UO Chemistry and Biochemistry undergrads Kim Ta and John Gillies have been chosen as recipients of prestigious Beckman Research Scholarships for the 2014-15 academic year.

The UO Chemistry and Biochemistry department awards the Beckman Research Scholarships to outstanding sophomores or juniors to pursue extensive undergraduate research projects in chemistry.  The scholarship provides $19,300 in scholarship funds as tuition assistance and research compensation.  Recipients work in the research lab of a participating faculty member full-time during the summers of 2014 and 2015, and part-time during the academic year.

John Gillies, a Biochemistry major from Junction City, Oregon, and sophomore at the UO, will be doing his research in the Marcus lab.  He began working in the lab during the summer following his freshman year.  His interest lies in the study of proteins and how they interact with DNA – a field of study that has medical applications, such as cancer research.  John initially thought that he would pursue a career in medicine, but working in the lab sparked a deeper interest in biochemistry research.  After graduating from the UO, John plans to pursue his PhD in chemistry with the goal of becoming a professor and continuing to work to expand our knowledge of the role of proteins in DNA replication, affording him an opportunity to contribute to advances in medicine overall.

Phuong Kim Ta was born and raised in Vietnam.  Her passion for chemistry began in middle school, with her first chemistry class.  At age fifteen, she moved with her family to Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Westview High School.   Kim is currently a junior at the UO, majoring in Chemistry and doing research in the Dave Johnson lab.  Her research activities involve the design and synthesis of ferecrystals.  In particular, Kim’s work examines electrical properties of ferecrystals with potential applications for the semiconductor industry.  After earning her undergraduate degree at the UO, Kim plans to attend graduate school to expand her knowledge base in chemistry, and prepare for a career in industry after completing her PhD.  She also hopes to create an industry internship program for high school students and undergraduates, fostering opportunities that will inspire students to pursue their interest in science.

Both John and Kim chose to study at the UO for the dynamic, hands-on research experience that is available to undergrads in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. Their selection as Beckman Scholars will allow them to make the most of this distinctive opportunity to expand their studies well beyond textbook instruction.