Emily McFadden, a Westhampton College junior and biochemistry major, recently received the national Beckman Scholarship for outstanding undergraduate research in the chemistry and biological sciences.

The Beckman Scholars Program , established in 1997, was designed to provide scholarships that contribute significantly in advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in biochemistry and its relative fields, according to the programs website. The nationwide scholarship is awarded to six undergraduate students each year.

McFadden, one of the six students selected to receive the scholarship in 2012 , said the $19,200 grant would cover her research costs for the next two summers and her senior year.

The grant funds travel to symposiums and conferences across the country where I can present my research, McFadden said. It also plays for supplies in my lab.

McFaddens research, which she has been conducting for the past year and a half, takes place in a Gottwald biochemistry lab with the help of a faculty mentor.

Ive been researching a specific enzyme involved in DNA repair, McFadden said. My upcoming project is looking at an alternative enzyme, and comparing the two to see how their efficiency in DNA repair is different.

McFadden said the final culmination of her research would take place next summer, when she would present her project results at the Beckman Scholars Conference in California.

Ill have the opportunity to show my work to the members of the Beckman Foundation, as well as any other scientists who may be interested in my findings, McFadden said.

Michelle Hamm , associate professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond , serves as McFaddens mentor and nominated McFadden to receive the scholarship.

Emily is a bright and talented student with a passion for science, Hamm said. The Beckman award is for future scientific leaders, and I thought that description fit Emily well.

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Westhampton junior receives national research scholarship