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STACY TORIOLA
163-18 108th Ave., #2F, Jamaica, NY 11433
Email: [email protected]
Cell Phone: (718) 501-3372
August 20, 2013
LIU Post University
School of Health Professions & Nursing
To Whom It May Concern:
During my undergraduate education at the College of Saint Rose, I became strongly interested in human
immunity and blood disorders. I am passionate about pursuing a career in biomedical research and
obtaining a graduate assistant position will not only provide the financial assistance I very much require,
but the opportunity to enhance to my research skills in this field. After graduate school, I plan to apply
for medical school with a concentration in immunology. A decade from now I see myself working on
vaccine development in a clinical setting. I have always been interested in studying malaria vaccination
treatments, but I have recently become interested in vaccination developments for the Dengue Virus. I
hope to find myself working in either of the two fields in the future.
From my undergraduate research experience, I have equipped myself with basic microbial analysis
techniques.
1. A little about me
2. My interest
3. My experience
4. Experience I want to acquire
During my undergraduate education, my career focus had been geared towards studies on
human immunity and blood disorder. I have become interested in studying immunity to
infectious disease and plan to pursue a PhD in immunology in the future. Currently, I am a
college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology and pursuing laboratory experience in
biomedical research. I am interested in applying for the microbiologist position at Silliker. I
became aware of the opportunity through the Merieux NutriSciences career website.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as a research student is respecting your
environment. The College of Saint Rose takes the initiative in educating all research students
about New York State laws on safety and hazard precautions in the science laboratories. As a
research student working in the microbiology and cell biology laboratories it is expected that
we not only know the rules and regulations of lab safety but respect and honor it. These
initiatives also included scientific integrity which teaches us the importance of reporting
accurate and reputable data.
I believe I will be an excellent candidate for this position because of my drive and passion for
biomedical studies. I am at the start of my career and eager to learn different perspectives on
biological techniques and application from exceptional and prominent leaders at Silliker. From
my educational background, I have equipped myself with several laboratory techniques, such
as, cell culturing for mammalian, plant, and microbial organisms (Please see resume for list of
laboratory skills). Through my undergraduate-independent research work I have re-enforced
my expertise in aseptic techniques, microbial differential testing, centrifugation, and DNA
transformation.
Working under Dr. Kari Murad, Associate Professor of the Biological and Physical Science
Department, I carried out two research studies. The first research focused on quality of
commercially available produce and the susceptibility of the public to food-borne illnesses.
Using microbial counting techniques, colony morphology, and biochemical testing, colony
forming units were determined and different species of colonies extracted from the samples
were indentified. Several bacterial colonies isolated were identified to belong to the
Enterobacteriaceae family, none of which were considered pathogenic since some of these
species inhabit soil environments of which these products were grown in, but expressed the
importance of necessary cleaning measures that consumer should take into account after
purchasing pre-washed spinach products.
My second research study was focused on developing a model for studying vector transmission
of pathogenic agents stimulated by mammalian hormonal signals. To create an ideal laboratory
model we used Drosophila melanogaster and genetically modified Escherichia coli (E.coli)
colonies that could produce green fluorescent proteins (GFP) for tagging purposes. We were
able to provide proof of concept, in which Drosophila can carry GFP-tagged E.coli through
normal interaction. But, it was concluded that further modification of the model system was
necessary to determine whether Drosophila can transmit this tagged agent to a distant area by
chemical stimulation. The knowledge I have acquired from my research experiences has
provided the basic knowledge of food science, microbial counting techniques, microbial
identification that I believe will make me an essential asset to your laboratory.
As a research student, I have developed exceptional experience in oral and written
communication. My proposals for both research studies were accepted into the Annual
Undergraduate Research Symposium at the College of Saint Rose for two consecutive years. To
further describe my interest and undergraduate experience, I have attached my resume.
Thank you for your time in considering my application for this position. I hope to have the
opportunity to sit down with you for an interview. Please feel free to contact me at (718) 5013372 or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Stacy Toriola