Beckman Scholars Program

Program Overview

The Beckman Scholars Program at the University of Arkansas provides an intensive, sustained undergraduate research experience for exceptionally talented students in the biological sciences, chemistry, biomedical engineering, and chemical engineering.

Funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the program supports Beckman Scholars through 15 months of continuous research, spanning two consecutive summers and the intervening academic year. Scholars work closely with faculty mentors on independent research projects designed to prepare them for advanced study and leadership in STEM fields.

Each year, the University of Arkansas will select two Beckman Scholars.


The Beckman Scholars Program is nationally recognized for cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders through deep mentorship, hands-on research, and professional development.

At the University of Arkansas, Beckman Scholars:

  • Conduct independent, publication-quality research
  • Receive individualized faculty mentorship
  • Participate in a national community of Beckman Scholars
  • Are encouraged to pursue graduate study and research careers in STEM

Scholars may also be invited to participate in the annual Beckman Scholars Symposium, where they share their work with peers, faculty mentors, and leaders from across the country.


Each Beckman Scholar receives $26,000 in total support, distributed across the full 15-month research period:

  • $18,200 in student stipend support
    • First Summer: $6,800
    • Academic Year: $4,600
    • Second Summer: $6,800
  • $2,800 for research supplies and travel
  • $4,800 in research support for the faculty mentor
  • $200 to support community-building program activities

This structure ensures that scholars can focus fully on their research while gaining professional experience and mentorship.


Applicants must:

  • Be full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing
  • Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients
  • Be pursuing (or intending to pursue) a STEM degree in:
    • Biology or related life sciences
    • Chemistry or biochemistry
    • Biomedical, chemical, or related engineering fields
  • Commit to 15 consecutive months of research participation

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Outstanding scientific involvement demonstrating curiosity, drive, and independent thinking
  • Plans to pursue an advanced scientific degree and a career in research
  • Character exemplified by Arnold O. Beckman

Students must work with one of the approved Beckman faculty mentors listed for the current application cycle.


As a condition of the award, Beckman Scholars are expected to:

  • Conduct full-time research during both summers (40 hours/week)
  • Conduct part-time research during the academic year (approximately 10 hours/week)
  • Engage actively with their mentor’s research group
  • Work toward research dissemination, including presentations or publications
  • Uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and professionalism
  • Serve as leaders and mentors within the undergraduate research community

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the University of Arkansas Beckman Scholars Program application on InfoReady.


A complete Beckman Scholars application includes:

  • Applicant cover sheet - name, major, GPA (no minimum), signed statement on expected research and travel
  • Résumé & unofficial transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation - one academic (faculty member) and one character (faculty/staff/mentor/coach/supervisor)
  • One minute video response - answer the prompt “During your time as a Beckman Scholar, how would you exemplify Arnold O. Beckman’s ‘Rules for Success’ as a person and a scientist?”
  • Personal, background, and future goals statement - three pages single spaced
  • Research proposal developed with a Beckman Mentor - two pages single spaced

Finalists will be invited to participate in interviews as part of the selection process.


  • Applications Due - February 16, 2026
  • Finalists Notified – Late February
  • Finalists Interviews – Early-March
  • Scholars Notified – Mid-March
  • First Summer Stipends Disbursed – June

This structure ensures that scholars can focus fully on their research while gaining professional experience and mentorship.

Faculty Mentorship

Faculty mentors play a central role in the Beckman Scholars Program by:

  • Guiding scholars through the development of an independent research project
  • Integrating scholars into an active research environment
  • Supporting professional development and research communication
  • Assisting scholars in preparing for graduate study or research careers

Only faculty approved through the Beckman Scholars Program application are eligible to serve as mentors.

Faculty Mentors by Subject

  • Ines Pinto - Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
  • Erika Westerman - Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
  • Xuan Zhuang - Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
  • Adnan Alrubaye - Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Jingyi Chen - Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Ingrid Fritsch - Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Bin Dong - Assistant Professor, Analytical Chemistry
  • Julie Stenken - 21st Century Chair in Proteomics & Professor, Analytical Chemistry

Annual Beckman Symposium

Each year the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation sponsors a symposium that highlights the work of the recipients of the Beckman consortium of programs. Each Beckman Scholar may be invited to attend the annual Beckman Symposium in each of the two summers of their award term. A formal notification and invitation will be provided. The event may be in-person or virtual.

The Annual Beckman Symposium features:

  • Scientific and poster presentations by Beckman Young Investigators, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows, and Beckman Scholars completing their second summer of research
  • Speakers from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation consortium of programs
  • A series of informal concurrent seminars on topics of special interest by leading scientists from academia, industry, and national government laboratories

The Beckman Scholar attendees are composed of newly appointed Scholars in their first summer of research and those Scholars who are finishing their second summer of research and completing their Beckman Scholars Award term. In addition, one Faculty Mentor from each institution may be invited to attend. All second summer Scholars will be asked to give a poster presentation of their current research and several may have the opportunity to speak during the symposium.

The format for the Beckman Symposium is updated annually and may be offered as an in-person or virtual event, as a single gathering or as regional events. Staff at the Beckman Foundation will coordinate all arrangements and reservations for the symposium. Symposium-related travel and lodging for Beckman Scholars and Faculty Mentors will be paid for by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation (for in-person events only). Specific details will be provided well in advance of each Symposium