Michigan Math and Science Scholars

2074 East Hall

Department of Mathematics
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1043 USA

October 11, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a long-standing member of the academic community, having been a scientist for many
years, and I have had the privilege to meet and come to know some very admirable people. As a
teacher, I have also had the privilege to see the potential of many young people that, in due time,
will make their mark on the world. During the summer of 2017, Phoebe Miller was a student in
my University of Michigan, Michigan Math and Science Scholars biological oceanography class.
She and a student colleague undertook an especially difficult project. They produced a
hypothesis-based research poster and oral presentation of marine food web diversity in the
lagoon of Bikini Atoll before and after radiation exposure. To date, this is the only group to
successfully do hypothesis testing and use all peer-reviewed scientific paper citations in a
project. Phoebes intellect, perseverance and collaborative nature gave me no doubt that the
project would be a success, and I can say without reservation that Phoebe is one of the finest
students I have ever had.
In a short time, I came to know Phoebe as an exceptional person, not the least of which is her
capacity for leadership. Phoebe is thoughtful, a good listener, perceptive, and articulate. She is
hardworking and competitive, yet personable and helpful. Phoebes self-reliance and confidence
are also among the qualities she possesses as a natural leader.
In all her endeavors, Phoebe immerses herself in the task at hand and strives to achieve the goal
to the highest degree. She is a highly responsible and mature individual that will be a success as
she embarks on her university studies. I am fortunate to have had Phoebe as a student, and I
anticipate that she will be one of the people of her generation that will do great deeds in her life.

Sincerely,

Janice L. Pappas, Ph.D

jlpappas@umich.edu