Andrea Runyan
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Dear National Science Foundation,
The itch of a question or taunt of an unexplained observation. The enjoyment
of hypothesizing. The tempting preliminary results. The anticipation that
compels completion of an experiment or observation set, and sometimes, the
triumph of discovery – sensations so euphoric that many scientists subsist
on them for life. However, as members of the National Science Foundation,
you not only enjoy the pleasures of science, but also work to let others experience
them. As one of your beneficiaries, I thank you sincerely for the opportunity
to participate in the 2002 National Museum of Natural History Research Training
Program.
Privileging me with opportunities to utilize Smithsonian collections and discuss natural history with some of its foremost researchers, the Research Training Program has greatly improved me as a researcher and rendered me slightly less unworthy of the benefits I have enjoyed. In return, I have dedicated myself to my analysis of the relationship between dental disease and cause-of-death in the Robert J. Terry Skeletal Anatomical Collection. My first taste of true, publishable research has whetted my desire to contribute to the advancement of human understanding.
Should you also suffer from this urge, rest assured that by funding students’ participation in the Research Training Program, you are greatly benefiting the future of science. I am so convinced that this program equips participants to contribute natural history discoveries to the world that I would thank you for supporting the Research Training Program even if I had not personally received funding. However, as I have been so blessed, I must extend my deepest gratitude for this remarkable experience.
Sincerely,
Andrea M. Runyan
Research Training Program, 2002