LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

Stephen P. Schoenberger Ph.D Member Laboratory of Cellular Immunology

9420 Athena Circle La Jolla, California 92037 (858) 752-6657 Fax (858) 752-6985

To Whom It May Concern: With this letter, I formally invite Nawal Bahia El Idrissi to work in my laboratory at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology as an undergraduate researcher for a period of at least six months, beginning January 2009. During this time, she will receive training in cellular immunology that will include the use of in vivo animal models of T cell priming, and in vitro assays of T cell function and gene expression. Her project will involve ongoing studies in my laboratory on the regulation of effector/memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell development during conditions that include viral and bacterial infections as well as non-infectious antigens (tumor cell vaccines). During this time, an experienced research scientist working in my laboratory, Dr. Ramon Arens, will supervise Nawal. In the course of her training, Nawal will perform guided research, participate in weekly lab meetings, and will eventually present her own data in a form suitable for publication. Additionally, she will attend seminars held at our institute and at nearby institutes such as the Scripps Research Institute, The Salk Institute and the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). It is hoped that through these experiences and an exposure to modern cellular immunology, Ms. Bahia El Idrissi will be able to enhance her knowledge and understanding of a wider variety of scientific disciplines as well as increasing her attractiveness as a candidate for graduate education leading to a Ph.D. Sincerely,

Stephen P. Schoenberger, Ph.D. The La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology