Beckman Scholars Program

“I have done more for science in general by making instruments available for thousands to use than what I could do in my laboratory by myself.” - Arnold O. Beckman, PhD

Purpose and Mentors

The Beckman Scholars Program provides an in-depth, sustained undergraduate research experience for exceptionally talented, full-time undergraduate students at accredited U.S. four-year colleges and universities. The Program’s financial support for a student and mentor over two consecutive summers and one academic year of research, in conjunction with the Annual Beckman Symposium, offers an academically stimulating and unique educational experience.  Applicants must be undergraduate researchers in one of 14 labs listed below and are nominated by their faculty mentors.

WashU Mentors include:

Biology:  Joseph Jez, Michael Landis, Petra Levin, Hani Zaher

Chemistry:  Jennifer Heemstra, Meredith Jackrel, Timothy Wencewicz

Biochemistry:  Gaya Amarasinghe, Benjamin Garcia, Janice Robertson

Molecular Microbiology:  Megan Baldridge, Carolina Lopez, Christina Stallings, Sean Whelan

Guidelines for Beckman Scholars

Congratulations 2024 winners!

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Leanne Le - mentor: Gaya Armarasinghe (Pathology and Immunology WUSM)

Nina Zheng - mentor: Petra Levin (Biology)

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2024 Summer meeting in Irvine: Leanne Le, John Georgiades (last year's winner), Cynthia Chang (last year's winner), and Nina Zheng

Arnold O. Beckman's Rules for Success

1. Absolute integrity at all times.
2. There is no satisfactory substitute for excellence.
3. Everything in moderation…including moderation itself.
4. Only by taking risks do you make progress.
5. Never do anything to harm others.
6. Never do anything for which you will be ashamed later.
7. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Dr. Beckman always considered the greater good, whether it was through his scientific innovations, business dealings or personal relationships. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation holds steadfast to the directives of Dr. Beckman and his wife Mabel, his values, and the mission of the Foundation. Dr. Beckman believed strongly in reinvesting in science and research, supporting the upand-coming scientists and looking for the future “Arnold Beckmans” of the world. In turn, the Foundation tasks each recipient of an Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation award to employ a similar “pay it forward” philosophy by promoting the legacy of Dr. Beckman, his values and his scientific contributions through their interactions in the scientific community and the world. Award recipients fulfill this task by serving as Dr. Arnold O. Beckman’s living legacy and, as a means of continuing Dr. Beckman’s mission for the sciences, recipients with demonstrated expertise in their area of research are called upon to serve on review committees and panels, lending their scientific expertise to the further development and evolution of the Programs supported by the Foundation.