Can you help me to improve this motivation letter?

To the Admissions and Examination Committee:

As a child, I used to go hiking and fishing with my grandfather who was a self-taught naturalist. I was captivated with the explanations he gave me about the origin of the living forms around us and the way they are linked to one another; those experiences stuck in my mind and I naturally developed an interest in evolutionary biology. As an undergraduate student, that interest continued to grow and concentrated on the use of molecular markers in evolutionary and conservation genetics contexts. Now, one of my greatest desires is to pursue a scientific career in that area.

I consider myself a good candidate for your XXXXXX Master Program in Evolutionary Biology. I was among the top students in most of my BS courses, specifically those related with evolutionary biology. My undergraduate thesis received a perfect score (5.0/5.0) and an honorable mention. I developed a hypothesis on the phylogenetic relationships among the South American foxes (genus Pseudalopex) and the ecological events behind their speciation pattern. That work was particularly meaningful because the research is pioneer and its results offer aid to design management plans for their populations.

In addition, I have gained broad experience with the “Population Genetics and Evolutionary Biology” research group in my faculty. There, I have been intensively trained in DNA-cloning and sequence analysis of neo-tropical mammals. Also, I have actively participated in seminars and lectures on current topics in evolution (phylogeography, conservation genetics and theory of population genetics) directed by the head of the group. Plus, working with students with different background has enhanced my interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Currently, I am interested in the use of Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) technologies to explore issues related to evolution and conservation. Particularly, I am fascinated with the use of evolutionary/ecological genomics to 1) survey the distribution of adaptive genetic variation along environmental gradients, 2) understand the basis and predict the effects of in- and outbreeding depression and demographic changes on the fitness in populations, and 3) analyze interactions within communities by means of genetic markers. In the long term, I want to take part of researches on these points in the tropics and other biodiversity hotspots whose species and ecosystems are poorly studied from such perspectives.

Being part of the MEME program would be a unique opportunity to pursue that goal. First, its vast catalogue of courses offers a comprehensive training in both, evolution and ecology. Also, I am aware that completing such an academic path will take time and resources; consequently, I intend to continue into a doctoral program at the conclusion of a MSc. Furthermore, the possibility of joining research centers like the Evolutionary Genomics Research Center at the XXXXX University or the XXX’s Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Department, will allow me to work with the preeminent scientists in my field. Finally, sharing experiences with classmates from diverse cultures and moving among different countries will broaden my perspectives in the scientific world and complement my knowledge.

All in all, I think the prospect is exciting.

Thank you so much for considering my application.
Yours faithfully,
My Name