Undergraduate researcher Samantha “Sam” Vi-Tang (Kaner group) is one of two UCLA students selected as 2021-2022 Beckman Scholars.
The 2021-22 Beckman Research Scholarship at UCLA is awarded to outstanding undergraduate researchers committed to completing a thesis project under the supervision of select UCLA Beckman Faculty. The $18,200 award will be distributed over one academic year and two summers, plus $2,800 for travel and research supplies.
Sam is a junior Chemistry/Materials Science major conducting research in Professor Richard Kaner’s laboratory regarding the implementation of carbon nanodots in sustainability initiatives and energy storage. “Developments in supercapacitors technology and energy storage devices will go great lengths to reduce global CO2 emissions and have useful applications in everything from public transportation to compact electronic devices,” Sam explained. On campus, Sam is also the Vice President of Communication for UCLA’s Panhellenic Council and a Project Director for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at UCLA, tying her interests in research and science with her passion for advocacy and supporting women in her communities.
“Sam is an enthusiastic dedicated undergraduate researcher who will make excellent use of this exciting opportunity provided by the Beckman Scholars program,” said Professor Richard Kaner.
Justin Quan, a junior majoring Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics who conducts research in Professor Peter Bradley’s group, is the other UCLA 2021-21 Beckman Scholar.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
