a personal statement for microbiology

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Microbiology Personal Statements Samples For Students

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Guidelines for Personal Statement and Diversity Statement

For applicants to our PhD program, we require a statement on diversity and inclusion, in addition to a personal statement. Below is a brief guide to how you may want to approach these two statements. 

Personal Statement

We want to know who you are and why you are eager to join our Microbiology PhD program. We want to know why you are so excited about microbiology research. Be sure to tell us about your research experience. What was the topic of your research experience and why was it important? What was the gap in knowledge you wanted to fill? What was your approach to address your questions and what did you learn from your research experience? What was the most exciting moment? We are seeking applicants who are well prepared and ready to delve into microbiology research in our program!

Please also tell us what your future goals are, and how joining our Microbiology PhD program will help you prepare for the next step toward your future goals. There is no word limit for the personal statement, but the expected length is typically 800-1,200 words. 

Diversity Statement (300 words or less)

A diversity statement is a one-page document explaining your experiences and commitments to diversity. In 300 words or less, please describe 1) your experience in overcoming any adversities related to economic, social and educational disadvantages, 2) your values and your experience in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, and 3)  how you aspire to contribute to our mission to promote diversity and inclusion in our community. 

In essence, we want to hear your story that shaped your view. Please tell us about any experiences in overcoming challenges you faced. If you grew up in a privileged environment, we would love to hear your values and your experience in promoting these values. Please tell us your experiences, lessons you learned, and how you might apply these lessons for your personal growth. We want to know what different perspectives you may bring to our community.

The University of Massachusetts Graduate School is equally committed to diversity and inclusion, and offers the Spaulding-Smith Fellowship , which is awarded to outstanding incoming PhD students from historically underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Upon reviewing your application, the Microbiology Admissions Committee may nominate you for this fellowship. 

Department of Microbiology

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Your Future Starts Here.

We are excited you are interested in our Microbiology Graduate Programs (MGP)! We seek to provide an inclusive environment and welcome all who meet our admission requirements to apply!

Before you begin the application process,  be sure to review the  application requirements  and  note the following important details about admissions :

• All applicants  must apply through  The Graduate School
• We only offer Fall admissions. If you are applying for the M.M., M.S., or Ph.D. programs, the application deadline is  December 1 .
• We do not require GRE scores.
• You are strongly encouraged to identify and contact prospective faculty mentors before you apply to our Ph.D. and M.S. programs. 
• All students that are admitted into the Ph.D. or M.S. programs are provided with a stipend, tuition coverage, and health insurance.  
• The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program has a different application timeline. For more information on deadlines to apply please visit the MMB program  admissions page .

Application Requirements

The following items are required as part of your application:

Personal statement

Microbiology is a diverse discipline. In your personal statement, please describe the areas of research that most interest you (environmental, infectious disease, etc.). Indicating the research of two to four specific MGP faculty is encouraged. You may contact faculty directly through their email address. Clearly state your past or current research experience, and how it has prepared you for graduate level research and training.  Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.

Official transcripts from a four-year bachelor’s program

Cumulative GPAs at the undergraduate or M.S. level are considered during the selection process, and are often 3.5 and higher for successful applicants. 

International applicants with a three-year degree must have their degree credentialed through an agency such as World Education Service or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Official TOEFL/IELTS scores (International Students only)

International Students only. TOEFL scores totaling greater than 100 are required. The test date must be no more than  two years  old  ( 24 months )  prior  to the beginning of the requested entry term.

International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of  at least 6.5 . Minimum test scores for each section are listed here .

Note: These test scores are not required if you are a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education, or have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year U.S. college or university.

Three (3) letters of recommendation from professional references

The most relevant and helpful letters are requested from former supervisors of laboratory research experiences, REUs, internships or other experiential learning opportunities. People who can attest to your commitment, motivation, work ethic, creativity and ability to work with others will help you the most. Recommendations must be submitted with application by the December 1 st deadline. Personal references will not be accepted.

Financial Support

There are many more applications than students who can be admitted. Our goal is to provide RA, TA or Fellowship support to those accepted into the research degree programs (Ph.D. and M.S.).  Priority for stipend support is given to Ph.D. applicants . Applicants can be admitted into our MGP without support, but we appreciate the time and burden graduate studies place on students as they try to accomplish meaningful research, demonstrate good academic success and achieve financial independence.  

Because NC State’s Graduate Student Support Plan has added tuition expense for international students who usually can not become residents of North Carolina during their graduate program, our ability to admit non-resident international students is limited.  International students are invited to apply and have made valuable contributions to the program.

Transferring Between Degree Programs

Students in our M.S. program may wish to bypass the Master’s degree and transfer directly into our Ph.D. program. To be eligible for transfer between degree programs, a student must provide their advisory committee with sufficient evidence of research ability, such as publications or presentations. Additionally, the student must present current research results and research objectives for the Ph.D. dissertation to their committee. Following this presentation, a letter signed by the advisor is forwarded to the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) to recommend a transfer into our Ph.D. program. Upon approval the student follows the requirements of the Ph.D. program, including the Preliminary Examination .

