Apply to Beckman Scholars

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 (two 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 two scholarships this year.

Application

Phase 1: Initial application (due Monday, November 2, 2026, 11:59 PM)

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. 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.
  4. Each prospective mentor listed will be asked to complete a quick recommendation survey affirming their willingness/availability to work with the applicant.

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., MS, PhD, MD, MD/PhD), or other goals within the STEM workforce.
  4. They are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, a U.S. national, or hold DACA recipient status.
  5. At least one of their prospective mentors is able to support their application.  
Submit Your Beckman Scholars Application

Initial Applicant Mentor Survey (see For Faculty section below)

Phase 2: Interviews (Monday, November 30–Friday, December 11, 2026)

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. 

Phase 3: Final applications (Friday, February 12, 2027)

Following the interview phase, four applicants will be chosen for a Final Application. Finalists will be notified by Friday, January 22, 2027, with Mentor-Scholar pairings finalized by January 29. The Final Application will include (1) a two-page research plan with their chosen mentor and (2) two recommendations from non-BSP mentors (including at least one STEM faculty member).

2027-2028 Beckman Scholars will be notified by March 8, 2027.

Beckman Mentors

  • Jennifer Berry (2026-27 Scholar; not eligible for 2027-28)
  • Caleb Class
  • Renee DeCaro
  • Geoff Hoops
  • Todd Hopkins
  • Jeremy Johnson
  • Jennifer Kowalski
  • Lindsay Lewellyn
  • Patience Masamha
  • Gonzalo Ordonez
  • Michael Samide
  • Aarran Shaw
  • Christopher Stobart (2026-27 Scholar; not eligible for 2027-28)
  • Andrew Stoehr
  • Anne M. Wilson

Questions? Please contact Professor Jennifer Kowalski.

For faculty

Initial Applicant Mentor Recommendation Survey

Finalist Recommendation Form (updated form coming soon)