The grant spans three years and funds student/mentor pairs, with a focus on underrepresented students in STEM.
By Bennett Campbell Ferguson
February 13, 2025
Thanks to a proposal led by Prof. Kara Cerveny [biology] with contributions from faculty in chemistry and biology, Reed has been awarded a Beckman Scholars Program grant that will fund student/faculty pairs and span three years. Each student scholar will conduct mentored research at Reed over the course of two summers and the intervening academic year.
“This is the first time funding for such an extensive multi-year mentored research experience has existed at Reed,” Cerveny says. “Beckman Scholars will not need to work another job to make money and therefore [the opportunity] is attractive, especially to lower SES and first-generation college students.”
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports students pursuing scientific breakthroughs in chemistry and life sciences. Each institution that receives a Beckman Grant is able to fund six scholar-faculty pairs, naming two per year over the course of the three-year award term.
“This program supports students from non-traditional/underrepresented groups through the diverse range of mentors who are part of the program,” Cerveny says. “We have a range of faculty in biology and chemistry, all with research programs aligned with biomolecular engineering who practice inclusive teaching and mentoring.”
In addition to expanding opportunities for Reed students, Cerveny believes the Beckman grant will provide its recipients with a formal structure that will allow them to pursue research that reaches beyond the scope of a senior thesis.
“Each scholar will receive a $18,200 stipend, plus $2,800 in supplies and travel grant,” Cerveny says. “Being part of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation family will enable us and our students to connect with other scientists working at the cutting edge of biochemical research.”
Students interested in applying can find more information here. The application is due by noon on March 5, 2025.