student working in chemistry laboratory
Beckman Scholars Program

» Beckman Scholars Program

Chapman’s Beckman Scholar Program (BSP) is a distinctive research experience that ignites and inspires passion for research in chemistry, biochemistry and the biomedical sciences. By leveraging an established foundation of scientific critical thinking skills in our science coursework, the Chapman BSP will tailor deep, meaningful, and sustained research and professional development experiences in partnership with the Scholars. This includes direct research collaborations with BSP Faculty Mentors; advanced instrumentation training in state-of-the-art research facilities; networking with science professionals, alumni, and faculty; and high-impact professional development activities e.g., peer research mentoring, literature discussion, science communication workshops, and support for fellowship/graduate program applications. 

In 2021, Chapman University was selected by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation as one of 12 institutions in the United States to receive a three-year Beckman Scholars Program Award.

The program will support up to five undergraduate students selected over the course of three years, with research beginning in the summers of 2021, 2022 and 2023. Each Beckman Scholar receives funding from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation for 15 months of laboratory research (two summers and the intervening academic year). 


Applications for 2024 are due December 15, 2023. 

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Next Steps
Emma Kocik '22
Chapman's First Beckman Scholar
Kocik '22 filled a key gap in marine research with a project to test nanoparticles as a tool for restoring ecosystems. Kocik is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania.
Beckman scholar Ben Janda working in research lab.
Benjamin Janda '23
Chemistry major
Janda '23 worked towards developing more sustainable chemical processes. Working with Assistant Professor Allegra Liberman-Martin, they investigated organic catalysts they hope will be more sustainable and cost-effective replacements for precious metals. Janda is now pursuing his Ph.D. at UCLA.
Ishaan Shah ' 23
Chemistry major
Shah '23 worked with Assistant Professor Jerry LaRue, focusing on making hydrocarbon-based fuels more energy-efficient. Now Shah looks forward to advancing his own photochemistry research to address symptoms of severe asthma, a health concern he has lived with for seven years.
Paul Rosa ' 24
Biological Sciences major
Rosa '24 is working with Assistant Professor Maduka Ogba using computational techniques to investigate how Lewis acidic salts activate sulfur-fluoride bonds.
Kevin Nguyễn '24
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major
Nguyen '24 is researching drought tolerance in chia by zeroing in on these plants at the genomic level. In addition to being a Beckman Scholar, Nguyen is also a Simon STEM Scholar and Goldwater Scholar.

Contact


Elaine Benaksas Schwartz, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of External Relations
Keck Center 229
eschwart@chapman.edu