Angela D. Skeeles
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Dear National Science Foundation REU program,
I would like to thank you for funding my participation in the Smithsonian
Natural History Museum’s Research Training Program. I have had an amazing
learning experience in this exceptional program. My dedication to scientific
research has been strongly reinforced this summer.
As a member of the Smithsonian community I developed a better understanding
and appreciation of museum research, curation, and the value and use of scientific
collections. I had never considered a museum career previously, but I have
so enjoyed my time here that I will certainly pursue one in the future.
As a participant in the Research Training Program I was able to design and
conduct an independent project in my specific interest area. This is invaluable
experience for graduate school, which I will be starting a year from now.
This is especially important since, for most American undergraduate programs
a thesis is not a degree requirement. In addition, we were exposed to the
vast and amazing resources in all the departments housed in the Natural History
museum. This was particularly valuable to me, since my focus has become so
narrow throughout college. In fact, my exposure to Paleobiology in this program
has caused my interests to surface. Now I may pursue a masters project which
deals with macroecology, and involves both Paleobiology and ecology.
As part of my internship this summer I was also able to attend the National
meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists. At this meeting I was able
to meet many scientists, and make connections for graduate school. In fact,
I benefited so much from this meeting that I intend to be involved in this
society indefinitely. Thank you again for funding me this summer. I have gained
invaluable experience, and believe I have advanced considerably in my career
as a result of this program. I hope that you will continue to fund this excellent
program.
Sincerely,
Angela D. Skeeles
Research Training Program, 2002