Beeler came to IU as a pre-med student, but his freshman general chemistry class with Peters was transformative. “It really opened my eyes to the possibilities of analytical chemistry and all you can do with it.”

Peters felt the same high regard for Beeler. In his letter recommending Beeler for a Goldwater Scholarship, Peters wrote: “I would rank Josh among the top four or five” of all the undergraduates who had worked in his labs in his more than 57 years as a faculty member. “He is one of those rare individuals who comes along just a few times each decade,” Peters concluded.

Beeler hopes to go to graduate school to specialize in analytical chemistry and then to be a research professor with his own lab. He’s already prepared a pitch to recruit freshmen in the same way that Peters’ class converted him. Why take chemistry? Beeler’s answer: “At best, you’ll discover that you have a passion for science and chemistry. At worst, you’ll become a more scientifically literate person. So, if Dr. Fauci goes on TV, your science background will make him easier to follow.”