Two UR Students Receive Beckman Awards to Further Faculty-Mentored Research on Pharmaceuticals and Fighting Disease
Student Scholars
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond students Brice Di Carlo and Eric Zhou have each been awarded a prestigious Beckman Foundation Scholarship to support faculty-mentored student research in the sciences.
Beckman Scholars are selected among undergraduate biology and chemistry students based on commitment to research, strong academics, and potential to become scientific leaders. Students who receive Beckman Scholarships, which are supported by The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, work at least 10 hours a week during the academic year and full-time for two 10-week summer terms in a faculty mentor’s laboratory. UR has had 28 Beckman Scholars since 2006.
Chemistry major Brice Di Carlo, Class of 2027, is studying chemical bonding using various computational methods. This work of studying chemical structures and reactions has implications in developing new medicines and improving existing ones. His faculty mentor is chemistry professor Kelling Donald. Di Carlo plans to pursue a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry and aspires to research drug development, including treatments for cardiovascular disease.
“Medicinal chemistry is key to better understanding disease, exploring drug development, and contributing to research that is behind so many of the great therapies and medicine that improve human health and well-being,” said Di Carlo. “I've realized that advancing my education in chemistry and contributing to research is another powerful way to improve lives and meaningfully serve those affected by disease.”
Eric Zhou, Class of 2027, is majoring in chemistry and minoring in physics. Under the mentorship of chemistry professor Wade Downey, he is studying organic chemistry — specifically indole synthesis, which has implications in the pharmaceutical industry. Zhou aspires to become a physician-scientist at an academic institution and hopes to open a lab researching targeted drug treatments for cancer.
“Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat due to how much it varies from person to person,” said Zhou. “Finding a definitive cure is a near-impossible task, and it is no surprise that treatment often entails a multidisciplinary approach. My education and research plan will enable me to understand a wide scope of knowledge at a deep level so that I may develop new treatments to help fight against cancer.”
Beckman Scholars continue their education at top graduate programs in the nation and many are competitive for and receive additional prestigious opportunities, including Goldwater scholarships and NSF graduate research fellowships.
“The Beckman Scholars Program supports the development of future scientific leaders,” said Carol Parish, Floyd D. and Elisabeth S. Gottwald Professor of Chemistry and director of Richmond’s Beckman program. “With the committed guidance of University of Richmond faculty, our student scholars are driving meaningful scientific research and receiving exceptional training opportunities.”
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