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CONTACT: Susie P. Gonzalez
July 26, 2004
Two Trinity University Students Chosen As Beckman Scholars
SAN ANTONIO - Two Trinity University students have been named Beckman Scholars to conduct research in the field of chemistry or biology for the 2004-05 academic year. Trinity was one of only 13 colleges and universities selected for the 2004 Beckman Scholar Program, a prestigious competition in which select institutions are invited to apply.
David Patrick, a senior from Plano, Texas, who is majoring in biology, is working with Jonathan M. King, assistant professor of biology, to study the molecular biology involved with complex cells of proteins, including how they bind to adjacent cells and regulate numerous cellular processes. He will focus on a large protein known as Zonula Occludens-1.
Rachel Greer, also a senior from Plano and majoring in biochemistry, is working in the lab of Bert Chandler, assistant professor of chemistry, who works in the field of nanoparticle-based environmental catalysis. She will work to understand and characterize the protein-protein and protein-solid interactions that occur when proteins are adsorbed on oxide surfaces. Her long-term goals are to exploit these interactions so that proteins can be used as nanoscale templates for metal nanoparticle catalysts.
Ms. Greer plans to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry or molecular biology and enter the field of pharmaceutical research to design drugs for cancer or mental disorders. "I am planning a long career of research," she says. "I feel it is where I would be the most fulfilled in my life."
Each student will receive stipends and scholarships totaling $17,600 for research supplies and travel, and the University is eligible to select three additional Beckman Scholars for the 2005-06 academic year, for a total program award of $88,000.
Professor King says students such as Mr. Patrick infuse undergraduate research laboratories with energy and enthusiasm. "Without individuals like David who are dedicated to research, it would be impossible to make any progress in the laboratory," Professor King says.
Nancy Mills, professor of chemistry who is administering the grant on behalf of Trinity, notes that the University competed with some impressive universities known for strong science programs. "This is an outside validation of the quality of research that is going on with our undergraduates."
Among the other recipients are students at Boston College, Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, and Yale University.
The Beckman Scholars Program was established by Arnold O. Beckman, founder and chairman emeritus of Beckman Instruments Inc., who was considered one of the top five inventors of scientific instruments until his death in May 2004 at the age of 104. Dr. Beckman designed the acidimeter to measure acidity levels in lemon juice, a device that later was called a pH meter and became an indispensable tool in analytical chemistry. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and received the National Medial of Science in 1989. A professor of chemistry at California Institute of Technology, he also was known for his business savvy and philanthropy. The company he founded in 1934 merged with SmithKline Corp. in 1982 to form SmithKline Beckman.
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