ELIGIBILITY for BSP scholars:
· Be a full-time ASU undergraduate student majoring in any biological or chemical science, including engineering and interdisciplinary combinations through SOLS, SBHSE or SEMTE.
· Intend to pursue an advanced science degree or other scientific pursuit.
· Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold DACA recipient status.
· Be in good academic standing.
· Have learned basic laboratory skills (through the SOLUR or FURI, etc).
· Be a sophomore or junior, at the time of application.
· Be willing and able to attend the Beckman Symposium during the summer.
· Be willing and able to perform research part-time during the academic year (10 hours a week) and full-time over two consecutive summers (ten 40-hour weeks each summer).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Personal statement (1 page maximum) describing career goals and reasons for applying to be a Beckman Scholar. Herein, describe how they would embody one of Dr. Arnold O. Beckman’s Rules for Success:
- There is no satisfactory substitute for excellence.
- Absolute integrity in everything.
- Everything in moderation, including moderation itself.
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably not doing very much.
- Acquire new knowledge and always ask why.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Curriculum Vitae(2 pages maximum). The CV should include research and work experiences, awards, extracurricular activities, declared academic major and anticipated graduation date.
Description of previous research experience (1 page maximum).
Research proposal (NSF fellowship format, 2 pages) developed with their faculty mentor through FURI/SOLUR, emphasizing how they will work towards independence.
Unofficial copy of applicant’s academic transcripts.Academic excellence will be heavily considered, but no grade thresholds will be stated.
Letter of reference from a participating ASU professor emphasizing the intellectual merit of the cadidate and how the candidate promotes the values of the ASU charter. The recommending professor should make the case for how this candidate is exceptionally qualified in the context of their background. First generation students who experienced economic hardship, lack of access to early education in STEM, or who may have lacked role models in science who reflected their own experiences will be given special consideration via this channel.
SELECTION CRITERIA (subject to modification):
Prior to the BSP, all students will have participated in laboratory research, which require a research proposal, with semester reports and poster presentations for evaluation (exceptions apply). Students will be encouraged to apply to the BSP with the criteria of excellence and integrity above all. A groups of participating faculty with no students in the pool of applicants will review students’ application packets to evaluate the academic achievement of the student and the merit of their research proposals. Final selection candidates will be further evaluated for their FURI/SOLUR poster presentations and a 10-15 minute in person proposal. Equal weight on merit, diversity, equity, and inclusion during scholar selection will be emphasized during committee discussion.
TIMELINE for application process to award notice:
Applications due February 29th, 2024.
Notification of interview mid-March.
Interview late March.
Final Award notice April 1.
Submit applications to Miyeko.Mana@asu.edu with BSP Application in the Subject line by Feb 29th.