July **, ****

Dear Ray Smith,

Please consider my application for the Orthopedic Physician Assistant position. In May 2011, I graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician Assistant Program and would be an effective addition to your clinic.

As you will see from my resume, my training includes a variety of clinical and surgical experiences, including General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Gynecology Oncology, and Orthopedic Surgery. Also, prior to attending PA school, I also received surgical experience through three years in the BCMB research program using a canine hemorrhagic shock protocol. By the third year in this lab, I was appointed Chief Mentor and became responsible for carrying out the research protocol.

Work ethic is very important to me and I am fortunate enough to show this by completing enough research, in only two years at the University of Iowa, to be published in three scientific papers. Additionally, I hope my participation in numerous volunteer positions exhibits my passion for working with people.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and career possibilities with you. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience at 402-***-**** or x23lck@r.postjobfree.com.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.

Sincerely,

Michaela Collins

EDUCATION

2008- 2011 University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Omaha, NE

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (Graduation 5/2011)

Clinical clerkships:

Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Cardiology, Gynecology Oncology, General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery.

2001-2005 Drake University Des Moines, IA

B.A. in BCMB (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology)

B.A. in Biology

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:

2006-2008 Research Assistant, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA

T-cell activation research. (See publications).

2005-2006 Research Technician, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, NE

As a technician in the Core Lab Facility, the job entailed both synthesizing and purifying sequences of oligonucleotides for multiple research labs throughout UNMC.

2004-2005 Chief Mentor of Trauma Research, Drake University; Des Moines, IA

Responsible for the protocol, 25 students, as well as, setting up the lab, performing surgical procedures, analyzing data, presenting at conferences and teaching the students.

2005 Laboratory Assistant, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; Johnston, IA

Through transformation techniques with agrobacterium and an extensive selection process, obtained genetically engineered corn with the genes of interest.

2003- 2004 Personal Home Health Care Provider, Iowa Medicaid Project; Des Moines, IA

Assisted a Drake University student, with Cerebral Palsy, by helping her with all personal needs. Weekend shifts (24-36 hours).

HONORS AND AWARDS

2005 Pioneer Award for Work Efficiency

2005 First Place - Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences

2004 Honorable Mention at the Midwest Grant Conference for NASA

2004 Appointed Chief Mentor of BCMB Research

2003 Fae M. Shawhan “Fine Forceps” Award in Anatomy

2003 Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

2001-2005 Drake University Dean’s List

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

2009 Ronald McDonald House Omaha, NE

2009 Abide Network Omaha, NE

2006-2008 Emergency Room Volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital Cedar Rapids, IA

2005-2006 Emergency Room Volunteer at UNMC Omaha, NE

2002-2005 Best Buddies (Mentoring mentally handicapped teenagers) Des Moines, IA

2002-2003 Habitat for Humanity Des Moines, IA

PUBLICATIONS

1. Collins M, Bartelt RR, Houtman JC. “T cell receptor activation leads to two distinct phases of Pyk2 activation and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement in human T cells.” Mol Immunol. 2010 May;47(9):1665-74. Epub 2010 Apr 9.

2. Collins M, Tremblay M, Chapman N, Curtiss M, Rothman PB, Houtman JC. “The T cell receptor-mediated phosphorylation of Pyk2 tyrosines 402 and 580 occurs via a distinct mechanism than other receptor systems.” J Leukoc Biol. 2010 Apr;87(4):691-701. Epub 2009 Dec 22.

3. Bartelt RR, Cruz-Orcutt N, Collins M, Houtman JC. “Comparison of T cell receptor-induced proximal signaling and downstream functions in immortalized and primary T cells.” PLoS One. 2009;4(5):e5430. Epub 2009 May 4.

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