Michael J.

Alexander
1609 Otterville Blvd.
Independence, IA 50644
319-361-5292
Michael.alexander@loras.edu

10/7/10

To whomever it may concern,

I am a senior attending Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa who is interested in attaining a master’s degree in
some field related to environmental research. I am currently finishing up my Biology Research degree, which
includes my own research on Black Terns. I am investigating the use of multiple observers to determine a detection
ratio.

At Loras I have been involved in Black Tern research for three field seasons. Two were in Wisconsin with
Dr. David Shealer, and one in North and South Dakota surveying the prairie pothole region. I have also worked with
the Fish and Wildlife Service on various projects, including observation and banding of cormorants, work with radio
telemetry and Musk turtles, and maintaining Soundscope audio recording boxes. Throughout the three field seasons
I have evolved from working on a project as an intern, being a team leader and having interns on the next, and
finally conducting my own research on the final season. I am dedicated to continuing on with this momentum, and
am looking forward to graduate school in the coming years.

At Loras I have been involved with, and currently the president of LEAF (Loras Environmental Action
Forum). LEAF is an organization which does many workdays restoring habitat, helping with burns, and working
with children involving them with wildlife. I have been the recipient of the Dubuque County Conservation Society
scholarship, as well as the Presidential and Chancellor Loras scholarships.

I am looking forward to continuing research to attain my master’s degree, and would like to thank anyone
considering me for their program. I am excited to start on another project, and would like to share my dedication to
your program.

Respectfully yours,

Michael J. Alexander