4 August 2006
Matthew
Oreska
College of
William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
Dear NMNH Office of the Director,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to
conduct research as an undergraduate at the Smithsonian Institution,
National Museum of Natural History as part of the Research Training
Program (RTP). This has allowed me the fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration
to both observe and participate in the inner workings of the museum.
Working with the NMNH Department of Paleobiology has been a dream come
true, and I am particularly thankful for the mentorship of Dr. Matthew
Carrano. I have gained an even greater appreciation for the diversity
of life in the fossil record and the complexities inherent in identifying
fossil material.
In addition, I am very thankful for all the opportunities I have received
outside my research in the Department of Paleobiology. My exposure to
the multitude of artifacts in other disciplines has rekindled many of
my interests in other areas of natural history. The aggregate sum of
the collections has been breathtaking. I feel particularly privileged
to have seen so many different areas of the museum. To have prominent
researchers in so many different fields personally explain their research
has been quite an honor. It truly has been an unparalleled opportunity,
a unique experience even among Smithsonian researchers.
I am also grateful for the experiences and information I have garnered
from being part of a group of serious, aspiring researchers in the natural
sciences. Through establishing a sense of community among the RTP participants,
the Research Training Program created an all encompassing academic atmosphere
in which I have thrived. The collegial atmosphere has been a source
of both motivation and great friendship.
When I applied to the Research Training Program, I viewed it as both
an outgrowth of my fascination with fossils, as well as a pathway toward
a career in science. While participation in the program has afforded
me an opportunity to reflect on my career as a scientist and my future
direction, I have come to view this summer's experience as an amazing
end in and of itself. To have such a wonderful experience contained
within a well planned and executed program is truly an amazing opportunity.
Sincerely,
Matthew Oreska
Research Training Program
RTP Class of '06