Terminology

Optometry

Provide Primary Eye Care, Vision Exams, and Lens Prescriptions.

Ophthalmology

Are Eye Doctors With Advanced Medical and Surgical Training.

Graduate Schools

Occupational Therapy at University of Missouri

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Ophthalmology at SLU

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Ophthalmology at WashU

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College of Optometry at UMSL

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Mercy Medical Laboratory Science Program

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Cold Email Example

Attach a CV

Dr. ___,

I recently earned a B.A. in biology from Webster University. I studied wetland avian diversity under the guidance of Dr. Preuss, and am currently working on a longer-term bee field guide project with Dr. Miller-Struttmann.

I am applying to MS programs this Fall and I am very interested in joining your lab. I saw that you have conducted several studies on spatial dynamics of Lymantria dispar. I spent the summer monitoring spongy moths for the Missouri Department of Conservation, and I am interested in learning more about the ecological and climate-related drivers behind outbreaks.

I was hoping you might tell me if you are taking on graduate students. Or, if you have any other information regarding opportunities at VCU biology, I would greatly appreciate it. My CV is attached.

Warm regards,
Beth Adler

Dear Dr. ___,

I am a recent graduate from Webster University, where I researched under the guidance of Dr. Nicole Miller-Struttmann and Dr. Mary Preuss. I monitored invasive spongy moths for the Missouri Department of Conservation over the summer, and I have been interested in forest ecology since building trails on Isle Royale back in 2022. 

I read your paper on woolly adelgids and was interested by the use of aerial laser scanning to measure canopy structural complexity. I am applying to MS programs this Fall and am very interested in joining your lab. I was hoping you might tell me if you are taking on graduate students. Any other information you might have would be greatly appreciated, and my CV is attached. 

Warm regards,
Beth Adler

In my personal statement I focused heavily on outdoor work I've done. Luckily my experiences and goals aligned well with the research I do now. My thesis is on interactions between Southern Pine Beetle outbreaks and Japanese Stiltgrass invasions. Relevant to forest management, compounding disturbances, invasive species dispersal... Plus in the field I supervise three undergrads. 

I got paid 15/hr to conduct summer research, and my stipend from TAing covers all but $500 of my tuition. (Which leaves me on the hook for the rest of my expenses, but way cheaper than undergrad am I right?)

I spent most of last fall applying, but the cold emails that got me into this program were sent mid-November. For an MS program it might not be too late.