Alternatively, Ph.D. students may consider transferring into our M.S. program after their first year in the program. In this instance, the student’s advisory committee must meet to specifically address the status of the student’s program, and a letter signed by thesis advisor must be submitted to the DGP with a specific recommendation. Graduates from our M.S. in Microbiology degree program who would like to pursue admission into our Ph.D. program would also follow these steps. A letter notifying a change in program or admission will then be sent to the student and their advisor.

Any other transfers between degree programs must receive approval from the student’s advisory committee and a recommendation submitted to the DGP.

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The Department of Bacteriology in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in the School of Medicine and Public Health (see separate course listings) administer the interdepartmental microbiology doctoral training program (MDTP). Incoming students have the opportunity to do laboratory rotations with any of the primary faculty, affiliate faculty, and trainers from multiple departments. This group includes more than 90 faculty members in numerous departments and programs involved in microbiology research and graduate training. In addition to this breadth of opportunities in microbiology research training, the program also encompasses graduate courses offered by both departments. Please refer to the separate Microbiology listing in this catalog for more detailed information, or visit the program website.

The Ph.D. program prepares graduates for research and teaching positions in universities and colleges, for industry or government, and for clinical microbiology. Research emphasis includes, but is not limited to, prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea), viral and lower eukaryotic systems (fungi, oomycetes, and parasites); antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, bioflim formation; bioinformatics and computational biology; biotechnology and industrial microbiology, including biofuels; cell–cell signaling; cell motility and chemotaxis; DNA, including nucleic acid synthesis, DNA replication and recombination; food microbiology; fungal development, pathogensis, and metablolism; gene expression and its regulation; immunology; microbial physiology and metabolism; macrophage activation and other cell immune systems; mechanisms of microbial persistence; mechanisms of pathogenesis; microbial cell division; microbial ecology; microbial microbiota and metagenomics; nitrogen fixation; quorum sensing; RNA, including molecular structure–function relationships of transfer RNA, small RNAs, RNA polymerase, and other components of transcription and translation; secondary metabolism; structural microbiology; symbioses, including host–microbe symbioses, plant–microbial interactions, animal–microbial interactions, microbe–microbe interactions; and virology, including host–virus interactions. Dissertation research emphasizes creative and innovative problem-solving using basic knowledge acquired through scientific interactions and collaborations in addition to a thorough understanding of the scientific literature.

In order to better train MDTP students for microbiology-related professions, students need a chance to gain knowledge and experience not just in academic research, but also in other fields where their microbiology education may be put to good use.

The professional development options encompass many professional development opportunities for MDTP students beyond academic research and teaching. Opportunities for professional development can consist of course work, an internship, a summer workshop, outreach experiences, or a second teaching-practicum experience.

Double Degree

Students may complete a double Ph.D. degree in MDTP and another program on campus under the following conditions. The student must apply for admission to MDTP by the program's yearly deadline and be admitted using the same criteria applied to other applicants. The student must complete all requirements of the MDTP in addition to the requirements for the other program sponsoring the double degree. The student must pass a different preliminary examination in each program. The student's dissertation committee and preliminary examination must adhere to MDTP guidelines. The Ph.D. advisor must be a trainer in the MDTP. A significant portion of the student's dissertation research must be completed in the laboratory of the Ph.D. advisor. The student's program, including any deviations, must be approved by the steering committee.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Program APPLICATION MATERIALS

Note that all application materials are submitted through the UW Graduate School Admissions Office. See the Microbiology program website for more information and guidance for the application components.

• Personal statement, also known as “Statement of Purpose”.
• A statement of applicant’s experiences and ambitions that will contribute to the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• An official or unofficial copy of transcripts from each college or university attended.
• Three or more letters of reference from individuals (faculty, staff, supervisor, mentor) who can comment on the applicant’s qualifications.  This should include scholarly and academic qualifications, and can also include experiences in teaching, outreach, and community service.  Directions for submission will be provided once you have initiated your application.
• A brief resume/CV listing academic awards, scholarships, location and length of research experiences, co-authorship on any publications or presentations at scientific conferences.
• Any student whose undergraduate instruction was not in English should also submit results of the TOEFL examination. The code for the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 1846.

This program is a research-intensive program. Therefore, strong letters of recommendation, a well-crafted personal statement, and extensive research experience often aid students with below-average grades.

