NEW YORK, January 28, 2022 — Barnard College announced today that the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation has awarded a three-year, $156,000 grant for the Beckman Scholars Program. This prestigious national program provides support for six Barnard students majoring in biology, chemistry, or neuroscience & behavior to become Beckman Scholars.
This grant, which has been awarded during Barnard’s Year of Science, enables students to perform scientific research with a Barnard faculty mentor for the duration of two summers and one academic year and includes additional funds for research materials and travel. Barnard’s application process for students to earn this funding mimics the rigorous application process that professional scientists complete for grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF). Faculty mentors of selected students will also receive funds for research supplies.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide more of our talented students with outstanding opportunities to excel in their desired fields,” said President Sian Leah Beilock. “This funding reinforces the core principles of Barnard’s Year of Science, which is highlighting the importance of supporting and encouraging women to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM].”
The Beckman Scholars Program award, which the College has received for the third time, is based heavily on the research activity of Barnard faculty in the three STEM departments who have earned research funding from the NSF and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Hilary Callahan, Department Chair and Ann Whitney Olin Professor of Biological Sciences, led the application process and served as program director for the two previous awards. Jennifer Mansfield, professor of biological sciences, will be taking over the directorship for this third award.
“The distinguished honor of being a repeat recipient of the Beckman Scholars Program is an acknowledgment of Barnard faculty members and their excellence as scientists and mentors in support of student research,” said Provost Linda A. Bell.
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About the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation
The Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community. When the Foundation was established, the Beckmans intended to disburse the full amount of the endowment within their lifetimes. The Beckmans’ passion for supporting science began with mega-gifts that established five Beckman Research Institutes and Centers between 1978 and 1989. In 1990, Dr. Beckman made the decision to change the Foundation to be in perpetuity, and the mission was updated by Dr. Beckman to reflect his wishes to support young researchers with funding for innovative and high-risk research projects.
About Barnard College
Barnard provides a singular educational experience, as a world-renowned college focused on excellence across the arts and sciences, with all the academic resources of Columbia University and the City of New York as an extended classroom. Founded in 1889, Barnard was one of the few colleges in the nation where women could receive the same rigorous and challenging education available to men. Today, Barnard is one of the most selective academic institutions in the country and remains devoted to empowering extraordinary women to become even more exceptional. For more information on Barnard College, contact Barnard Media Relations at mediarelations@barnard.edu. To learn more, follow Barnard on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.