Steven Koster

5115 Suwannee Road

Spring Hill, FL 34607
(352) 428-7199
smkoster@mail.usf.edu
February 6, 2015
Dr. Kamal Alsharif
Graduate Program Director
University of South Florida
4202 E Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620
Dear Dr. Alsharif:
I would like to apply for admission to your MS degree program in Environmental Science
and Policy at the University of South Florida. I believe my academic training and
research interests make me an excellent candidate for admission to your program.
Growing up I spent much of my time in the outdoors, whether it was camping, hiking, or
kayaking. Due to these activities I have always aspired to learning more about the natural
world around us and how we can work to conserve and restore it. Since starting my
undergraduate studies in Environmental Science and Policy, I have had a growing interest
in wetland environments and hydrology, as well as in plant ecology within wetlands and
sand hill ecosystems. I wish to expand my knowledge with more in-depth studies about
these topics.
During my undergraduate program I have had the opportunity to work with great faculty
at USF, which has triggered my interest in several fields of research. One subject that I
would like to research further is hydrology, focusing mostly on wetlands and coastal
ecosystems. And upon investigating Geoscience faculty, Dr. Mark Rainss research
appeals to me, as I wish to learn more about hydrology in wetland environments as it may
relate to their conservation and restoration. Further research that appeals to me is that
being done by Dr. Joni Downs. I have experience with GIS and its applications, but
further applying that to wildlife ecology and global sustainability is another topic I would
like to potentially pursue.
Further, my goal is to expand my knowledge of Florida environments, where I intend to
start my career after completing school, working with wetland remediation or habitat
restoration. I have worked with Dr. Hafen and Dr. Franck on my Honors Thesis with a
campus plant species identification project, using GIS software and plant identification
skills to catalog the plants on the USF campus, and determine planting habits throughout
campus. Through my work with this project and my various employments at Boy Scout
summer camps and USF Outdoor Recreation, where I work in the outdoors teaching
various skills and helping people appreciate nature I have grown to take initiative and be

self-motivated, and look forward to continue growing my professional experience and

engage in independent research.
Given my education and background in Florida ecosystems, I am
confident that I am an excellent fit for this program in the state where I
plan to stay and work in the environmental field. I have researched the
program and found that the coursework and research of the School of
Geosciences is a strong match for my future aspirations and I
appreciate you consideration for admission. I look forward to the
opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further, and answer
any questions you may have for me.
Sincerely,
Steven Koster