Course Prerequisites

We have recommended courses based on material that previous students have found valuable for success in the program, both in the lab and in required graduate level coursework. However, we recognize that the backgrounds of many students — and future student career goals — are varied and diverse, and that this diversity is a strength of our program. In the online application process, you will be asked if you have completed the following prerequisites:

• Biology: Two semesters. Such as the following UW-Madison course equivalents: ( BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  151 and  BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  152 ) or ( BIOLOGY/​ZOOLOGY  101 , BIOLOGY/​ZOOLOGY  102 , and BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  130 )
• Genetics: One semester. Such as: MICROBIO 470 ,  GENETICS 466 , or ( GENETICS 467 and GENETICS 468 )
• Chemistry: Four semesters, including two semesters organic chemistry with one semester organic chemistry lab component. Such as: ( CHEM 103 and CHEM 104 ), CHEM 109 , or ( CHEM 115 and CHEM 116 ), and ( CHEM 343 , CHEM 344 , and CHEM 345 )
• Biochemistry: One semester. Such as: BIOCHEM 501 , ( BIOCHEM 507 and BIOCHEM 508 )
• Physics: One semester. Such as: ( PHYSICS 104 , PHYSICS 202 , or PHYSICS 208 )
• Mathematics: Two semesters of calculus or one semester each of calculus and statistics. Such as: MATH 171 , MATH 217 ,  MATH 221 , STAT 301 , or STAT 371
• Second semester of physics OR other quantitative reasoning course such as physical chemistry, differential equations, or upper-level course in computer programming, bioinformatics or statistics. Such as: PHYSICS 104 , PHYSICS 202 , PHYSICS 208 ,  CHEM 561 , ( CHEM 563   and CHEM 565 ), MICROBIO 657 ,  COMP SCI 319 , COMP SCI/​B M I  576 , STAT 303 , MATH 319 , or MATH 320

For each prerequisite, please be prepared to enter the course name and number.  If you do not have all the recommended coursework, please use the text box in the application system to explain any deficiencies.  We ask that you fill in the course list as appropriate, but more broadly that you include a dedicated section within your personal statement to note how your academic preparation has prepared you for Ph.D. training in microbiology. 

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Research assistantships are available for most students from department and college-level funding sources or from competitive fellowship and traineeship awards, with continued support contingent upon adequate progress in classes and research. Applicants with outstanding records will be nominated for special fellowships or for traineeships on one of several NIH training grants awarded to UW–Madison.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses.

Students must enroll for the program's seminar ( MICROBIO 731 or M M & I 901 ) during their first three years. Students are expected to present during their third year when enrolled in the seminar as well as in their fourth year of the program, although they may not be enrolled.

Rotation Requirement

Incoming students are required to rotate in a minimum of three research labs. Students who are directly admitted into a lab are exempt from this rotation requirement.

Professional Development Requirement

Professional Development is a required part of the program's curriculum. Students are required to perform a second semester of teaching practicum, carry out an internship for as long as one semester, take at least 2 credits of coursework from the list of approved classes or through the Delta Program, or perform other professional development activities equivalent to 2 semester hours of coursework as judged by the thesis committee. The thesis committee must give approval for the student to participate in the chosen professional development activity. Thesis committees will also determine if each student has met the requirement. Students should complete the professional development requirement by the end of the fourth year.

Options for completing Professional Development requirement:

Courses . The Graduate School has agreed to allow dissertator students to enroll in courses from a limited list of classes appropriate for professional development of the program's students.  Students would take one or two courses in an area of interest after they become dissertators. Additional courses may be added to this list if they are appropriate for the program's students and are approved for this purpose by the Graduate School.

Teaching practicum . A second semester of teaching practicum may be the most appropriate training for students that seek a career in academic research and teaching. If students do not arrange for other professional development activities, the default professional development training would be a second semester of teaching in a teaching practicum.

The Delta Program . Students interested in teaching as a career can participate in the Delta Program, allowing students to take classes and gain experience in teaching. Successful students are granted a certificate from the Delta Program, and this achievement and experience likely make the students more attractive for teaching positions.

Summer courses or workshops . For students most interested in continuing in academic research, one or more summer courses or workshops may be the most appropriate training. Examples of such courses are those that cover research areas or methods or scientific writing or grant preparation.

Internship . As an alternative to class work or a second semester of teaching practicum, students could participate in an internship with a business or other organization. Students doing internships would have to arrange to be paid through the organization, and they would not be paid by their advisors while away from their research.

Teaching Practicum Requirement

All students in the program are required to complete a Teaching Practicum.  This Teaching Practicum is usually completed during the second year.  Students choose from a list of courses and work with faculty delivering instruction in a lecture or lab setting.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

With program approval, up to 9 credits of coursework may be accepted from other graduate institutions. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may decide to accept up to 6 credits numbered 300 or above completed at UW–Madison toward fulfillment of minimum degree and minor credit requirements. This work would not be allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless taken at the 700 level or above. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison University Special

The program may decide to accept up to 9 University Special student credits as fulfillment of the minimum graduate residence, graduate degree, or minor credit requirements on occasion as an exception (on a case-by-case basis). UW–Madison coursework taken as a University Special student would not be allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless taken at the 700 level or above. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

This program follows the Graduate School's Probation policy.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

This program follows the Graduate School’s Advisor policy and the Graduate School’s Committees policy , except that:

To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, students are required to meet with their advisor annually.

The committee is required to have five faculty members, two of which must hold appointments in either Bacteriology or Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED

Time limits.

