Molecular Biology Personal Statement

I was first drawn to cell and molecular biology when I was a child, when my uncle gave me a microscope for Christmas. I was enthralled by the intricacy of biological structures, and curious as to how the hidden architecture of living things contributes to their function. When I entered high school, I was surprised at how much information in biology was still unknown or unclear. To pursue these answers, I studied beyond what was required of my classes, even to the point of individually learning AP biology. Despite my high achievements in these pursuits, my questions remained unanswered. With this, I decided the only way to have my curiosity satisfied would be to go to college to study cell and molecular biology. This intent was cemented when my father was diagnosed with a genetic form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; I wanted to devote my career to research in cell biology, so that I can make discoveries that may prevent others from suffering like him.

persicina in a workshop at Cornell University (under Dr. Jeanne Kagle); resource allocation in A. syriaca (Dr. Steven Stein); the effects of squalane supplementation on R. sphaeroides (Dr. Kagle); antibody indicators of colostrum quality (Dr. Sara Hazelton) and the food/water intake and growth of C57BL/6J mice (Dr. Kristen Long). It was Dr. Long who inspired me to pursue a PhD in biology: the great overlap we have in personalities and background made me realize that it is well within my capacity to apply my love of biology to research, so that I may create a meaningful and exciting career for myself, as she