PhD Letter of Interest (help please)

Here is a letter of interest for PhD programs I will be submitting in the near future. I have replaced specific names of professors and University's with XXX's. This letter has been tailored for a specific school. Are there any glaring issues? I appreciate any and all help! Thank you!

Dear faculty member xxx

I am writing this letter to express interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in exercise physiology at the the University of XXX. In many ways, exercise physiology has always been a fundamental component of my life. Starting from my youth, I exhibited an inherent need to understand how things worked, and the application of possible improvements. Much to my parent’s dismay, this was initially demonstrated through the dissection of my tricycle and evolved with education and experience, to forming on a better understanding of sporting performance decrements throughout the aging process.

My interest in a career in research and education at the collegiate level became abundantly clear while volunteering at a local Physical Therapy clinic. This showed the practical application of the health and movement sciences. It was there that I confirmed my own developing passion for education. The opportunity to work with others in such an emergent field is exciting.

Through my search of potential graduate programs, it became obvious that the University of XXX has a renowned department of Kinesiology and Health. This is exhibited by the rigorous curriculum, numerous contributions to the field of exercise physiology, and community outreach programs to XX CITY as well. Coupled with XX CITY active community and the University’s successful athletics, working and studying with the University of XXX faculty would be a tremendous opportunity.

I have been fortunate to work with a scholastically outstanding faculty at XXX University and took full advantage of every available resource and learning opportunity. Conducting research with my mentor, Dr.XXX, XXX’s graduate program director, for three consecutive years on aerobic capacity, running economy and kinematics of trained runners refined my critical thinking skills and meticulous investigative techniques. Paired with my inquisitive, persistent attitude, these circumstances were rewarded with high quantitative accolades, GPA and GRE scores. However, the experiences I am most proud of are those spent collaborating with others. Working with peers on research projects, educating students through an awarded graduate teaching assistantship and presenting research at conferences have provided me the greatest benefit.

The research being conducted at the University of XXX’s department of Kinesiology and Health is impressive and relevant to my career education objectives. Dr. XXX’s work with aging’s influence on cardiovascular fitness and exercise performance proved instrumental to my Master’s thesis. Dr. XXX’s inquiry to the effect exercise imposes on the human body while aging and Dr. XXX’s exploration of movement competence throughout the aging continuum is thought-provoking and directly associated with my area of study.

I have a very strong and determined interest in becoming an ambassador for and providing a contribution to the field of exercise physiology. As a critical component to achieving my goal to become an educator, the University of XXX’s faculty’s expertise would prove invaluable. Therefore, I am respectfully submitting my request for consideration as a University of XXX Doctoral candidate.