David M. Cameron
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
I am writing to express my sincere thanks for funding my undergraduate research this summer at the National Museum of Natural History. Without support from your organization my research would not have been possible. The program at the Smithsonian Institution is unmatched in the benefits that it provides to the participants. The collection access that is offered to the participants cannot be found elsewhere and, when combined with the knowledge of the staff, makes for a truly remarkable experience that would otherwise not be possible. My research at the museum has lead to a much greater understanding of scientific research and will greatly benefit my work in the future.
My research this summer involved the description of a new plant species from the Commelinaceae or Spiderwort family. Using both material collected from the Smithsonian Institution Research Greenhouse as well as specimens in the United States National Herbarium I was able to formally characterize the new species as well as two distinct subspecies. The techniques learned here this summer have provided me with an excellent background of many aspects of plant anatomy. This knowledge will be carried with me throughout my career in science. The paper from my research will be submitted for publication this fall to the journal NOVON.
My experience this summer has provided me with a basis for what I believe will be a long future in the field. The research that I conducted, while answering several questions, has created many more. The experience that undergraduate research can provide cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting alone. By funding such programs, you are enabling many students an opportunity that they may not otherwise have. By planting the seed of future scientists you are insuring that quality scientific research continues well into the future. I am extremely grateful that I was afforded this opportunity and hope that many after me will have the same experience.
Sincerely,
David M. Cameron
Research Training Program, 2002