Colorado School of Mines has been selected to participate in the 2025 Beckman Scholars Program, funded by the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation. The program supports exceptional undergraduate students for a 15-month mentored research experience in chemistry, biological sciences and related interdisciplinary fields.
This is the first time Mines has been chosen for the prestigious program, which includes only 14 institutions nationwide in 2025. The selection followed a rigorous application process evaluated by a panel of scientific experts.
The award will support six student scholars at Mines over a three-year term, with two scholars named per year. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, chemical and biological engineering, and quantitative biosciences and engineering are eligible to apply.
“Receiving this award underscores Mines’ commitment to undergraduate research and highlights our exceptional faculty and students who are poised to make significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and biology and related interdisciplinary sciences,” said Lakshmi Krishna, director of undergraduate research at Mines. Krishna will oversee the program, which involves faculty mentors from various departments including Chemistry, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Student scholars will engage in research for 15 months, spanning two summer semesters, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. They will also have the opportunity to present their findings at the annual Beckman Symposium.
“This award is both exciting and thoughtfully structured, exemplifying all the key elements of a successful undergraduate research opportunity,” Krishna said. “It provides financial support for students conducting research over two summer semesters and an academic year, which is essential as research requires dedicated time. This sustained funding ensures that our students receive the training and mentorship necessary to propel them forward in their chosen scientific careers. Additionally, the award includes funding for research supplies and mentor stipends, recognizing that conducting research requires resources.”
Mines will name its first Beckman Scholar pairs in Spring 2025, with research beginning in Summer 2025.
