Current Scholars

Thanks From Scholar Louise Giam

I have been an Arnold Beckman scholar for the past three years while working towards my PhD at Northwestern University. I feel extremely privileged to have received support from ARCS and have always enjoyed meeting the members, whether it is talking about the creative event themes, lessons learned from different industries, or how science and technology have changed over the years. ARCS has provided funds that enabled me to attend conferences and meet peers within my field. It has given me peace of mind to focus on research without distractions and the confidence to pursue important scientific questions that my lab would not typically investigate. Most importantly, however, ARCS has conveyed the importance of bridging lab work with the community-at-large and committed me to become involved in creating opportunities for future scientists as well.

Thanks From Scholar Emily Bethea

The debt associated with higher education can be overwhelming. As I continue to talk with classmates and friends I realize how truly fortunate I am to have had your generous support which allowed me to take liberties in research and clinical exposure as I progressed through medical school. I think sometimes donations can seem small, or because they are intangible hard to associate with real gain --- I want to make very clear how much I benefited from your generosity. On a daily basis things were easier, meaning I could focus on learning and not worry constantly about how I was going to structure my financial plan. It also allowed me to consider a career path in primary care, and not feel anxious about paying back the large amount of debt I have still accrued. Importantly, it was beneficial to meet and learn from such an extraordinary group of women and supporters. Watching people come together throughout the year was such a touching experience; I believe it was integral to my development to see everyone fighting for something they so strongly believe in. I can’t thank you enough, please know that I'll be able to make more of a difference in the lives of others because you were thoughtful enough to make the difference in mine. I'm still on board, let's keep working to advance science in America!

Thanks From Scholar Richard Duncan

In addition to financial support, ARCS provided a unique opportunity to connect with people across the city, get a glimpse of the problems other researchers and scholars are solving, and better understand the efforts being made to continue to support math and science education in the US. This "window" into parts of the scientific world outside my own field was an important addition to my doctorate studies, and will greatly inform my future adventures (which remain "to be determined" at the moment).

Illinois Institute of Technology
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Northwestern University
The University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign


Mary Catherine Andorfer PhD in Chemistry ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Investigating specific groups of enzymes for their practical use in organic chemistry.	Anya Bershad MD/PhD, Medical Science Training Program (Integrative Neuroscience) Takeda Pharmaceuticals /ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Understanding and treatment of substance abuse disorders.

Sara Jackrel PhD in Ecology & Evolution Cashel Foundation Scholar Research interest: Biological diversity and its role in maintaining vital ecosystem diversity.	David Koren MD/PhD, Medical Science Training Program (Neurobiology) Roche/ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Investigating mechanisms that enable retinol neurons to discriminate between motion in various directions.


Nickolas R. Andersen PhD in Mathematics Alan Schriesheim ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Number theory; in particular the theory of modular forms and "mock modular forms".	Kristen A. Bishop PhD in Plant Biology ARCS® Foundation Joanna Stein Memorial Scholar Research interest: Identifying strategies to maximize pant and crop responses to elevated CO2.

Kelsey Caetano-Anolles PhD in Animal Sciences Phyllis M.Wise ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: The interface between neurobiology, genomic science, and behavioral science.	Justin M. Hutchison PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering John and Patricia Anderson/ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Use of renewable energy inputs to capture or detoxify contaminants in water.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Northwestern University

The University of Chicago

University of Illinoist at Urbana-Champaign

Thanks From Scholar Louise Giam

Thanks From Scholar Emily Bethea

Thanks From Scholar Richard Duncan


Abdallah Bachir Diagne PhD in Chemistry Takeda Pharmaceuticals/ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: High throughput screening methodology to enable both discovery and optimization of new organic reactions.	Rebecca Edwards MD/PhD in Microbiology/Immunology Roche/ARCS® Foundation Scholar Research interest: Interplay between the herpes simplex virus and the host during ocular infections.