ARCS National Scholar Award Program
The ARCS National Scholar Award Program is an important expansion of the ARCS mission, extending support to leading universities in regions not currently served by ARCS chapters. By investing in emerging areas of research critical to U.S. competitiveness, ARCS is helping strengthen the pipeline of U.S. STEM leaders whose discoveries will drive innovation and sustain America’s competitive edge.
Why ARCS Is Acting Now
ARCS is responding to current national pressures that make private support for American science more important than ever:
- Recent reductions in federal research spending
- Changes in international student enrollment
- Increasing global competition in science and technology
The ARCS National Scholar Program was developed to meet this moment by helping ensure that critical scientific research and discovery continue to thrive.
Focus on High-Impact Scientific Fields
ARCS National Scholar Awards are administered by the ARCS Foundation National Organization, allowing ARCS to strategically expand its reach while maintaining the high standards that have defined the organization for more than six decades.
The new national program provides unrestricted financial awards to scholars pursuing doctoral research in designated high-impact scientific fields. All participating universities and academic programs must meet rigorous national standards, ensuring that ARCS funding supports Scholars working within the nation’s most respected research environments.
The National Scholar Award Program prioritizes scientific fields that are essential to U.S. technological leadership and global competitiveness. By supporting Scholars working in these high-impact fields, ARCS Foundation is helping accelerate research that will shape the future of science and technology.
ARCS National Inaugural Academic Partner: Purdue University
Approved Areas of ARCS Funding at Purdue
Purdue National Scholar Award Recipients
MEERA DORAN
Roche ARCS National Scholar Award
Biomedical Engineering PhD
Research: Identifying the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease using cutting-edge imaging technology for predictive diagnostics
Technologies Involved: Artificial Intelligence
MAXWELL KAWADA
ARCS National Scholar Award
Biomedical Engineering PhD
Research: Investigating the cognitive response to using AI and autonomy in surgical robots in high-stakes environments
Technologies Involved: Advanced Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Biotechnology
SHAIVE MEHRA
Bindley ARCS National Scholar Award
Biomedical Engineering PhD
Research: Automating and autonomizing assistive robotic manipulation and mobility to improve independence of individuals with disabilities
Technologies Involved: Autonomous Systems, Advanced Computing, and Biotechnology
PETER MESHKOV
Burton ARCS National Scholar Award
Electrical & Computer Engineering PhD
Research: Engineering a quantum spin liquid for advanced computing applications by mechanically straining candidate materials with
nanoscale structures
Technologies Involved: Microelectronics, Nanotechnology, and Quantum
CHRISTOPHER PETER
Burke ARCS National Scholar Award
Biomedical Engineering PhD
Research: Identifying the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory integration during artificial stimulation to improve perceptual decision-making
Technologies Involved: Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology
Click here to read our press release announcing the ARCS National Scholar Award Program
Click here to read the press release announcing our partnership with Purdue University
For additional questions about this program, please reach out to nationalscholarawards@arcsfoundation.org.
