TAMU Awarded Beckman Scholars Program Grant

By: Alex Keene & McKensie Le Fevre

Dr. Alex Keene, TAMU Biology

Dr. David Powers, TAMU Chemistry

We are proud to announce that Texas A&M University has been awarded a grant from the Beckman Scholars Program (BSP) to continue its exceptional contributions to undergraduate research and education. TAMU, known for its large, STEM-focused campus, is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of scientific and medical leaders. Students from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, and Oceanography.

The BSP offers a three-year research and mentoring experience, combining financial support from the Beckman Foundation to provide unparalleled resources for personal growth and leadership development. From freshman year through graduation, scholars engage in intensive research activities, benefit from close mentorship by faculty and peers, and participate in TAMU’s robust undergraduate programs such as the University Scholars and Undergraduate Research Ambassadors programs. Key milestones include leadership training, critical thinking seminars, competitive internship opportunities, and preparation for prestigious graduate programs and fellowships.

The program is co-directed by Dr. David Powers, Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Alex Keene, Professor and Head of Biology, and will involve faculty and students that span three colleges at Texas A&M. This new chapter builds on the foundation laid by Dr. Sumana Datta, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Executive Director of LAUNCH, who played a pivotal role in the program’s establishment and success. Since its inception, the BSP has supported 18 outstanding students who matriculated to the nation’s leading medical and graduate programs.

The program’s impact extends beyond the individual scholars, driving innovation in undergraduate research programming across TAMU’s campus. Initiatives pioneered by Beckman Scholars have influenced the creation of new programs that amplify the university’s mission to foster academic excellence. This national recognition highlights the enduring legacy of the Beckman Scholars Program and reinforces Texas A&M’s and the College of Arts & Science’s leadership in shaping the future of STEM education and research.