Could you correct this cover letter?

Hi, could someone please help me correcting this covert letter? I substitued names with XXX.

Thanks!!!

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Dear XXXXXX,

I am writing to apply for the Research Fellowship XXXXXX, that you advertised in XXXXXX. I recently finished my PhD at the XXXX University (Italy), about the mechanisms of bird communication. I believe that my multi-disciplinary background, and both my field and lab research experience make me a strong candidate for the position outlined in your notice.

I gained a degree in Biology at the XXXX University in Rome, with a specialization in Zoology (optional courses taken: Conservation and Management; Zoogeography). During my academic studies, I took part to two zoological surveys: one in Kenya (a study on Amphibians and Cichlids of Victoria Lake) and one in Malesia (Setiu Wetlands, mangrove forests), where we sampled local fauna to provide a tool for future conservation plans. There, I acquired skills in handling wild animals and a series of field techniques to collect data. I learned how to behave under uncomfortable situations and in physically demanding environments.

While during my university studies I acquired the ability to work with others in team, it was mainly during my PhD research that I gained both experimental design and analytical skills. The Department I was working in was limited in staff, so I had to design the experiments, find the pitfalls, learn how to analyse data and develop my theory all with a limited help from the outside. This was thrilling and disappointing at the same time: one of mine actual desires is to work in a research team to share ideas and concepts. As for statistical analyses, I used the skills acquired in two courses in statistics (one of which concerned Monte Carlo statistical methods, very useful for small samples sizes). My PhD research proposes the hypothesis that heterospecific territorial songbirds, living in the same community, coordinate their songs to manifest a cooperative behaviour. It has roots in communication networks, cooperation and multi-species groups. At now, an article is under review at the XXXXX Journal, and this study received the Best Student Paper Award at the 3rd Symposium in XXXXXX.

Speaking of this, I have quite a broad experience of talks in scientific conferences (UK, Italy, France, Greece, Estonia, USA), and some teaching experiences. Occasionally, I had the occasion to teach to a non-scientific audience, like when teaching principles of landscape ecology to a class of English students from the Architecture faculty, or when volunteering for XXXX as guide for visitors in XXXX Oases. I also acquired written skills when acting as contributing editor to a newspaper on line, with articles on popular scientific issues.

It was the contact with people and a strong interest in psychology and animal behaviour, that led me to take other courses apart from the academic ones. I followed courses and workshops around Europe concerning the relation between humans and other animals, and the emotional words of animals: a course in Zoosemiotics and Animal Communication (XXXXX University, held by XXXXX), a workshop on Animal Minds (XXXX University), a course in ZooAnthropology (XXXX, Italy, held by XXXXX), and two Summer schools in philosophy and human ethology. Before starting my PhD, I spent one year pursuing a MaS in GIS and remote sensing for geo-environmental planning.

I have included my curriculum vitae and a reference letter wrote by XXXXX, together with who I am starting a blog in XXXXXX. The writing sample I include to this letter is the paper under review at the XXXXX Journal. I would be grateful if you would give me the possibility to join XXXX. I believe that with my scientific background, enthusiasm, and determination, I could give a significant and valuable contribution to your research works. I actually live in Italy, but I would be ready to transfer in the USA as soon as needed.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.