Three MSU students have been selected as the first MSU Beckman Scholars. They are Rebecca Cass Benjamin, a neuroscience sophomore from Webberville, Mich., Jacob Gibson, a biochemistry and molecular biology junior from Spring Hill, Fla. and Sara MacLachlan, a zoology junior from Pittsburgh, Pa.
In February, MSU was selected as a host institution for the 2014 Beckman Scholars Program. Established in 1997 by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, BSP provides scholarships that contribute significantly to advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences. High-achieving students are invited to apply for the scholarship at the end of their sophomore year.
“We had an outstanding group of applicants apply,” said director of the MSU Beckman Scholars Program and professor of physiology and radiology Laura McCabe. “The selection process was rigorous and included an oral presentation to the selection committee about their work. Cassie, Jake and Sara stood out because, in addition to academic excellence, they have a real passion for science and research.”
The goal of the MSU BSP is to provide scholars with one-on-one mentored interactions combined with an intensive interdisciplinary research experience. Each student selects an area of research and a faculty mentor. More than 11 faculty members are involved.
Benjamin’s area of research will focus on understanding mechanisms of post-traumatic stress disorder and differences between males and females; her faculty mentor is Marc Breedlove, professor of neuroscience.
“Being named a Beckman Scholar is a great honor and realization of my goals,” Benjamin said. “I have been working on research for a while now, and it has been one of the best experiences I've ever had. I've learned and grown so much as a student and person, and I can’t wait to continue that journey and take more steps toward independence in the lab through the Beckman Scholars program.”
Gibson’s research will focus on cell signaling and biofilm formation; he has selected Chris Waters, assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, as his mentor.
“This is a huge accomplishment for me,” Gibson said. “I have striven to do well in my studies for an incredible opportunity such as this. Acceptance to the Beckman Program means that I have succeeded thus far and I know that with the experience from the program I will continue succeeding after my undergraduate studies at MSU.”
MacLachlan will work in the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action with Kay E. Holekamp, professor of zoology, to study hyena and lion interactions.
“Being a Beckman Scholar is the promise of an interesting and exciting future,” MacLachlan said. “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from my mentor and all the experts in this field.”
The scholars will also attend special seminars, and a mock scientific meeting will provide training for presenting research findings. All of these experiences will set them apart from other students and make them strong candidates for graduate and professional programs.
“Engaging students in research as early as possible is very important for their education,” said R. James Kirkpatrick, College of Natural Science dean. “Science is about making new discoveries, and these outstanding students will benefit greatly from the Beckman Program.”
Each of the scholars will receive two years of support. Their research training begins on June 1.
MSU will receive $156,000 in funding over three years for six students total. A second cohort of three students will be selected for summer 2015.
To view the complete list of 2014 BSP host institutions, go to http://www.beckman-foundation.com/bsp_recipients.html