Michael Nowak
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Jean Lane,
The experiences I enjoyed this summer in the Research Training Program will have a lasting effect on my personal and professional life. I am writing to express my gratitude for the financial support that made my experience in the National Museum of Natural History’s Research Training Program possible. This program has allowed me the truly unique experience of working with many of the leading scientists in my field.
I spent three weeks of the RTP experience working in Wyoming with Dr. Scott Wing. In the field of Paleobotany, fieldwork is vital to the success of a research project. I was able to gain very practical field experience and learn valuable techniques that I will carry with me for years to come.
I will start graduate school in Paleobotany at the University of Oklahoma in the fall. The knowledge that I take with me is priceless. I have learned in a summer what many students fail to learn in a year of graduate work.
In my fellow Research Training Program participants, I see a rich future of scientific success. I have formed friendships that will carry on both personally and through professional collaboration. I feel very lucky to have offered this opportunity, and it is through your financial support that others will have the same opportunity. By supporting this program you are investing in the future of science, and I thank you for that.
Michael D. Nowak
Research Training Program, 2002