Clemson selected as Beckman Scholar institution

CLEMSON — Clemson University has been selected to participate in the Beckman Scholars Program, a prestigious recognition of Clemson’s commitment to undergraduate research. Clemson is one of 13 programs nationally receiving funding to provide undergraduates with a unique 15-month mentored laboratory research experience.

“The recognition and funding provided by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation speaks to the demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research at Clemson University,” said Robert Jones, Clemson’s executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This award highlights not only the outstanding undergraduate students we have but also the commitment of our outstanding faculty in engaging undergraduates in meaningful research.”

Six Clemson undergraduates will be selected to participate in the program over the course of three years, awarding between one and three new Scholars each year. Each Beckman Scholar will receive an $18,200 stipend plus funds to support scientific supplies and travel over two summer terms and an academic year. Prior to applying, students must have completed one year (or one semester and a summer) of research, have a 3.8 GPA and display excellence in research; analytical skills; and oral, written and digital communications skills.

“We’re excited to have the ability to provide this tremendous opportunity to our exceptional undergraduates,” said the program director, Barbara J. Speziale, associate director for Academic Affairs, the Watt Family Innovation Center, director of Creative Inquiry and professor of biological sciences. “The hands-on research experience and unique opportunities provided through this program will propel these students to graduate school and becoming leaders in their chosen fields.”

The Beckman Scholars Program is a limited-submission, invitation-only program. Each year, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation carefully reviews extensive information about institutions across the country and identifies colleges and universities to receive Beckman Scholars Program application invitations.

Invited institutions demonstrate a significant commitment to undergraduate research in chemistry, the biological sciences and/or interdisciplinary combinations thereof. They also show the capability to compete successfully on a national level for scientific research funds in peer-reviewed government and private foundation supported programs over previous years. Their faculties and their research facilities are judged to be of the quality necessary to support the caliber of undergraduate research program sought for Beckman Scholars. Members of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Council participate in the selection of institutions that are invited.

“Since the inception of the Beckman Scholars Program in 1978, there have been more than $29 million in awards to over 1,400 undergraduate students through this program, providing each student with a unique 15-month mentored research experience,” said Anne Hultgren, executive director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. “We’re excited to learn more about the next cohort of Scholars and see them present their early research findings at our upcoming annual Beckman Symposium.”

This year’s award is comprised of more than $1.7 million in funding for 68 undergraduate scholars at 13 institutions:

• Calvin College
• Clemson University
• Colgate University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Pennsylvania State University
• San Francisco State University
• Santa Clara University
• UCLA
• University of Chicago
• University of Connecticut
• University of Kansas Center for Research Inc.
• University of Virginia
• Whitman College