This program follows the Graduate School's Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

The program will follow the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Grievance Policy.  For clarity, the program director, vice-director and/or the program coordinator shall serve as grievance advisors.  The grievance advisor will refer complaints to the program's Steering Committee. 

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

We offer funding to all students in the program through fellowships, trainees and research assistantships.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

In order to better train MDTP students for microbiology-related professions, students need a chance to gain knowledge and experience not just in academic research, but also in other fields where their microbiology education may be put to good use. Opportunities for professional development can consist of coursework, an internship, a summer workshop, outreach experiences, or a second teaching practicum experience. Professional Development plans must be approved by a student’s thesis committee. Please see requirements for more information.

• Gain a broad understanding of the microbiology principles that underlie all biological processes.
• Articulate, discuss and define limits to the theory and knowledge in microbiology.
• Think critically to address research challenges using a broad range of the theories, research methods, and approaches to scientific inquiry.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable matter.
• Collaborate with investigators within the program, university, and beyond to advance the science of microbiology.
• Foster professional and ethical conduct in the sciences.
• Ethical design of experimental protocols.
• Reproducibility of experimental results.
• Professional behavior in industrial, government and academic settings.
• Develop communication skills that enable the articulation of research to fellow scientists and non-scientists.
• Develop teaching and mentoring skills in both lecture and laboratory settings.
• Explore career development opportunities in industry, government, academia and private industry to realize professional goals.

Faculty: Professors JD Sauer (program director, Medical Microbiology and Immunology), and Trina McMahon (vice-director, Bacteriology) lead the current MDTP Steering Committee. For a list of more than 90 participating faculty, see the  program website  or contact the program office.

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

Microbiology College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health microbiology.wisc.edu

Terra Theim, Program Coordinator [email protected] 608-265-0689 1326 Microbial Sciences, 1550 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706

JD Sauer, Program Director [email protected]

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Microbiologist CV example

Microbiology is a thriving field, which means there are lots of career opportunities and chances for progression for qualified professionals.

But as this is a more specialist role, you need to make sure your CV effectively showcases your relevant skills and qualifications.

To help you do this, we’ve pulled together our top CV writing tips, complete with an example microbiologist CV.

Guide contents

Microbiologist CV example

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Skills required for your Microbiologist CV

CV templates 

Before you start writing your own CV, take a look at the example Microbiologist CV above to give yourself a basic understanding of the style and format that recruiters and hiring managers prefer to see.

Also, take note of the type of content that is included to impress recruiters, and how the most relevant information is made prominent.

Microbiologist CV structure and format

Think your CV is just about words? Think again.

Your CV needs to look professional and be easy for recruiters to read, meaning the structure and format of your CV are equally as important as the content within it.

Facilitate ease of reading by working to a simple structure which allows recruiters to easily navigate your experience.

Formatting Tips

• Length: While there’s no ‘official’ CV length rule, the majority of recruiters agree that less is more. Aim for two pages of A4 or less. This is just enough room to showcase your suitability to the role, without overwhelming recruiters with irrelevant or excessive content.
• Readability : Help out time-strapped recruiters by formatting your CV for easy reading. Using lots of bullet points and lists will help them to skim through your info, while clearly formatted headings will allow them to navigate towards the content which is most useful to them.
• Design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
• Avoid photos: Ditch logos, images or profile photos. Not only do they take up valuable space, but they may even distract recruiters from your important written content.

Structuring your CV

When writing your CV , break up the content into the following key sections, to ensure it can be easily digested by busy recruiters and hiring managers:

• Contact details – Always list these at the very top of your CV – you don’t want them to be missed!
• Profile – An introductory paragraph, intended to grab recruiters attention and summarise your offering.
• Work experience / career history – Working from your current role and working backwards, list your relevant work experience.
• Education – Create a snappy summary of your education and qualifications.
• Interest and hobbies – An optional section to document any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now I’ll guide you through exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Make it easy for recruiters to get in touch, by heading your CV with your contact details.

There’s no need for excessive details – just list the basics:

• Mobile number
• Email address – Use a professional address with no nicknames.
• Location – Just write your general location, such as ‘London’ or ‘Cardiff’ – there’s no need to put your full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL

Microbiologist CV Profile

Your CV profile is basically a short introductory paragraph, which summarises your key selling points and highlights why you’d make a good hire.

So, write a well-rounded summary of what you do, what your key skills are, and what relevant experience you have.

It needs to be short, snappy and punchy and, ultimately, entice the reader to read the rest of your CV.

Tips for creating an impactful CV profile:

• Keep it brief: Aim for a short, snappy paragraph of 3-5 lines. This is just enough room to showcase why you’d make the perfect hire, without going into excessive detail and overwhelming busy recruiters.
• Tailor it: Before writing your CV, make sure to do some research. Figure out exactly what your desired employers are looking for and make sure that you are making those requirements prominent in your CV profile, and throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: Career goals and objectives are best suited to your cover letter , so don’t waste space with them in your CV profile.
• Avoid cliches: Clichés like “ blue-sky thinker with a go-getter attitude” might sound impressive to you, but they don’t actually tell the recruiter much about you. Concentrate on highlighting hard facts and skills, as recruiters are more likely to take these on board.

