Shane Douglas

23949 7 Mile Road

Stanwood, MI 49346

September 18, 2014

Dr. Michael Smith
Department of Chemistry
University of Connecticut
55 N. Eagleville Rd., U-60
Storrs, Connecticut 06269
Dear Dr. Michael Smith:
Your research project in the summer of 2015 intrigues me greatly. I am currently an undergraduate
student with ambitions for graduate school, and hope to become a member of your project. There
are many attributes of mine that would benefit the progression of your goals. Experience has taught
me to solve problems creatively and the importance of communication in science.
During the past summer I did chemistry research at my school with the help of a professor, and the
experience was insightful. I found that for every experiment, unique problems arise and must be
answered with a knowledgeable and creative solution. To understand the meaning of perplexing
results, it is necessary to analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively.
To make results useful to others communication is essential. From reading journals, old lab notes,
making new notes, and accurately presenting the importance your work to others. My research
required that I become familiarized with a very specific subject in chemistry. Reading relevant
articles, using the language of chemistry, and explaining to others my work showed me how
important it is to accurately communicate within science.
My qualities, problem solving and communication, would be a great advantage to your program. I
hope we can collaborate in the future and so I can learn more about your project and you learn
more about me. An email to douglas6@ferris.edu would be best to contact me.
Sincerely,

Shane Douglas
Douglas6@ferris.edu

SHANE DOUGLAS
23949 7 MILE RD, Stanwood, MI 49346 | 231-823-2342 | Douglas6@ferris.edu

EDUCATION

2012-2016

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, expected May 2016 at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)
GPA: 3.93 out of 4.0 and minored in Mathematics
Deans list from fall 2011 to spring 2014

EXPERIENCE
Summer 2014

Student Research Fellow, Ferris State University

Researched cocrystallization, discovered several new cocrystals, became familiarized with IR,
NMR, explained results scientifically, and presented the findings publicly at a professional
scientific meeting.

2013-2014

Stockroom Assistant, Ferris State University Physical Sciences Department

Maintained cleanliness in the chemistry laboratories, cleaned and organized delicate chemistry
equipment and chemicals, Spoke with faculty and students to prepare chemistry labs, mixed and
transferred solutions and chemicals safely.

LABORATORY SKILLS
Infrared spectroscopy
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Gas Chromatography
Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy
Calorimetry
Construction of Complex Reaction Vessels
Acid/Base Extraction

Distillation
Column Chromatography
Recrystallization
Thin Layer Chromatography
Liquid-Liquid Extraction
Titrations
Gravimetric Analysis

ACTIVITIES
2012-2014

Ferris State University American Chemical Society: Community Chair (E-board member)

Professional association that held organized meetings to provide professional research and employer presentations that
were funded by fund raising for the Ferris State University scientific community.
2005-2014

Outdoor Activities

As a high school graduate from Alaska, I learned to love hiking, biking, camping, fishing and hunting. It is enjoyable to
organize a trip with a few friends spending a couple days accomplishing everything else I enjoy doing other than chemistry.