From left to right: Nick Mortimore, Dr. Rafael Yuste, Bryce Wilson

Beckman Scholars, Nick Mortimore and Bryce Wilson, with 2023 Beckman Seminar Speaker, Dr. Rafael Yuste.

From left to right: Nick Mortimore, Dr. Rafael Yuste, Bryce Wilson

About

The Beckman Scholars Program, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, helps stimulate, encourage, and support research activities by exceptionally talented, full-time undergraduate students who are pursuing their studies at accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The Beckman Scholarship is a prestigious one, providing a total student stipend of $18,200 plus $2,800 for research supplies and travel support over the course of the 15-month experience. Two Beckman Scholars will be selected annually.

The UArizona Beckman Scholars Program gives undergraduates funding and support to conduct in-depth research with one of 11 stellar mentors in UArizona’s College of Science on a full-time basis for two consecutive summers, and part-time during the intervening academic year. UArizona Beckman Scholars work on a project of interest in their selected mentor’s lab, engage in professional development activities, such as leading undergraduates in small group discussions, inviting and hosting an eminent scientist to give a seminar at UArizona, meeting with Beckman Mentors, and serving as student leaders within the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, etc.

UArizona Beckman Mentors

Dr. Craig Aspinwall

Dr. Ross Buchan

Dr. Pascale Charest

Dr. Matthew Cordes

Dr. Katrina Dlugosch

Dr. Ryan Gutenkunst

Dr. Nancy Horton

Dr. Michael Marty

Dr. Joanna Masel

Dr. Lisa Nagy

Dr. Andrew Paek

Eligibility

To apply to UArizona’s Beckman Scholars Program, you must:

  • Be a University of Arizona full-time undergraduate student majoring in any biological or chemical science, intending to pursue an advanced science degree or other scientific pursuits.
  • Be a sophomore or junior, at the time of application, graduating in May 2026 or later.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold DACA recipient status.
  • Be willing and able to devote two consecutive summers (full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks) and the intervening academic year (part-time) to working on a research project.
  • Be willing and able to participate in the annual Beckman Symposium, held in Irvine, CA, for both summers. If in-person, travel and hotel accommodations will be provided.
  • Be willing and able to serve as a summer workshop leader and peer facilitator for Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) participants and engage in the professional development activities associated with this program.

Application Process

The funding proposal for the University of Arizona Beckman Scholars Program is currently under review. Check back in December or January for updates as to the status of the program and application announcements. 

Questions?

Please contact Quinn Reilly at qreilly@arizona.edu.