Elizabeth Webster Receives Beckman Scholars Award

2014 May 27

Elizabeth "Bette" Webster , a University of San Diego student from Edmond, has been awarded the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Beckman Scholars Award.

A junior majoring in biochemistry, Webster will receive a $26,000 award to conduct research for one academic year and two summers starting Summer 2014. "In addition to fostering the Beckman Scholars' critical and creative thinking skills through research, mentoring and participation in professional development workshops and networking events will prepare them for their application to, interview for and success in graduate school," stated Dr. Sonia Zarate, Director for USD's Office of Undergraduate Research.

"The Beckman Scholars Program allows exceptionally talented students to conduct a research project alongside a faculty mentor," said Professor Debbie Tahmassebi, Special Assistant to the Provost at USD. "The program provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs and also allows them to attend special seminars and conferences to present their research."

USD was one of 12 colleges and universities selected this year by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, based on the awards and support they have received from institutions such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. Under the program, USD will receive $130,000 to select a total of five Beckman scholars over the next three years.

"We are honored to be chosen," Tahmassebi said. "This award is a reflection of USD's strong commitment to undergraduate research and the outstanding caliber of our faculty and students. Students will be doing cutting-edge research in the fields of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics and marine and environmental science."

Webster's faculty mentor is Lauren Benz, Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Benz leads a productive research program focused on studies of the physical and chemical processes that occur on surfaces. Dr. Benz has received a five-year $451,605 Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation, their most prestigious award in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research and excellent education.

Webster will pursue research on a project titled "Investigation of the Catalytic Properties of ZIF-8 using the Knoevenagel Reaction." She will also travel to the Annual Beckman Symposium, held each summer in Irvine, Calif., to present her research to a group of Beckman scholars, mentors, scientists and administrators.

Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, founder-chairman emeritus of Beckman Instruments, Inc., is considered one of the top five inventors of scientific instruments. Known for both his love of science and personal integrity, his inventions saved countless lives around the world. In recognition, he was awarded the National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Dr. Beckman once said, "There is no satisfactory substitute for excellence." More than just words, this philosophy guided his life and helped shape scientific history. Dr. Beckman's commitment to science and spirit of invention lives on in the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. To date the foundation that carries his name has contributed over $650 million to support basic scientific research in the fields of chemistry and the life sciences.

The University of San Diego (USD) is a Catholic institution of higher learning committed to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and the creation of ethical leaders. Chartered in 1949, the school enrolls approximately 8,300 undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent students. USD has a long history of public service and was recently recognized as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka, the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. The university's eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the schools of Business Administration, Engineering, Law, Leadership and Education Sciences, Nursing and Health Sciences, Peace and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education.