United States

Department of
Agriculture

Forest
Service

National Forest
Genetics
Laboratory (NFGEL)

2480 Carson Road

Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-1609 Voice
(530) 622-2633 Fax

December 30, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Anika Morkowski. I was fortunate to be
able to hire her for approximately three months during the fall of 2015 as a laboratory technician
at NFGEL on a part-time basis. NFGEL (National Forest Genetics Laboratory) provides genetic
information to land managers to guide restoration projects, conserve threatened and endangered
species, and improve forest health. The focus of the lab is to address genetic conservation and
management of all plant species using a variety of molecular genetic (proteins and DNA)
techniques. Anika was active in processing plant tissue samples and conducting basic support
work required in a molecular genetics lab. Her work was carried out safely and was of the
highest quality.
Anika has a very clear focus for her career goals and plans. While here, she expressed interest in
the area of laboratory sciences and I found her to be incredibly comfortable working in the lab.
It is clear through her academic performance that she shows a great potential and aptitude for the
laboratory sciences. Her intellectual ability was also apparent during her work at NFGEL.
Anika was able to come into the lab and start processing plant tissue samples on her first day as
if she had been here for years. She accomplished any task we put before her with skill and ease.
Anika is extremely articulate, thoughtful, and mature. It often takes our high school workers
some time to transition into a work environment compared to a school setting. Students need to
show up on time, be prepared to work, pay close attention to detail, quickly absorb training,
perform well, and learn to communicate in a team environment. Anika quickly demonstrated
these skills. She can work independently, is creative, capable, and bright. These very skills that
make her a valued member of a working laboratory are also the same skills that will allow her to
thrive in an academic college program.
Anika seems to possess clarity of vision and a sense of purpose in regards to her academic future.
Based on the drive and commitment she has shown in the lab, I have no doubt she will apply that
same energy and work ethic to a successful academic program.

Sincerely,

Valerie D. Hipkins, Ph.D.

Director, NFGEL

Caring for the Land and Serving People

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