Cody Martin was chosen out of 58 undergraduate scholars within 12 universities to receive the 2018 Beckman Foundation scholarship. He joins an elite group of six Beckman Scholars in Texas A&M history thus far, among whom three were hosted by CPT.
Cody is a biochemistry and genetics double major from Red Oak, Texas, is particularly intrigued by the combination of science and technology in healthcare, hoping to apply microscopic phenomena in a manner that is beneficial. He is beginning his research on the mechanisms of bacteriophage lysis as a Beckman Scholar with Dr. Ry Young. Martin’s work will focus on how a new class of potential antimicrobial peptides derived from bacteriophage destroys bacterial cells. “I enjoy that medicine is not a stagnating field: Professionals must be adaptive and stay current with advances. I wouldn’t like to do the same exact thing every single day! Therefore, my dreams align quite well with my personality traits,” says Martin. Most recently, Martin has joined a Global and Local Health committee, which educates and brings awareness to health issues from a political standpoint. Martin’s long term goal is to pursue an MD/PhD and enter academic medicine as a medical geneticist researching the genetic aspects of disease.
Beckman Scholar institutions are a part of an elite and carefully-selected program, and participation is strictly invitation-only. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation identifies colleges and universities that will receive Beckman Scholars application invitations. The extremely thorough selection process consists of interviews and a two-part review led by a panel of scientific experts. Institutions are chosen based on their dedication to undergraduate research in chemistry, biology and/or combinations thereof and their capability of competing in national level programs.
The Beckman Foundation supports researchers and institutions in their journey towards new methods of research. Texas A&M University was one of twelve institutions that will collectively receive $1.5 million in science funding in 2018. $27 million have been awarded to over 1,300 students since the Foundation’s first award 20 years ago.
Beckman Scholars are identified as the top undergraduate students majoring in specific science fields during their freshman year. Once students are selected, they begin careers in research under the supervision of faculty mentors in their departments as early as the summer prior to their sophomore year. Beckman Scholars continue their research projects until graduation and are also expected to participate in many activities such as leadership and research programming, including networking opportunities, exposure to the review and publication process of scientific research, as well as preparation for the process of graduate or professional school application.