Summer Research Programs, Personal Statement Example

I wish to have achieved several goals by the time I successfully complete my Ph.D. in immunology research. I have honors in bachelors of Science in Natural Sciences and Economics, with Minors in Sociology and chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. After its completion, I fully developed a refined set of personal, academic, and professional goals, which I believe will assist me with my research program. I have volunteered in various institutions, one in an oncology and rehabilitation department and as a surgical intern. I got the chance to interact closely with patients and observed what the physicians were doing to ensure they received quality care. Though I achieved a handful of knowledge, I feel that I need to undergo a research summer program to achieve my goals.

I have a specific interest in the application of technology to the field of infectious diseases. I believe with the program, I will have achieved my goals of preventing the adversity of contagious diseases by creating models of the causes, spread, and their appropriate immune responses. I have an outstanding research interest. I am currently studying agent-based models, tracking the spread of COVID-19. My main focus is microbiology, and the impact of frequent sanitation on the virus spread in a small classroom setting. My study is not restricted to a small study population, and therefore in the future, any researcher can study a larger gathering. Ideally, I wish to undertake the summer research program to acquire or gain the skills and experiences necessary for me to become a professional immunology researcher.

My interest in this research field emerged after seeing my brother suffer Lyme disease; a bacterial infection one gets after a bite from a tick. It went unnoticed for a couple of years, affecting his joints, heart, and nervous system. As a result, his lifestyle has entirely changed since the period he was infected and even beyond. With the summer research program, I believe that I will be in a better position to understand Lyme disease better by carrying out studies and analysis. This will allow me to acquire the knowledge required to treat the disease and how to involve the affected immunes’ system effectively. This, I believe, will be of help to many people in their recovery journey from Lyme and other adverse contagious diseases.

My participation in the summer research program will help me achieve my goal, reduce the chances and capabilities of infectious diseases, ultimately affecting the lives of those affected. This is because I will receive mentorship from highly experienced clinician-researchers through the eight weeks intensive program, attend weekly professional development seminars, and cover didactic course works. Additionally, through the program, I will have the golden opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers and work full-time in a research team. This will be of great significance since I will be better positioned to gain increased insight into the various research infrastructure. Additionally, I will witness and share techniques with other participants, learn new endeavors to include in my research, and witness successful outcomes for various research studies. With these privileges offered, I would like to be part of the summer program to realize and achieve my goals. Most importantly, I hope to have a place in the program to acquire knowledge that will formally and uniquely prepare me to help those affected by infectious diseases in the most appropriate ways possible.