Beckman Scholars Program Application

Trinity University has received funding for a Beckman Scholars Program. Students will be selected from those majoring in the Departments of Chemistry and Biology. Sophomores and juniors are eligible. Successful applicants will commit to two summers (2006 and 2007) of full time research in addition to the intervening academic year. Students will receive:

$5,500 as a stipend per summer

$3,600 as a scholarship during the academic year

$750 is available for summer research supplies and travel

$1,500 is available for academic year research supplies and travel

Beckman Scholars will enroll for at least 1 hour credit each semester of research (equivalent to 10 hours of weekly research in either CHEM 3190 or BIOL 3190) during the 2006-2007 academic year. Beckman Scholars will attend the annual summer research symposium held at the Beckman Center of the National Academies of Science and Engineering in Irvine, CA during the second summer. All expenses are covered for this trip.

Trinity University will select one Beckman Scholar to begin their research in the summer of 2006. Applications are due to Dr. Bachrach (Chemistry) by February 21, 2006. We hope to announce the selection prior to spring break.

Applications consist of:

• An unofficial transcript of grades

• Two letters of recommendation (one of which is from the research advisor)

• A completed application form.

The minimum qualifications will be:

• Sophomore or junior standing with a declared major in biology, biochemistry, biochemisty/molecular biology, or chemistry.

• Grade point average of 3.3 or higher overall and in science and mathematics courses.

Preference will be give to students with prior research experience and research career objectives, as well as to students who rank in the top 10 percent of students in their major. The Beckman Scholars Committee will then interview a group of finalists selected on the basis of these criteria and the completed applications. Students not currently in a research program, or those proposing to change research advisors, are required to discuss their research plans with three potential research advisors. Beckman Scholars must perform research with any of the participating faculty: Biology-Brodl, Espy, King, Ribble; Chemistry-Bachrach, Bushey, Chandler, Mills, Pursell. Collaborative research with other faculty is acceptable, however, at least one of the research directors must be one of the participating faculty.

Applications can be found on the Chemistry Department web page (pdf application) or from Ms. Gloria Castoreno in the Chemistry Department Office.