Apply to Beckman Scholars

For Students
For Faculty

For Students

Eligibility

The Beckman Scholarship application is open to Butler University sophomores and juniors intending to major in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, and/or Astronomy & Astrophysics. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Selected Beckman Scholar(s) will complete a sustained, in-depth research project with one of Butler’s designated Beckman faculty research mentors.

Funding

Funding per student is approximately $26,000, with the stipulation that each awardee must work two full-time summers and one part-time academic year.

$6,800 stipend per summer (2 summers; $13,600 total)
$4,600 stipend for the academic year
$2,800 travel and supplies
$4,800 mentor stipend (supplies, publication fees, travel, etc.)
$200 per student for institutional support

We will award 2 scholarships this year.

Application

The application package submitted by the applicant will include: 1) Butler transcript; 2) a two-page essay describing their interest and any prior experience in science and research, including any reasons why their access to science/research may have been limited, three skills they have that they think would be valuable for doing research, and their career goals; 3) two letters of support (at least one from a Butler STEM faculty and another from someone else who can speak to their research potential) describing the candidate’s integrity, earnestness of purpose, persistence, leadership, independence, curiosity, and overall research potential; (4) the names of two mentors with whom they would like to work and a paragraph for each describing why they hope to do research with that mentor.

Applications will be evaluated initially to confirm: (1) The applicant is a full-time undergraduate of sophomore or junior status, majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, physics and/or astronomy & astrophysics. (2) They are in good academic standing, defined as making satisfactory progress towards degree completion (Cs or better) in their major. Candidates may explain poor grades in the interview and will be prompted to do so. (3) They have a stated interest in an advanced science or engineering degree (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D.), or other goals within the STEM workforce. (4) They are a citizen or permanent resident of the U. S., a U.S. national, or hold DACA recipient status. Any applicant meeting initial screening criteria will be invited for an interview with a subcommittee of mentors. All mentors will participate in the interview process, either in person or by viewing interview recordings, and will have a voice in Scholar selection. The interview will be used to better discern the candidate’s personality, interest in science and research, and to expand on their application information.

Criteria for review are: 1) Research Potential; 2) Benefit from Beckman Scholar Participation; and 3) Merit of Proposed Research.

Applications for Initial Screening are Due Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Four applicants will be chosen for a Final Application which will include a two-page research plan with their chosen mentor.

Final Applications are Due March 16, 2026.

Finalists will be notified April 1, 2026.

Beckman Mentors

Jennifer Berry	Renee DeCaro
Caleb Class	Patience Masamha
Christopher Stobart	Geoff Hoops
Todd Hopkins	Gonzalo Ordonez
Jeremy Johnson	Michael Samide
Anne M. Wilson	Jennifer Kowalski
Aarran Shaw	Lindsay Lewellyn
Andrew Stoehr

Questions? Please contact Professor Jennifer Kowalski, jrkowalski@butler.edu

For Faculty

Click here for letter uploads.