The Beckman Scholars Program at USC Chemistry, funded by a generous grant from the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation, supports exceptionally talented undergraduates to conduct in-depth, mentored research on topics ranging from human health to protecting and healing the environment and new energy discovery. Leveraging unique research and academic programs at the Chemistry Department and USC, the program aims to prepare Scholars for pursuing future advanced STEM studies and leadership roles in scientific research and innovation.

The 2023 application will open in February. Scholars will be selected by the end of April, with training commencing in late May.

Scholar Benefits

• $18,200 Scholar Stipend (1^st Summer, $6,800; Academic Year, $4,600; 2^nd Summer, $6,800).

• $2,800 Scholar Research Supplies & Travel.

• $5,000 Mentor Fund to support Scholar training.

• See more details in Program Guidelines.

Scholar Requirements and Expectations

• Must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and full-time USC students majoring in CHEM, CHCB, CHCN, CHRS, or BIOC.
• Must perform research activities part time (ten hours per week) during one academic year, and full time over two consecutive summers (ten 40-hour weeks each summer).
• Must submit a final report to the Beckman Foundation at the conclusion of the research experience.
• Meet periodically with Beckman Scholars Program Director.
• Scholars are strongly encouraged to present their work at scientific meetings, as well as publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Scholars will be expected to attend the annual Beckman Symposium, an opportunity for Scholars to showcase their work and to network with peers and experts from academia, industry, and medicine.
• See more details in Program Guidelines.

Contact: 

Program Director: Prof. Barry C. Thompson (barrycth@usc.edu)

Administrative Contact: Anahit Martirosyan (amartiro@usc.edu)