4 August 2006
Jorge
Alvarez
University
of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Dear Latino Initiatives Fund,
It is with utmost sincerity that I give my thanks for providing the
funds that have enabled me to partake in a most enriching and interesting
experience; the Research Training Program (RTP) at Smithsonian Institution's
National Museum of Natural History. This permitted me to be part of
this Institution and to work alongside some of the top scientists in
my field of interest, as well as meet some of the other experts doing
the latest research in their respective field. It has been a unique
chance to experience first-hand the work that goes on "behind the
scenes" of a museum, something that many others might never realize.
Through the RTP I have been given access to invaluable resources that
would otherwise be out of my reach. I have worked with, and held in
my hands, invaluable specimens that give us insights into our planet's
past, plus the necessary equipment to analyze these. This program that
I have been a part of has lived up to its name, giving me a real feel
for what scientific research consists of, as well as giving me an excellent
start for what I plan in my future career. It has also helped me in
deciding what I would really like to focus on for my graduate studies,
if not simply given me many more options.
I sincerely believe that the Latino Initiatives Fund is truly making
a difference for our community. I understand that, like me, many others
in the Latino community are interested in the natural sciences, but
they do not have the resources to take their interest much further,
or in the worst of cases, are simply disregarded as valuable assets
to the scientific community. It is thanks to programs like yours that
address this issue that a difference can be made, and like me, many
others are sure to be immensely grateful for this.
Thanks for a wonderful and unique experience that has taught me much
for my future benefit; one that I will forever remember.
Sincerely,
Jorge Alvarez
Research Training Program
Class of '06