What to include in your Microbiologist CV profile?

• Summary of experience: Recruiters will want to know what type of companies you’ve worked for, industries you have knowledge of, and the type of work you’ve carried out in the past, so give them a summary of this in your profile.
• Relevant skills: Make your most relevant Microbiologist key skills clear in your profile. These should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for – so make sure to check the job description first, and aim to match their requirements as closely as you can.
• Essential qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Microbiologist qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: If spelling and grammar are not a strong point of yours, Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to add pre-written content that has been created by recruitment experts, and proofread by our team.

Core skills section

Next, you should create a bullet pointed list of your core skills , formatted into 2-3 columns.

Here, you should focus on including the most important skills or knowledge listed in the job advertisement.

This will instantly prove that you’re an ideal candidate, even if a recruiter only has time to briefly scan your CV.

Work experience/Career history

By now, you’ll have hooked the reader’s attention and need to show them how you apply your skills and knowledge in the workplace, to benefit your employers.

So, starting with your most recent role and working backwards to your older roles, create a thorough summary of your career history to date.

If you’ve held several roles and are struggling for space, cut down the descriptions for your oldest jobs.

Structuring your roles

Whilst writing your CV, it’s essential to look at it from the eyes of a recruiter.

If they’re met with giant blocks of text which are impossible to navigate, they might get frustrated and skip onto the next CV.

Instead, make use of the 3-step structure shown below, to give them a pleasant reading experience.

Provide a brief overview of the job as a whole, such as what the overriding purpose of your job was and what type of company you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Follow with a snappy list of bullet points, detailing your daily duties and responsibilities.

Tailor it to the role you’re applying for by mentioning how you put the target employer’s desired hard skills and knowledge to use in this role.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

After your work experience, your education section should provide a detailed view of your academic background.

Begin with those most relevant to Microbiologist jobs, such as vocational training or degrees. If you have space, you can also mention your academic qualifications, such as A-Levels and GCSEs.

Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Interests and hobbies

Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.

On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.

Essential skills for your Microbiologist CV

Tailoring your CV to the roles you are applying for is key to success, so make sure to read through the job descriptions and tailor your skills accordingly.

However, commonly desired Microbiologist skills include:

Scientific knowledge: You need to have strong knowledge of microbiology topics related to your role

Critical-thinking: It’s important that you are able to think about problems or challenges in the right way and solve them methodically

Attention to detail: Microbiology is the study of small microorganisms, most of which can’t be seen by the naked eye; this is why meticulous attention to detail is crucial

Communication skills: Microbiology can be a varied role in which you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively, whether that’s listening, speaking or writing

Presentation skills: It’s likely that at some stage, you’ll have to present your findings either to your team, senior staff or perhaps to bigger crowds at lecturers or industry events

Writing your Microbiologist CV

Creating a strong Microbiologist CV requires a blend of punchy content, considered structure and format, and heavy tailoring.

By creating a punchy profile and core skills list, you’ll be able to hook recruiter’s attention and ensure your CV gets read.

Remember that research and relevance is the key to a good CV, so research your target roles before you start writing and pack your CV with relevant skills.

Best of luck with your next application!

Microbiologist Resume Examples

Your resume is no small thing – perfect it today

Microbiologist Resume Samples

1. Candidate seeking microbiology postition

[Dr. Alex Johnson]

[Microbiologist]

[789 Microbiology Lane | Boston, Massachusetts | (456) 789-0123| [email protected]]

Personal Statement

Detail-oriented and innovative Microbiologist with over 7 years of experience in research and laboratory environments. Specializes in using advanced equipment and aseptic procedures to isolate, analyze, and test organisms. Proven track record of contributing to scientific understanding by uncovering key environmental interactions. Committed to maintaining the highest safety standards while operating in diverse facility settings. Proficient in establishing cultures of various tissue types and microorganisms.

Senior Microbiologist | XYZ Labs, Boston, MA | July 2017 – Present

• Lead a team of 5 microbiologists, overseeing the use of advanced laboratory equipment and the enforcement of aseptic procedures.
• Successfully isolated and cultured 50+ types of tissue and microorganisms, advancing our understanding of their environmental interactions.
• Introduced stringent safety measures that reduced laboratory incidents by 30%.

Junior Microbiologist | ABC Solutions, San Francisco, CA | June 2016 – June 2017

• Assisted in analyzing and testing various organisms, contributing to 5 significant research projects.
• Maintained an aseptic laboratory environment, minimizing the risk of sample contamination.
• Played a key role in the preparation of 300+ tissue cultures and organism samples.

