Eligibility Requirements
- Rising second- and third-year students are eligible to apply to the Beckman Scholars Program. Research begins at the start of the summer term.
- The program is restricted to majors from biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry (and chemical biology) and neurosciences.
- Beckman Scholars must be full-time undergraduate students and remain in good academic standing.
- Beckman Scholars must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions, or currently holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including those expressed through digital platforms .
- Past and/or present laboratory research experience (e.g. high school experience, industry-based research, etc.) is expected.
- Genuine interest in and passion for scientific research (beyond major requirements) and scientific leadership; in pursuit of PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or other scientific pursuits.
- Ability to commit to two summers of full-time research (10 weeks at 40 hours week) and part-time research during the academic year in between (10 hours per week).
Application
Students must discuss directly with one (or more) of the 15 Beckman Scholar Mentors whose work interests them. Beckman Scholar applicants must be accepted by one of the Beckman Scholars Program Mentors. Mentors will select and encourage students who then will complete the application process.
A complete application consists of:
- Completed application form
- One-page statement about your future career/academic goals, including your goals and expectations of the Beckman Scholars Program mentor/mentee relationship and its significance to your future academic/career plans;
- Working with the Beckman Scholars Program Mentor, a Two- to three-page independent research project proposal, including project description and methodology. The project must be mentored by one of the Beckman Scholars Program Mentors.
- Resume
- Official CWRU transcript
- Two faculty letters of recommendation: one from the identified Mentor; one from a science faculty member or previous research mentor who can attest to the student’s academic and leadership potential. Please complete the top section of the recommendation form and give the form to the appropriate recommender.
- The Beckman Scholars Program Application (will be available after December 1)
- Beckman Mentor Reference Form
- Science Reference Form
Deadline
The deadline to apply is February 15, 2023.
Finalist Interviews
The Beckman Scholars Award selection committee will select up to five applicants and their mentors for an in-person interview. Finalists will prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation that outlines their research and academic goals, interest in and commitment to becoming a Beckman Scholar, and proposed research project. A Q&A session will follow the presentation to include a discussion about the mentor-mentee relationship and goals and expectations.
The Beckman Scholar selection committee will comprise one senior-level faculty member from each of the six participating academic areas. Vice Provost Donald Feke will chair the committee. In keeping with the foundational goals of both Case Western Reserve University and the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the selection committee will be instructed to place equal emphasis on merit, diversity, equity and inclusion during Scholar selection.
Beckman Scholar Award recipients will be announced on or by April 7, 2023.