary on the benefit(s) of mentor supervised research
• Brief commentary on the advantages of the Beckman Scholarship
• Recommendations for improvements to the program
• Career and/or educational plans

• To nurture the Beckman Scholar’s research knowledge, skills, and abilities—the college will match each Beckman Scholar with an alumni mentor who is a specialist in the Scholar’s field of interest. Dickinson ’s alumni include numerous career scientists in research, industry and in medical professions.
• The Beckman Scholar will be ensured seating with the recipient of the College’s Priestly Award at the celebration dinner.
• Beckman Scholars are expected to attend an expenses-paid, three-day trip in July to the Annual Beckman Scholars Symposium in Irvine California , to meet fellow Beckman Scholars and faculty mentors. Graduating Scholars will present their research at this symposium. Your faculty mentor will also be invited to attend this meeting.

 

The Application Process

To prepare a successful application to the Beckman Scholarship program applicants must do the following:

·         Select a faculty mentor and consult closely with that proposed faculty mentor regarding the topic and feasibility of your proposed research.

·         The student/faculty team must prepare a research plan including:

o        An Abstract of the research (250 words maximum) which explains the overall nature of the project

o        An Introduction which places the project in its proper context with respect to previous work and potential contribution to the field of study, why it needs to be addressed

o        A Workplan which summarizes the methodologies used to collect data and test hypotheses leading to interpretations

o        The Anticipated Outcomes of the project including how the results will be presented to the scientific community at-large

o        Tentative Project time-table for the duration of the project (two summers and one academic year).

o        A Statement of Previous Work on this topic and/or others funded by Whitaker/HHMI, Mellon or other grants

o         A Preliminary Budget, outlining how you intend to expend your supplies and travel budget

o        A Bibliography of research resources.

• The student applicant must prepare an essay  (1-2 pages) addressing career goals and interests with a particular focus on how that research will further your career plans and goals.
• Elicit and forward the following letters of reference/recommendation:
• A confidential letter of support from two faculty members who know you and your work well
• A letter of agreement from the Beckman Faculty Mentor in whose laboratory you propose to conduct your research. These documents may take the form of an e-mail to the Beckman Program Coordinator.

 

Essential Application Information 

·         Proposal Format Instructions: 12 point, single spaced text; 1” margins; 8.5 x 11” page format

·         Submission Deadline: The proposal and related documents should be sent to the Beckman Program Coordinator by February 11, 2008. 

·         Submission of application documents by email attachment is especially encouraged.

·         Questions about the proposal process or budgets should be directed to Prof. David Crouch (x1351).

 

The Selection Process

·         Applications are reviewed for technical eligibility by the Beckman Program Coordinator.

·         The Science Executive Committee (SXC) will review applications and select a maximum of three finalists.

·         Finalists will present an abstract of their research to SXC which will conduct an oral interview of each of the finalists.

·         SXC’s recommendation will be forwarded to the College’s Research and Development (R&D) Committee.

·         R&D will review applications with any input necessary from the Director of Financial Aid and a representative of SXC.

·         R&D will provide an award recommendation to the Provost and Dean.

 

The Award Process

·         The Beckman Scholarship awardee(s) will be notified by the R&D Committee in a timely manner.

·         Arrangements for housing, room and board, expense accounts, etc., will be handled in the usual manner by the R&D faculty liaison.

 

Questions and Answers

My Beckman Mentor has another grant (e.g. NSF, NIH) and/or our team has already been awarded an HHMI or Whitaker award for student-faculty research. 

• Can I hold a Beckman Scholarship and another grant/award concurrently? Yes. Please note however, that you will NOT receive double funding for stipend.
• Can I, as a Beckman Scholar, seek supplemental funds? Yes. Beckman scholars will have the opportunity to seek college funding support for their projects and conference travel through normal channels (see R&D below) in their senior year and the summer following graduation.
•  How do I apply? Follow the directions above; you may substitute for your research plan that which was submitted to R&D for the HHMI or Whitaker award.

 

I’m a Beckman Scholar, a junior, and I’ve maintained my GPA. Can I keep the Beckman scholarship while I’m a senior?

 

No, and yes! Stipends provided to any one student cannot exceed two summers and one academic year; however you will retain the title of Beckman Scholar and have the opportunity to accrue any benefit from that status which the Foundation may attach to it. It may mean the opportunity to attend additional professional conferences as a Beckman Scholar (at the expense of the Foundation) and other opportunities for professional development.

 

I am going to study abroad in my junior year. Can I be a Beckman Scholar abroad?

 

Yes.  Beckman Scholars will also have the opportunity to conduct their research abroad under their Dickinson faculty mentor, if their mentor is also abroad at the same institution. This mentorship must be consistent and continuous through the two summers and the academic year.

 

Can I apply for supplemental funds for conference travel?

 

Yes. Beckman scholars have the opportunity to seek college funding support for their projects and conference travel through normal channels (see R&D below), and in their senior year and the summer following graduation. Contact the Beckman Program Coordinator and then apply through the College’s Research and Development (R&D) Committee:
http://www.dickinson.edu/departments/rdc/.

 

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Last Updated 9/24/2007

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