Summer Undergraduate Research Program - Fred Hutchinson ...

undergraduate studies in molecular biology, but has also given me the opportunity to learn about
specific mutations and variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 and has lead me to an interest in
conducting genetic studies for breast cancer.
Although I find great satisfaction and a sense of purpose in my work, I know that I want to learn
and do more. My professional and educational background thus far has given me the opportunity
and perspective to discover my own research interests. My hope now is to pursue doctoral
studies in epidemiology at the University of XX so that I can gain the skills and knowledge to
translate my research interests into epidemiological investigations. Presently I am interested in
the study of gene-environment interactions with relation to breast cancer risk, molecular markers
of breast cancer susceptibility, and epidemiologic methods in cancer research. My goal is to
conduct epidemiological research for the identification of both modifiable risk factors for breast
cancer in high risk populations, and markers of breast cancer susceptibility for prevention and
screening. I am inspired to attend the University of XX because of the unparalleled resources for
breast cancer research that the epidemiology program has to offer. I am eager to learn from the
faculty of innovative cancer epidemiologists, including Drs. XX, XX, XX, and XX whose
research has inspired me to want to follow in their footsteps. I am excited by the prospect of
collaborating and studying with researchers at both the world-renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center and the cutting-edge Institute for Public Health Genetics. Given the expertise
of the epidemiology faculty in the field of breast cancer research and the resources provided to
the epidemiology program by its connections with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
and the Institute for Public Health Genetics, I feel that my educational and research goals are
well-suited to the doctoral program in epidemiology at the University of XX.
While my background has enabled me to define my own research interests and gain a solid
foundation in epidemiologic methods, I am eager to embark on further study. I hope to pursue a
PhD in epidemiology at the University of XX so that I may acquire the tools and expertise that
will enable me to perform independent research in the important field of breast cancer
epidemiology.
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