Cover Letter Outline

I.        Introduction

A.     Senior at Purdue, BS in pharmaceutical science in May 2009, minor in chemistry

B.     Looking to build upon research experience before medical school

C.     Would make significant contribution to lab due to past research experience and successful completion of challenging coursework

II.     Vanderbilt Internship Experience

A.     Worked in Dr. Craig W. Lindsley’s lab in the Pharmacology Department

B.     Worked with colleagues to synthesize phospholipase D inhibitors

C.     Highlight publications

III.   Coursework

A.     Independent research course

                                                            1.      Broadened research experience to include a biochemistry focus

                                                            2.      Synthesized peptides, ran reactions in 96-well plates, analyzed reactions using fluorescence detector

B.     Lab components of coursework have provided me with a well-rounded knowledge of basic research skills in a wide range of biomedical research fields

IV.  Specific Research Interests

A.     Continued cancer research

                                                            1.      Tumor metastasis

                                                            2.      Tumor biomarkers

                                                            3.      Drug development

B.     New topic of interest

                                                            1.      Immunology

                                                            2.      Neurological disorders

C.     Long-term career goal of practicing medicine in a pediatric subspecialty-sincere interest in research related to childhood diseases

V.     Conclusion

A.     Believe my skills match well with the NIH Summer Internship Program

B.     Phone and email