Michael Wolfe: BME's First Beckman Scholar

Michael Wolfe, a pre-major in the Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program, has been selected as a 2011 OSU Beckman Scholar. His project, "The molecular mechanism of unique 3'-5' addition reactions catalyzed by Thg1," is one of two abstracts selected by the OSU Beckman Scholars Faculty Advisory Committee from a group of exceptional students who submitted abstracts for consideration.

Funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the Beckman Scholars program is currently established at nine universities across the country. The program is designed to provide scholarships that "contribute significantly in advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences."

As a Beckman Scholar, Michael will receive $16,000 in support while conducting his own research under the guidance of his faculty mentor, Dr. Jane Jackman from the Department of Biochemistry. His investigational studies will involve full-time research during two upcoming summer terms and part-time research during the connecting academic year. During his term, Michael will also participate in enrichment opportunities, such as professional development programming and personal mentoring, as part of the efforts to cultivate Beckman Scholars into role models for other undergraduate student researchers.

Upon completion of his research project, Michael will present his findings at the OSU Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and the Beckman Scholars Research Forum, located in Irvine, California.

Congratulations to Michael on this prestigious achievement!

Information on Beckman Scholars Program provided by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. Images courtesy of Undergraduate Research Office / University Communications.