Motivational letter

Hello I am applying to a masters course in Germany. Since this is my first time writing a motivational letter, I am quite unsure about my mistakes. Kindly help me out on this. I have read that one should not repeat what is written in the resume , but I dont have much to explain apart from a few internships. Please suggest me my mistakes and any other information I can add.

My course is on Global Change Ecology .

Here is my first draft

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a Junior Research Fellow in the YYY Lab at the XXX . I thank you for giving me an opportunity to express my interest for a position in the graduate program of Global Change Ecology at the University (name) for the winter term 2018/19. My primary interests lie in the field understanding alterations to global species distribution to land use changes especially in river basins and mountainous landscapes. Besides that, I am eager to learn about policy formation through economic valuation of ecosystem services. I wish to pursue a PhD in the same field thus I think this course would provide the impetus in achieving my goal.

My interest in ecological sciences sparked during my final project in high school. I had designed a simple experiment to explain crop-weed interaction using my backyard garden as the study site. Though I failed miserably in getting any robust results, this whole experience stirred me to investigate more about ecological interactions.

With my bachelors in Life Science at University (name), India; I got an in depth knowledge of botany, chemistry and zoology with a compulsory module in Environmental Sciences. Seeing my active participation in class discussions, my teacher offered me an opportunity to work on the genetics behind plant invasion. During this one-year project under Dr. Vijay Rani Rajpal, I learnt many techniques like selection of field sites, collection of suitable plant materials, preparation of slides to study meiosis and more importantly reviewing scientific literature. This laid the foundation of my research experience. I discovered the joy of working with a scientific team, with a yearning to understand about working of global committees on issues like conservation of biodiversity.

Apart from that, I always stood among the top two ranked students in my University, with equal involvement in extracurricular activities like heading the educational branch of National Service Scheme (N.S.S) in my college. My efforts as a team leader resulted in successful enrolment of two underprivileged students in my own college through scholarship. Besides that, I participated enthusiastically in various scientific conferences, seminars, paper presentations and scientific quizzes.

In my final year of bachelors, I was fortunate enough to be selected for a summer research fellowship offered by (name ). My guide, Professor (name) at the University (name) encouraged me to design an experiment to understand the role of fungal endophytes in providing tolerance towards extreme conditions like drought and salinity. I learnt essential techniques of fungal isolation, purification, DNA extraction, PCR. Subsequently, in January 2015, I presented my work at a national conference at (name) organized by Young Ecologists Talks Interactive (YETI). This exposure of working outside my comfort zone gave me enough confidence to take up a career goal in research.

Thus, I started with my masters in Environmental Studies at University (name) and got deeply interested not only in ecology but other global environmental issues. I studied a whole range of new topics apart from science like environmental history, social perspectives and environmental economics, sustainable development, climate change, environmental impact assessment and environmental law. Since then, I started understanding the interdisciplinary nature of this subject and my inclination shifted more towards working on a comprehensive topic than just pure sciences.

I researched further about the global level changes like climate change and its effect on people especially in mountainous regions where it is more prominent. Luckily I got a chance to work as a summer student at (name). I acquired the skills to use remotely sensed data through Geographic Information System (with software ArcGIS and Erdas Imagine). I derived morphometric parameters of a few small river basins in India using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. I extended my learning to my master’s thesis by working with the same research group under the guidance of Professor (name). I aimed to compare and correlate topographic, morphometric and environmental factors with hypsometric index (stages of river basin development) of two Himalayan river basins. Professor (name) guidance during my dissertation was enough to fuel me with confidence and I defended my thesis with great determination and secured the 2^nd rank in the University.

The most important takeaway for me was the fascination for interdisciplinary nature of the subject of Environmental Sciences and this exposure helped me in securing a position of Junior Research Fellow under Dr. (name). I currently work on analyzing species richness data collected from the primary and secondary forests of Teesta river valley of Sikkim. It also involves in mapping the land ownership pattern and documenting the role of various institutions and socio-economic factors that govern land use dynamics in the study region. As a part of this project, I carried out extensive field surveys. I have a thorough knowledge of establishing study plots and documenting species diversity data. Moreover, as one of my project’s objectives, I designed a questionnaire to account for the socio-economic status of communities residing near forests who are dependent on forests for their livelihoods. My one on one interactions with people while carrying out the survey made me realize the gravity of the situation of climate change and biodiversity loss, and its consequences on inhabitants of mountain ecosystems. Loss of habitat, livelihood, water scarcity due to various development and governance policies were the highlights of the survey. The results of the analysis will be further used in designing a model of conservation to integrate these factors to address losses in species diversity in primary forests of Sikkim.

Apart from that, I regularly discuss about environmental issues through social media and articles. My article with Dr.(name); entitled “(name of the paper)” recently got accepted and will be published in July 2018 in the (Journal name). Dr. (name) and I are now writing a manuscript to address the issue of over population.

I am very excited to find that my area of interest has been extremely well represented by the ongoing research in the University of (name). It will be very interesting to work in and be part of a dynamic group where exchange of ideas allows me to get a panoramic view of the subject. The prospects of learning and interacting with international experts from various institutions through class lectures, science school and internship and in particular the course module on Societal Change will enhance my understanding of the complexities of global changes. My interests align with Professor (name)'sresearch on Ecological Services in particular on Regional Human-Environment Systems: Mapping and Modelling of Land Use, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. He has also encouraged me to apply for the program. Furthermore, Germany’s strategic geographic location and current economic strength attract scientific experts from around the world. With the notion of idea-sharing in mind, this would be a perfect ground to establish the next step of my professional career.

I am certain that with all my listed scientific experiences, skills learnt and extracurricular activities and my thirst to learn more will make me a valuable addition to the Masters in Global Change Ecology offered at the University of (name).

Thank you for considering my application.

Regards

DDD