The University of California, Admission Essay Example

I graduated from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) with an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences in 2009. During my undergraduate years at UC Davis, I worked in the Emergency Department at UC Davis Health Center as well as Washington Hospital in Fremont, California. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I joined the Vascular Research Laboratory at the University of the Pacific where my research team isresponsible for investigating the cardiovascular effects of estrogen in rodents on the basis of gender differences. In addition, I also studythe endothelial cells in cardiovascular system because endothelial impairments have been shown to cause certain cardiovascular diseases. One factor that affects endothelial function is intracellular calcium. My research team is also studying the effect of Beta PKC on changes in intracellular calcium concentration on endothelial cells in normal and high glucose (similar to diabetic condition). I am really enjoying my work at the Vascular Research Laboratory at the University of the Pacific and my research supervisor has specifically encouraged me to pursue my graduate degree at UC Merced to further advance my knowledge.

My experiences at the UC Davis Health Center and Washington Hospital and later at the University of the Pacific provided me with an opportunity to work in two completely different work environments.I have always been fascinated by the medical profession since a young age but quickly realized during my time at UC Davis Health Center and the Washington Hospital that my initial expectations were quite off the mark. These two different experiences helped me recognize my strengths and weaknesses as well as identify my potential career interests. I found I really enjoyed research because I am inquisitive and moreover, I am always looking towardsexpanding my knowledge. On the other hand, I didn’t enjoy my experience at UC Davis Health Center and Washington Hospital as much as I wish I had. I like to help people and often out myself in others’ shoes to understand them better. This is why I could not help myself from gettingpersonally affected by the patients under my care as well as the emotional pain their families were going through. The emotional stress at workeventually started taking toll on my personal life.

I strive for excellence in everything I do which is why I want to go for a career that I not only enjoy but am also able to excel at. I have the technical skills to work in a public health setting but I believe I may not be able to do justice to my work due to my emotional sensitivity. On the other hand, I not only enjoy research but also have the qualities essential forbeing an effective researcher. In addition, I also believe that research will provide me with greater opportunities to stay at the cutting edge of all scientific progress in the field of biology. My interest in research only strengthened after I attended a research presentation by Dr. Cleary from UC Merced who gave an overview of his ongoing research projects, during my time at the University of the Pacific. Dr. Cleary’s presentation motivated me to research graduate academic programs at UC Merced which is how I came across theBioengineering and Biotechnology programs at the university.

I am aiming for a career as a University level Professor because I enjoy teaching and moreover, I would be able to pursue my independent research projects. I was a Math tutor as well as a teaching assistant during my undergraduate years at UC Davis and thoroughly enjoyed my teaching experience. My students often told me I have a special ability to recognize learning styles preferred by different people which is why they like my teaching style. My students always felt comfortable in coming to me for help outside the class sessions. I am excited by the potential for scientific progress in Bioengineering and Biotechnology due to technological advancements in the last few years and am looking forward to be a valuable member of UC Merced scientific community. Please do not hesitate to let me know should you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and exploring how I can maximize my learning experience at UC Merced.