Today marked the official beginning of my journey in undergraduate research. Earlier today I finally had the chance to sit down with Dr. Cindy Anderson PhD, CRNP, ANEF, FNAP, FAHA, FAAN, who will serve as my mentor in my research endeavors for the next three years. When applying for research I was immediately enchanted by Dr. Anderson’s previous research studies regarding epigenetic factors leading to preeclampsia during pregnancy. The content of her previous work and her expertise in the area of my interest made me confident she was the professor I wanted as my mentor because I knew our passions would compliment each other. Today, during our meeting that was confirmed and I am not only excited for what the future holds in terms of my research, but I am also overcome with a sense of gratitude that will have Dr. Anderson by my side for the remainder of my undergraduate years and beyond. Below I have included one of the essays I wrote as a part of my application to do research under Dr. Anderson.
In essay form please explain why your top choice would be ideal for your research interests and professional goals, and how you would use their expertise to facilitate and improve your research.
“The past twelve months have surprised me in ways I could have never anticipated. Last June I received news from my best friend of fifteen years that permanently changed my life. She confided in me that hours prior to our meeting she had attempted suicide; and that was not the first time she had tried to take her own life. When she told me about this I recall feeling an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I questioned how someone who I grew up alongside could be experiencing a biological reality in which she did not feel worthy of living anymore. That day I walked away from our conversation feeling compelled to do something. I felt an obligation to help my friend in any capacity I could, and also to seek out answers to why and how she arrived at this mentality. Since then she has been professionally diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and most recently, bipolar II disorder. While her suffering now has a title, we still are not able to decipher where in her biology her illness comes from. What began as a genuine curiosity with the origins of my best friend’s condition has developed into an infatuation with why and how the biological intricacies of the body and mind translate to the human experience. In autumn 2016 I came across the field of epigenetics and it ignited a spark inside me. More than anything the vast potential of information to be discovered about the time spent in utero fascinates me.
While epigenetics may not have the answer as to why my best friend is facing these unforeseen biological problems, the endless potential of answers to be found regarding different conditions for generations to come inspires me to get involved. I am confident Dr. Anderson’s work with gene environment interactions during pregnancy will additionally inspire me and her expertise with maternal/offspring dynamics will guide my investigations because of her comprehensive understanding of the material. My organized style of work will allow me to conduct research efficiently and thoroughly, complementing Dr. Anderson’s multitude of important research endeavors. By the end of my career in nursing it is my wish to prevent the feeling of helplessness that I once felt, for the patients and their loved ones who I serve. Therefore, a partnership with Dr. Anderson investigating various aspects of fetal origins will be a fantastic start to my journey towards making a difference in the lives of current and future generations.”