Beckman Scholars Program

Colgate students in neuroscience, chemistry, biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry are invited to apply for a 15-month stipend to pursue independent research with a faculty mentor.

Summers:
Beckman Scholars will carry out 10 weeks of full-time research with their faculty mentor for two consecutive summers (Note: Students named Beckman Scholars as rising seniors are permitted to work in the summer following their graduation.)
Academic year:
During the academic year between summer research experiences, Beckman Scholars will spend 8-10 hours weekly continuing their research project. (Note: Hours during the academic year will count toward a student’s contribution to any work-study).
Outcomes:
Submission of a final research paper and presentation of the research to the Colgate scientific community are required, and Beckman Scholars are encouraged to present their research at national or international conferences.

Student stipend: $18,200

Summer Funding — $6,800 per summer for two summers
Academic Year Funding — $4,600 for the academic year

Student scientific travel and research supply funds: $2,800

A Beckman Scholar must:

be a full-time student throughout duration of award;
maintain a GPA of at least 3.5;
and, be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its possessions.

(Note: Beckman Scholars may participate in Colgate’s NIH Study Group before or after the 15-month commitment.)

To Apply

Current Colgate students from any class year and majoring (or intending to major) in neuroscience, chemistry, biology, molecular biology or biochemistry may apply to the Beckman Scholars program. Top candidates will demonstrate:

Outstanding academic achievement (GPA of at least 3.5)
Extraordinary engagement and potential in research
Ambition to pursue a career in scientific discovery

Pre-Application

Get Started

Speak with a potential Beckman faculty mentor as soon as possible (see full list of faculty mentors below), and receive formal sponsorship from a mentor.
Complete the short online pre-application form with mentorship and project information by February 5, 2021.

All pre-applications will be reviewed by the Beckman Scholar Program Steering Committee. Promising candidates from the pre-application process will be invited to submit a full application by February 26, 2021. The full application includes a short research proposal, personal statement, and unofficial transcript, along with two letters of recommendation (full details available soon). Each year one or two students will be named Beckman Scholars. Awards will be announced by March 12, 2021 (Note: Acceptance of a Beckman award will replace any Colgate summer research fellowship awarded to a student.)