Chicago, IL – The University of Chicago Department of Chemistry is proud to announce that undergraduate students Leon Lee Zhou and Tara Kedda have been named 2025 Beckman Scholars. The prestigious award recognizing exceptional promise in chemistry and related sciences provides substantial financial support and mentorship to outstanding students pursuing independent research.
Leon and Tara, both passionate about the intersection of chemistry and biology, were selected for their academic excellence and commitment to research. Their innovative projects and dedication to scientific inquiry exemplify the spirit of the Beckman Scholars Program.
We spoke with Leon and Tara to learn what makes a Chemistry Beckman Scholar at the University of Chicago.
What sparked your initial interest in chemistry, and what specific area are you most passionate about exploring within the field?
Leon: I have particular interests in biomedicine that advances understanding of how molecular, biochemical interactions influence diseases. I’m passionate about exploring disease mechanisms and optimizing therapeutic interventions biochemical approaches.
Tara: I initially became interested in chemistry during middle school, when I competed in the Forensics event as part of my Science Olympiad team. In this event, we conducted experiments on provided samples to determine a culprit, which introduced me to the process of using scientific analysis to solve complex problems. The challenge of taking a larger question and deciding which analytical techniques could provide the best answers drew me to science as a whole. However, what fascinated me most was how chemical, and molecular data could be used to answer essential questions. When I started at UChicago, I took the Advanced Biology sequence, with the first quarter focusing on molecular biology. Learning about biological processes at the molecular level made me appreciate the chemical principles underlying them, which led me to explore chemical biology. The intersection of chemistry and biology continues to be where my strongest interests lie, particularly in understanding how molecular interactions can drive complex biological functions
What are you most looking forward to experiencing as a Beckman Scholar, and how do you hope this award will support your research goals? Can you briefly describe a research project you'll be undertaking with the Beckman Scholarship, and what potential impact do you hope it will have?
Leon: As a Beckman Scholar, I look forward to the opportunity to conduct rigorous research while receiving mentorship and support to refine my skills as a scientist. This award will provide me with resources and academic environment to pursue cutting-edge research. I am excited to work closely with my peers, develop communications with the bright minds in Beckman community, and contribute with my unique aspect of research work to field of biomedicine.
Tara: The Beckman Scholars program offers an unparalleled opportunity to share my research with scientists well-versed in chemical biology, allowing me to enhance my skills in scientific communication and critical thinking, both of which are essential to a career in research. Additionally, I will have the chance to engage with scientists across a wide range of disciplines, which is crucial for my growth as a researcher. Exposure to diverse perspectives will help me improve my approach to problem-solving and incorporate interdisciplinary insights into my research. By interacting with a broader scientific community, I will also learn how to effectively present my research to audiences with varying expertise, improving my ability to convey ideas compellingly. At the Krishnan lab, I am investigating a gene identified by the lab as the first proton-activated lysosomal calcium importer. I aim to evaluate its potential role in either exacerbating or ameliorating Parkinson’s disease in genetic models, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Understanding this gene's function could provide new insights into lysosomal calcium regulation and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases, potentially revealing novel therapeutic targets
Beyond research, what are some of your other interests or hobbies?
Tara: Outside of the lab, I spend a lot of my time solving puzzles. My favorite type of puzzle is a cryptogram, in which a sentence is encoded such that each letter is assigned a symbol, and the goal is to determine which symbol corresponds to each letter. I also enjoy crocheting during downtime! I like to say that it trains me to have steady hands for picking up tiny C. elegans worms
What advice would you give to other students who are interested in pursuing research opportunities in chemistry?
Leon: UChicago and its numerous talented, welcoming research mentors foster an extraordinary and encouraging research atmospheres for undergraduate students, so do not hesitate to explore any research opportunities; you will enjoy discovering your research interests here!
Tara: believe that communication is crucial in a lot of respects. A great first step is to reach out to a professor from one of your courses and discuss your interests with them. Even if they are not directly involved in the specific area of chemistry that you are interested in, they are often happy to connect you with colleagues who do work in that field. As someone who had never conducted research prior to attending UChicago, I know that the process can appear daunting, but the community here is genuinely welcoming and excited about students who are enthusiastic about research. In my case, I spoke with one of my TAs, who helped me create a list of labs that aligned with my interests in chemical biology and neurological disorders. I was especially drawn to the Krishnan lab as they answer core questions about how the chemical composition of organelles can impact cellular and physiological function, which closely aligns with my interest in neurological disorders and the biochemical processes that underlie them. Another reason I had for joining the Krishnan lab was the mentorship environment, as I found that it would support me in gaining the skills I hoped to develop and also provide me with an atmosphere that allows me to grow as a researcher and contribute meaningfully to the lab’s work. In addition to reaching out to professors and TAs, attending talks is also a valuable resource, as it allows you to hear about the research being conducted in various labs from those who work there and discuss their work in person. Finally, it is also very important to learn how to communicate your ideas to the broader scientific community effectively. By actively engaging with the community, you will gain valuable connections and a better understanding.