Ph.D., Microbiology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 2016

Master’s in Biotechnology | University of California, San Diego, CA | 2011

Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences | University of California, Berkeley, CA | 2010

• Publications
• Johnson, A., et al. (2022). “Impacts of Microbial Interactions on Environmental Sustainability.” International Journal of Career Searching.
• Isolation and Analysis of Organisms
• Aseptic Procedures & Safety Protocols
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• Tissue and Microorganism Culture Establishment
• Scientific Contribution & Research Publication

Microbiologist Resume Vocabulary & Writing Tips

As a scientist, you understand that even the smallest of variables produce results in an experiment’s outcome. The same is true of your  microbiologist resume.   Resume keywords  represent only a small portion of your resume, but they make a big difference in the hiring process.

Today, most resumes are analyzed by software with the purpose of identifying pre-programmed  resume keywords.  In order to score well, your resume should contain some of these keywords, often found in the job description. We’ve also compiled the following list of common  microbiologist resume vocabulary  terms for your convenience.

When your resume is complete, be sure to proofread it carefully. Look for and correct any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Words to Use

• Environmental
• Serological test
• Microorganism

Action Verbs

Microbiologist resume tips and ideas.

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They may work in the healthcare field or in a number of other fields, including manfacturing, environmentalism, food, farming, or others.

Microbiologists typically do their work in offices and laboratories, but some jobs may also require fieldwork to obtain samples. Microbiologists test samples of water, tissue, blood, food, feces, soil, surfaces, or other items for the presence of disease-causing microorganisms.

Would you like to make advancement in your microbiology career? A fresh, modern resume can help you to do just that. You can use our suite of  resume writing tips  and  professional resume samples  to help you create an ideal resume today.

A chronological resume format is recommended.

When designing your microbiologist resume, consider:

• A professional appearance
• Sections, headings and margins
• Infographics
• Contact information
• Work history
• Resume objective
• Certifications
• Language proficiency

Resume Length

One page, letter size, 8.5 by 11 inches

A  chronological resume format  is recommended for careers in the sciences, including microbiology. To create a resume in this form, you will begin by listing your contact information and  skills . You will then proceed to list your  work history  and  educational background  in reverse-chronological order, that is, beginning with the most recent experience. Additional sections may also be included, as discussed below.

Because education is very important to your microbiologist resume, functional and combination resume formats are not recommended.

How should a microbiologist resume look?  Just as you are a professional in your field, so should your resume sport a professional appearance. This can be accomplished in a few easy steps. First, select a single, easy-to-read font and use it throughout the document. We recommended 11 or 12-point Calibri or Arial.

Then, group your text into logical sections. Give each section a heading, such as “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Education.” This will help your hiring manager quickly find the information they need. You can further highlight these headings by using bold fonts or a slightly larger font size. Finally, leave ample margins around each section of text for a crisp, clean appearance.

If you need some help getting started, you can use an  online resume template  or base your resume on one of our  professional resume examples.

Another consideration is the infographic. Infographics can add appeal to your resume and convey information in a succinct and engaging way. Research your company’s culture to determine whether this creative style would be welcome. If so, use simple graphics to display information such as the type of sampling and labwork you’ve accomplished.

It is not necessary to include a photo with your  microbiologist resume.  In fact, in some countries, such as in the United States, the inclusion of an unsolicited photo could result in the rejection of your resume due to anti-discrimination laws.

Sections of a Microbiologist Resume

A number of sections are vital to the success of your  microbiologist resume.  These include:

The above  resume sections  are the absolute minimum needed to show your hiring manager that you have what it takes to do your job well. Additional, optional sections can be utilized to further prove your value as an employee. These include but are not limited to:

How can these optional sections be of service to you? The  resume objective statement  is used to grab the attention of your prospective employer, often by highlighting a major past accomplishment.

Certifications can add weight to your skills list, as can publication of articles in peer-review journals. Some relevant certifications could include OSHA training in safety inspection techniques, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogen exposure control, or health hazard awareness. Proficiency in any language other than English should also be included on your resume.

Generally, your resume should be limited to one page in length. If you have many qualifications, such as a  long list of publications , you may extend this to two pages. Do not exceed two pages.

Microbiologist Resume Section Headings

Choose 2-3 sections. The most important for the profession.

Your education, skills, and work experience are among the most important sections of your  microbiologist resume.

A bachelor’s degree in biology or microbiology is generally required for entry-level microbiologist positions. In order to secure a promotion, advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, or related fields will be required.

The microbiologist should be skilled in analyzing samples of tissue, blood, water, or other solids and fluids, depending on the field in which he or she is employed. In some positions, the microbiologist will also also be required to collect said samples.

The microbiologist should be able to isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other organisms, often using a petri dish. He should be able to identify the organisms found in specimens or cultures using microscopes and slides. He should also be familiar with the testing techniques used in the specific industry. For example, a microbiologist in the healthcare field will likely perform serological or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests on patients’ blood.

Work experience

All work experience from at least the last ten years should be included on your resume. Prior experience in microbiology or healthcare is ideal. What if some of your experience is not relevant to your current microbiology career? You can use the  resume job descriptions  to highlight transferable skills like teamwork, attention to detail, or problem-solving.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

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Statement Of Purpose For Msc Microbiology

Personal statement for the msc in applied microbiology and biotechnology.

