Sample Nsf Fellowship Recommendation (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

Letter to Recommend Janet Lerner —2

To investigate this possibility, Janet is using a modified Kunkel method of site-specific mutagenesis

to convert the JCV T protein to an SV40-like protein within the finger region. Once constructed,

these mutants will be tested in cell culture for viability, promotion of DNA replication, and

oligomerization. Janet has made excellent progress on her project. She has subcloned the appropriate

fragment of JCV DNA into a phagemid, verified its structure, and successfully completed the

mutagenesis reactions using control reagents.

During the latter set of experiments, a number of difficulties were encountered. Janet demonstrated

impressive resourcefulness in overcoming these problems. She did not simply run to me for answers,

but instead called a technical representative at the company from which the reagents for the

mutagenesis reactions were obtained. She also went to a graduate student in the lab for further

information. By the time she came to me to explain the problems, she was also ready to proffer

solutions. Furthermore, Janet suggested additional controls to ensure that her ideas were viable.

Although I offered some alternative approaches, Janet was able to convince me that her approach

was better. She now has the mutagenesis procedure working smoothly, and she has attempted to

produce her first mutants. This attempt yielded several potential mutants, but unfortunately sequence

analysis (she got the dideoxy method to work beautifully the first time) indicated that they

represented wild type clones. Undaunted, she has gone back to the bench, modified the annealing

conditions for the mutagenic primer and template and is trying again. Her perseverance and mature

attitude in the face of a scientific set-back are unusual for such a young researcher. I have no doubt

that Janet will have a considerable influence upon our research program and that her efforts will

result in the first authorship on an important manuscript.

It should be apparent that I think very highly of Janet Lerner’s academic and research skills. I am

not alone in this evaluation. She has fit in very well with my research group (10 people including

research assistant, postdoc, and graduate and undergraduate students). The other undergraduates

look up to her as a leader, and the graduate students and postdoc interact with her as an equal.

In closing, I don’t believe that you could find a more qualified candidate for an NSF Fellowship

than Janet Lerner. She has my strongest recommendation.

Sincerely,

John Teacher

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Sample Nsf Fellowship Recommendation Page 2