Dear Dr. Tan, I am a senior biology major at the Pennsylvania State University pursuing a career in medicine.

I have excelled academically, earning a 3.81 GPA and scoring a 31 on my MCAT, and I plan to work for a year prior to attending medical school. Working in your lab as a research technician would be a great opportunity for me to gain research experience and learn more about gene regulation and epigenetics. For the past two summers Ive worked as a research intern for Dr. Silvia Corvera in the Program of Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The Corvera Lab is focused on studying how obesity causes in metabolic dysfunction of adipose tissue, and how this results in metabolic disease such as diabetes. During my first summer in the Corvera Lab, I worked with a murine model studying how a high fat diet affects adipocyte growth. For the duration of my second summer there, I collaborated with physicians at UMass Memorial Hospital while working on a clinical study of gestational diabetes. Working in the Corvera Lab enabled me to become proficient in cell culture, and I have learned a number of laboratory skills including gel electrophoresis, western blotting, DNA quantification using fluorescence spectroscopy, ELISA, and microscopy. I also have some experience working with tissue fixation and immunohistochemistry. I do not have experience studying gene regulation, however I have developed a background in field through taking a course with Dr. Axtell here at Penn State titled BIOL 497A - The Biology of RNA. In addition, Ive achieved an A in BMB 401, and currently have an A in my BMB 402 course. Both of my biochemistry courses have been fascinating, so I would enjoy continuing to learn about this field through working with you next year. As a student at Penn State I have managed to balance a heavy workload while participating in a number of extracurricular activities. I have developed a strong background in the biological sciences through my course work. In addition, my academic performance has led me to become a teaching assistant for a physiology laboratory, and I was also selected for a special course in which I was able to study human cadavers. My most notable extracurricular accomplishment has been my involvement in the Penn State Dance Marathon, or THON, which raises money for the fight against pediatric cancer. As the head THON chair for my fraternity I have been responsible for coordinating all fundraising activity, and I am proud to say that in just two years Ive led my fraternity in raising $541,000 for the fight against pediatric cancer. Having such a significant impact on the lives of the children suffering with cancer has been the most rewarding aspect of my college experience. It is my hope that I can continue to benefit my community by contributing to your research. I have a strong work ethic and an aptitude for the sciences, so Im confident that I will be a positive contribution to your lab. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications for this position, and what the work would entail. Please contact me at your convenience via email at mek5262@psu.edu, or by cell phone at (508) 330-5399. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Maxwell Kruse