Microbiology and Biotechnology is one of the most quickly turning Fieldss within applied scientific disciplines, holding applications from the diagnosing and intervention of medical conditions, through to the sweetening of nutrient production. Due to the possible impact on human life, the importance of biotechnology is presently really high in both the populace and scientific docket.

The chief focal point of the class will be on Bioprocess Design, Bioprocess Technology, Biotechnology Business and Industrial Microbiology which is designed to run into industry ‘s turning demand for forces with expertness in applied microbiology and biotechnology.

Molecular biological science, ( molecular ) genetic sciences and bioinformatics form the ‘backbone ‘ of Biotechnology, and different facets of these characteristic in a figure of faculties in the class. A thorough apprehension of the nexus between DNA, RNA and protein is polar. You will analyze cistron look and protein production and purification, and applications thereof in different biotechnological Fieldss. In add-on to developing subject-based expertness and accomplishments, you will see the many planetary issues associated with recent biotechnological progresss.

Statement Of Purpose For Phd In Biotechnology

This class will give me the entree to a field of survey which will hold a major impact in the hereafter of scientific discipline. The MSc Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology class in University of Westminster is specifically designed to spread out our cognition and penetration in the scientific discipline underpinning biotechnological rules. In add-on, it will assist me to use those cognition and accomplishments in turn toing specific biotechnological jobs in the Fieldss of animate being, works and microbic biotechnology.

Proficient in: Goals In Life

“ KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. ”

The class besides will heighten my calling chances in the biotechnological industries, enabling me to take full advantage of chances that will result from the enlargement of this country and/or fix me for farther academic research.

Why Microbiology –

Experts believe that one million people now suffer from food-borne unwellness in England and Wales entirely. Worldwide, every minute six kids die from the ingestion of nutrient and H2O contaminated with micro-organisms. Research into the bacteriums and viruses that are responsible for food-borne unwellness is progressing quickly, bettering our apprehension of the interaction of these bacteriums with adult male, the environment, agribusiness and nutrient. As a effect, there is now an pressing demand for well-qualified alumnuss who can construe these new progresss and use their cognition in callings within the nutrient industry, DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency, every bit good as in Local Government and infirmary research labs.

A survey of micro-organisms ( bacteriums, Fungis, viruses, algae and Protozoa ) provides of import penetrations into many of the cardinal jobs in biological science. Because of their easiness of use and rapid growing, such beings are often used as experimental systems for research in biochemistry and molecular biological science. Recent public concerns about microbic taint of nutrient and industry ‘s turning involvement in biotechnology have increased the demand for graduate microbiologists. The class at University of Westminster purposes to supply you with the chance to derive a sound preparation in both the theoretical and practical facets of this quickly developing topic.

Features of the MSc in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology programme include:

• a scope of faculty picks to accommodate my capable involvements
• different combinations of faculties which qualify me for one of the named specializer awards
• arrangements in research labs and pharmaceutical companies both place and abroad
• research undertakings utilizing state-of-the-art equipment
• a Graduate Development Programme which supports key accomplishments and employability throughout the grade

Why Biotechnology –

It is an exciting clip to go involved in the biotechnology revolution. Humanity is faced with many challenges such as feeding spread outing populations, planetary heating and supplying for our energy demands while cut downing our trust on fossil fuels, protecting the environment by forestalling and cleaning up pollution, utilizing the cognition gained from the human genome undertaking and other cutting border research to foster our apprehension of disease and using that cognition to develop fresh interventions and pharmaceuticals, better industrial procedures by technology biological science to make the chemical science. Biotechnology provides a tool box for undertaking these challenges and in the following decennary, as the gait of progresss in biotechnology accelerates, the impact of biotechnology will be even greater, supplying an copiousness of alone chances to do new finds and present inventions bettering the quality of people ‘s lives

Biotechnology is one of the fastest turning industries worldwide, with gross from public biotechnology companies exceling US $ 70 billion in 2006. ” ( Ernst & A ; Young, Global Biotechnology Report 2007 )

Over the past 10 old ages, it is estimated that the figure of people employed within the biotechnology industry has grown by over 90 % . It is a dynamic industry that presents first-class chances to progress your calling in a broad scope of functions including academic research, industrial research and development, concern direction and development, gross revenues and selling, fabrication and quality control and confidence.

And the combination of Microbiology and Biotechnology –

The University of Westminster besides provide the great chance to accomplishing the grade of Microbiology and Biotechnology both in a combination. The aim of the Master of Science in this class is to supply future biotechnologists with the accomplishments and competences needed today to plan biotechnological research, implement biotechnological undertakings, and be aftering determination, create and use research modes to larger strategies set in big research undertakings in order to better the wellness position and quality of life in developing states like Bangladesh.

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

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2 Microbiologist CV Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

So you want to be a microbiologist first, you'll need a cv that turns heads. this write-up will guide you to build a resume that shows off your skills. we talk about strong examples, good samples, and templates that work. we'll guide you, step-by-step, to create a cv that draws in those job offers. let's move you one step closer to your dream job, in the wonderful field of microbiology..

