Beckman Scholars Program at Vanderbilt University
In 2008, Vanderbilt received its first support from the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation to support undergraduate research in Chemistry and Biological Sciences. We have been fortunate to receive several renewals of the program since that time, graduating a superb group of scholar-scientists. The program is directed by Prof. Jeff Johnston (Chemistry), along with co-Director Lauren Parker-Jackson (Biological Sciences).
Vanderbilt is one of the select universities named in 2022 and will be supported in 2022-2025 for support by the Beckman Scholars Program. Beckman Scholars conduct laboratory research for two summers and one academic year (15 consecutive months). Students receive stipends of $6,800 each summer and $4,600 for the academic year. A total of six Scholars will be supported in 2021-2025. Two Scholars will be named in each of the three years (2022/23/24).
“15 years of the Beckman Scholars Program: Providing unparalleled undergrad research opportunities” April Evans, College of Arts & Science News 2024
Beckman Scholars Tammy Le, Charu Balamurugan, Ahmed Imami, Camilla Guel, Sarah Hourihan and Professor Jeffrey Johnston. (Liz Chagnon / Vanderbilt University)
2024-2025 VU Beckman Scholars
Tammy Le & Ahmed Imami
2023-2024 VU Beckman Scholars
2023-2024 VU Beckman Scholar: Camilla Guel
Camilla is a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Biochemistry & Chemical Biology. A San Antonio Texas native, she began her time with the Cliffel lab in the summer of 2022 through Vanderbilt’s START program. Her involvement in the characterization of neurotransmitter-detecting electrochemical biosensors and application towards a biological study of Organophosphate-toxicity led her to develop her current project, which aims to quantify the effect of Beta-lactams on Chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxic conditions. Beyond the Cliffel lab, Camilla is also involved in the Learning Assistant Program, through which she plans on mentoring General Chemistry students in the upcoming Fall semester.
2023-2024 VU Beckman Scholar: Charu Balamurugan
Charu is currently a sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in Biological Sciences and Medicine, Health, & Society. Charu grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and began her research career halfway through her freshman year when she joined the Rokas Lab. As a result, she currently investigates the evolution of the gliotoxin biosynthetic gene cluster in biotechnologically and medically relevant Aspergillus fungi. More specifically, she utilizes phylogenomic methods to better understand genetic differentiation and variability within this secondary metabolite gene cluster, especially as it relates to fungal pathogenicity. To further her research with Dr. Rokas the summer after her freshman year, Charu was also selected as a Vanderbilt Data Science Institute Summer Research Program Fellow. Apart from research, Charu is involved in intersections of mental health, service, and performing arts on- and off-campus as the Co-President of Active Minds, Co-President/Founder of Agni, Programming Chair of the Association of Biology Students, and volunteer at the Dismas House of Nashville.
2022-2023 Beckman Scholars
2022-2023 VU Beckman Scholar: Sarah Hourihan
Sarah is currently a junior majoring in Biological Sciences and Music (Clarinet). Her persisting love for biology and discovery prompted her to begin researching with Dr. Nicole Creanza the summer after her freshman year as a Pre-MARC Summer Research Fellow. Her current research studies the effects of learned behaviors on evolution. Specifically, she is focusing on the dark-eyed junco, a songbird of North America that has experienced rapid phenotypic diversification into subspecies. She is investigating whether the subspecies have significant song differences and whether those song differences could be playing a role in maintaining subspecies boundaries. In addition to research, Sarah is involved on campus with Vanderbilt University Microbiome Society, Vanderbilt Athletic Bands, Nashville Navigators, Asian American Student Association, FirstVU, and Questbridge. In her free time, she enjoys reading, making music, and exploring nature. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Sarah plans on attending graduate school.
2022-2023 VU Beckman Scholar: Antony Peng
Born in Reno, NV, and raised in Solon, OH, Antony (Tony) is a Vanderbilt undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive Studies/Science and Chemistry. He joined the Macdonald lab the summer before his second year, investigating phase control of copper selenide nanoparticles via in situ reactions with commonly used ligands and solvents. Currently, his research focuses upon understanding the role of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics in phase control of both copper and cadmium selenide nanoparticles. In addition to his work in the Macdonald lab, he also works with Dr. Jessika Boles in the Children’s Healthcare, Illness, Legacy, and Loss (CHILL) lab investigating the efficacy of bereavement services at VUMC as well as understanding conceptions of legacy for bereaved families.