Beckman Scholars Program Overview

Website updated on January 18, 2024

Interested in a career in biomedical sciences? Participate in a program that provides individual research mentorship and financial support by applying for the Beckman Scholars Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Students who receive this award will become Beckman Scholars and be supported and mentored in an independent research project over two summers and the intervening academic year

Program Details

Benefits

Once chosen as Beckman Scholars, the students embark upon a 15-month program designed to enrich their development as students and scientists through innovative research, mentoring, collaboration and practice in effective communication. The program offers students a unique opportunity to become immersed in the scientific community and develop as future leaders in the community. Scholars explore their discipline, experience a research environment, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field. Each Scholar is mentored by one of the specified Beckman faculty members from across UCSB science and engineering departments who assists the student in designing a plan of research and enrichment activities fitted to the individual interests and academic goals of the Scholar which includes:

• 2 paid summers ($6,800 each summer) and one academic-year ($4,600) research training
• Up to $1,200 for travel to professional or scientific society meetings
• Up to $1,600 for research supplies
• Weekly professional development workshops and research seminars during the summer
• Academic year leadership course "Science for the Common Good" during the academic year of the program
• Oral and written science communication skills development
• Outreach and peer leadership opportunities Networking events throughout the year
• Participation in graduate level professional development seminars/workshops

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be in a Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or three select majors of the College of Creative Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry)
• Must be currently enrolled as full-time UCSB students in any year (must be enrolled for the first summer and academic year of the program)
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident or DACA
• Must have some research experience
• Must currently work with, or be interested in working with, one of the 12 Beckman Scholars Program Faculty
• Must intend to pursue a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD
• Scholars may not enroll in summer courses during the 10 week summer sessions

Selection

The Beckman Faculty Selection Committee will use the following selection criteria to identify students who are deemed as suitable award recipients:

Academic Potential

Ability to perform successfully in the rigorous coursework required to complete a science, engineering or mathematics degree at UCSB.

Professionalism

Evidence of non-technical skills needed for a successful transition into graduate school such as maturity, responsibility, personal initiative and the ability to work and communicate well with others.

Motivation

Genuine interest in the biomedical sciences and for new and independent learning opportunities. Evidence of persistence and dedication to study and an interest in attending a PhD program and completing a graduate degree.

Student Impact

The potential for the student to benefit substantially from the additional support and opportunities this program will offer.

Awardee Eligibility Requirements

Student awardees must stay within an Engineering, Science, or Mathematics major at UCSB throughout the entire duration of the award. Each quarter they must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete a minimum of 12 units. Awardees shall be required to attend periodic on- and off-campus events and activities as scheduled by CSEP specifically for MARC Scholars.

Important Note About MARC Funding

Student awardees should note that all funding for the MARC Scholarship will be disbursed through Financial Aid during the Academic Year. All awardees will be required to meet with advisors in Financial Aid to determine how MARC funding will affect their individual financial aid package.