Hello! There is a supplementary document required for my program which asks applicants to outline their research interests. The letter is to be no longer than one page. I spoke with my supervisor about it and he told me to begin with a very broad statement and to narrow it in until I reach my specific project goal. I would appreciate any insight -- I've read and re-read this so many times that I can no longer tell if it sounds alright!
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To Whom It May Concern:
I developed an interest in the human brain at a very young age: my favorite childhood book was a cartoonish text that outlined the function of the nervous system. In fact, I was so awed by descriptions of experiments conducted by neurologists such as Broca and Hitzig that I decided I would like to someday conduct research of my own. I held on to the idea of studying neuroscience as I progressed through high school and gained a more advanced knowledge of biology. I ultimately chose to complete my undergraduate degree at D***** University entirely because it offered an undergraduate neuroscience program, promising a unique academic experience.
As my undergraduate career unfolded, I was astounded by the scope of neuroscience classes available to me. I took a wide variety of classes because I felt that this was my chance to experience, first hand, a large array of scientific techniques and to figure out which aspect of neuroscience was the best fit for me. By my fourth year I had begun selecting mainly cell-based courses such as molecular neuroscience and biochemistry, which allowed me to appreciate the importance of intricate neural mechanisms and interactions at a cellular level.
A third-year independent research project and honours research project completed in Dr. SK's lab further directed my interest towards synaptic plasticity. I now believe that the key to understanding the complexity of human neural networks lies in the study of the basic connective unit between cells of the nervous system. I have hopes that study in this area may someday lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases characterized by the failure of neurons to communicate, such as epilepsy. If accepted into the MSc program, I would like to continue working with Dr. SK while studying calcium fluctuations at pre-synaptic nanodomains. These fluctuations play a role in altering the strength of synapses, which has important implications in topics of learning and memory. I am determined to gain further education in this field so that I may someday conduct independent research in neural plasticity.
Thank you for your consideration.
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To Whom It May Concern:
I developed an interest in the human brain at a very young age: my favorite childhood book was a cartoonish text that outlined the function of the nervous system. In fact, I was so awed by descriptions of experiments conducted by neurologists such as Broca and Hitzig that I decided I would like to someday conduct research of my own. I held on to the idea of studying neuroscience as I progressed through high school and gained a more advanced knowledge of biology. I ultimately chose to complete my undergraduate degree at D***** University entirely because it offered an undergraduate neuroscience program, promising a unique academic experience.
As my undergraduate career unfolded, I was astounded by the scope of neuroscience classes available to me. I took a wide variety of classes because I felt that this was my chance to experience, first hand, a large array of scientific techniques and to figure out which aspect of neuroscience was the best fit for me. By my fourth year I had begun selecting mainly cell-based courses such as molecular neuroscience and biochemistry, which allowed me to appreciate the importance of intricate neural mechanisms and interactions at a cellular level.
A third-year independent research project and honours research project completed in Dr. SK's lab further directed my interest towards synaptic plasticity. I now believe that the key to understanding the complexity of human neural networks lies in the study of the basic connective unit between cells of the nervous system. I have hopes that study in this area may someday lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases characterized by the failure of neurons to communicate, such as epilepsy. If accepted into the MSc program, I would like to continue working with Dr. SK while studying calcium fluctuations at pre-synaptic nanodomains. These fluctuations play a role in altering the strength of synapses, which has important implications in topics of learning and memory. I am determined to gain further education in this field so that I may someday conduct independent research in neural plasticity.
Thank you for your consideration.
