Academic Partners

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 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).

Thanks From Scholar Kevin Nelson

The ARCS scholarship program has been a critical factor for my success in graduate school at Northwestern University. Not only did the program provide financial aid for me to continue my studies, but it also allowed me to interact with a diverse group of scientists and nonscientists several times a year. These interactions have allowed me to keep up with cutting edge research outside of my field of study and have provided enormous insight into my own work. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the program, I have also learned how to effectively communicate my results so that anyone from any field can understand what I am doing, an invaluable skill for any budding scientist. After I graduate from Northwestern, I plan on continuing my career in research by studying immunology in a postdoctoral position. I know that I will be able to take the experiences and lessons I’ve learned in the ARCS scholarship program and apply it to my next job, as well as the rest of my career as a scientist.


“The importance of attracting the brightest students into advanced graduate programs in engineering and science cannot be underestimated. ARCS has been a pioneer in financially supporting such students as they transition into PhD programs in STEM areas at our top universities. The ARCS fellowships provided to IIT have enabled us to retain these students in graduate school, many of whom will become faculty at other universities and top researchers in industrial and government laboratories, thus advancing discovery and technology in the United States." Dr. John Anderson Former President, Illinois Institute of Technology Click here to learn more about programs supported at IIT.		“From energy to climate change to health care, society’s greatest challenges require scientific understanding and new discoveries. The Chicago Chapter of the ARCS Foundation has supported students at the University of Chicago for over three decades, with great impact, and the University is honored to continue that partnership to develop the scientific leaders of the twenty-first century." Dr. Robert J. Zimmer President, The University of Chicago Click here to learn more about programs supported at University of Chicago.


“Research thrives at Northwestern, with interdisciplinary teams working to address some of the most significant scientific, energy and other issues facing the world today. Fellowships from the ARCS Foundation help us attract highly gifted graduate students who will go on to pursue discoveries that will make the world a better place for all. We sincerely appreciate ARCS’ support." Dr. Morton Schapiro President, Northwestern University Click here to learn more about programs supported at Northwestern.		“ Loyola University Chicago is grateful to the ARCS Foundation Chicago for its support for our Stritch School of Medicine students who demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for medical research. Research at Stritch is critical to our students' education and to our efforts exploring new and enhanced ways to care for patients. This partnership with ARCS helps ensure that talented students have access to, and can participate via their research, in Loyola's transformation education." Father Garanzini President, Loyala University, Stritch Medical Center Click here to learn more about programs supported at Loyola.