Beckman Scholars Program
Beckman Scholars Program
The Beckman Scholars Program supports two Beckman Scholars per year in immersive, 15-month mentored research experiences for exceptional undergraduates in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences. The Macalester Beckman Scholars Program is currently seeking renewal.
How the Program Works
Macalester is currently seeking funding for a renewed Beckman Scholars Program; the description that follows reflects how the program has worked historically and will be updated when funding is secured. Students interested in becoming Beckman Scholars identify a mentor from the list of eligible faculty, discuss potential projects, and — if the fit is right — develop an application. A review committee selects the top two applicants, who receive funding for a continuous 15-month research experience at Macalester. Specific expectations of Beckman Scholars will vary by grant cycle.
How to Apply
The Macalester Beckman Scholars Program is not accepting applications currently. This page will be updated with application information and a list of eligible faculty mentors once the Program is renewed.
2022–2024 Cohort
Haley Heine (2022) — Biology (Evolution & Population Biology)
Using ultraconserved elements to delimitate cryptic species in New Zealand harvester
Faculty mentor: Prof. Sarah Boyer
Daniela Castellanos (2022) — Chemistry
[2+2+2] Cycloaddition toward ortho-diimides
Faculty mentor: Prof. Dennis Cao
Joseph Madell (2023) — Chemistry
Improved computational modeling of the kinetics of the acetonylperoxy + HO2 reaction
Faculty mentor: Prof. Keith Kuwata
Zade Alafranji (2023) — Biology (Plant, Ecology & Environmental Sciences)
Molecular Clock Approach to Dating New Zealand Mite Harvester Rakaia
Faculty mentor: Prof. Sarah Boyer
Renee Nicholson (2024) — Chemistry
Isoprene Ozonolysis
Faculty mentor: Prof. Keith Kuwata
Ryan Brush (2024) — Chemistry
Aromatic Dihydrazides
Faculty mentor: Prof. Dennis Cao
2014–2016 Cohort
Charles Benck (2014) — Biology
Repeated oxazolone exposure provokes persistent vulvar mechanical sensitivity and labial T cell accumulation in previously sensitized ND4 mice
Faculty mentor: Prof. Devavani Chatterjea
Brandon Hinrichs (2015) — Biology
Characterization and Determination of the Structure of a Stabilized DNA Packaging Enzyme of the Lambda Bacteriophage
Faculty mentor: Prof. Marcos Ortega
Marla DeVault (2016) — Chemistry
A Computational Investigation of Acetyl Peroxy Radical Reacting with Hydroperoxy Radicals in the Atmosphere
Faculty mentor: Prof. Keith Kuwata
Beebie Boo (2016) — Biology
Establishing a novel murine model of contact allergy-provoked genital pain using the hapten dinitrofluorobenzene
Faculty mentor: Prof. Devavani Chatterjea.
2007–2009 Cohort
Erica Schultz, PhD (2007) — Chemistry
Mechanistic Studies on the Alkyne Zipper Reaction
Faculty mentor: Prof. Ronald Brisbois
Zainab Mansaray (Storms), PhD (2008) — Biology
A Biochemical and Genetic Approach to the Effects of A4 on Auxin-Mediated Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Faculty mentor: Prof. Ronald Drewell
Jamal Malik, PhD (2008) — Chemistry (Organic)
Synthesis of an Azaspirene Precursor
Faculty mentor: Prof. Ronald Brisbois
Kelsey Speer, PhD (2009) — Biochemistry
Development of Asymmetric Bivalent Peptides that Target Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
Faculty mentor: Prof. Ronald Brisbois
2003–2004 Cohort
Nicholas Ball (2003) — Chemistry (Synthetic)
Scope and Limitations of a Modified Sonogashira Cross-coupling Protocol: Development of Synthetic Orthogonality
Faculty mentor: Prof. Ronald Brisbois
Kara Manke (2004) — Chemistry (Physical)
Rotational and Hyperfine Structure in the Spectra of TaO and ReO
Faculty mentor: Prof. Thomas Varberg
Dustin Covell (2004) — Chemistry (Organic)
Faculty mentor: Prof. Rebecca Hoye
Sarah Miller (2004) — Biology