As we plunge into the unseen world of microorganisms, we find a role that calls for utmost precision and keen observational skills - that of a Microbiologist. These scientists are tasked with studying life at the tiniest scale, making claims-based decisions on anything from health treatments to environmental improvements. On a CV for a microbiologist, recruiters look for a clear showcase of these core responsibilities, an eye for detail shrouded in a petri dish of technical skills, analytical thinking, and solid scientific knowledge. The path to a career in microbiology generally starts with a sturdy base in the biological sciences, followed by further specialization and on-field experience. Recent trends seem to indicate an upswing in the need for microbiologists in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and environmental industries, riding the wave of a post-pandemic world crying out for more protection against unseen microbial enemies. Often in the realms of scientific professions, we find the terms 'Resume' and 'CV' bandied about interchangeably. But are they really the same? For jobs with UK, European, or Australian roots, the term 'CV' is preferred, but that's largely a naming convention. In the world of microbiologists, a CV and a Resume follow the same guidelines, conveying your qualifications and experiences with precision in a tidy 1-2 pager. A sprawling 3-4 page CV is usually confined to roles that focus deeply on research or academic publications. In this article, we'll diagram a blueprint for a winning Microbiologist CV in 2024, curating templates that align with the industry's expectations. We'll walk you through an atomic scale breakdown of the necessary skills to include, and a whole lot more to ensure your CV doesn't get lost in the laboratory labyrinth. So, put on your lab coat, peep behind the microscope, and let's get started!

Microbiologist CV Templates

Jump to a template:

• Microbiologist
• Clinical Microbiologist

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Microbiologist CVs
• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Medical CVs
• Similar Careers to a Microbiologist
• Microbiologist Resume Examples

Template 1 of 2: Microbiologist CV Example

As a Microbiologist, your CV becomes a testament to your scientific exploration in a world invisible to the naked eye. It's a role that is constantly evolving with the advancement of scientific technology, so making sure to demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to ongoing professional development is crucial. Additionally, microbiology is increasingly cross-disciplinary, so illuminate your understanding of related fields like virology, parasitology, or immunology. Besides, the industry demands strong data analysis and interpretation skills as more organizations are leaning towards data-driven decision making. Be sure to show your abilities here on your CV. Last but not least, communicate your passion for the job. This isn't a job where you clock in and out - it's about pursuing the unknown.

Tips to help you write your Microbiologist CV in 2024

   demonstrate proficiency in modern lab equipment.

Modern lab technology is evolving at a rapid pace and employers want to see that you're comfortable with current equipment. Mention your hands-on experience with things like PCR machines, Mass Spectrometry, or Next-Generation Sequencing technologies.

   Show interdisciplinary understanding

Microbiology doesn't exist in a vacuum. Show your employer that you understand and have knowledge in related fields. If you have experience in areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, or genetics, make sure to include that in your CV.

Skills you can include on your Microbiologist CV

Template 2 of 2: clinical microbiologist cv example.

Clinical Microbiologists, the unsung heroes of the healthcare system, spend their days investigating the smallest forms of life to protect ours. As everyone's concern with infectious diseases is growing, it's a role on the rise. Therefore, your CV should reflect this up-to-date understanding of the industry. An effective clinical microbiologist CV provides real-world examples of your experience, research projects, and specialized skills. Remember, it's not just about where you've worked, but the value you've brought to your work. When preparing your CV, understand that many hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These filter out CVs that don't match certain criteria. So, make sure you're incorporating the right keywords and the language from the job post without losing your personal voice.

Tips to help you write your Clinical Microbiologist CV in 2024

   mention relevant research and publications.

Not every microbiologist has experience in a clinical setting, so it's critical to show your relevant research and publications. It communicates your ability to contribute to the field knowledgeably and shows your dedication. Be sure to use layman's terms when describing your research to keep it accessible to non-technical readers.

   Include technical skills and lab techniques

As a Clinical Microbiologist, you work with specialized lab equipment and techniques. Highlight your proficiency with these tools and techniques by mentioning them in your CV. For instance, if you've used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for DNA analysis, or have experience with serological tests, include that in your skills section.

Skills you can include on your Clinical Microbiologist CV

Skills for microbiologist resumes.

Crafting a microbiologist CV that's a victorious "petri dish" of golden skills takes smarts. At the heart of it all, this role is about meticulous testing, precise analysis, and thoughtful interpretation of microscopic organisms. So, what must this CV expose under its figurative microscope? For one, the job description is your best friend. Pick it apart like a unique strain of bacteria, identifying relevant skills. Are you a whizz at differential staining? Plug that into your Skills section. Did you spearhead a major project dissecting viral DNA? Work that into a bullet point under Work Experience. The goal is to bypass the hiring process's 'white blood cells' (the Applicant Tracking Systems). Sprinkle your CV with the right skills as they act like the 'antibodies', getting you past the automatic filters. An example bullet point entry might read: "Led an innovative research study on antibiotic resistance, using fluoroquinolones and lab-grade microscope with high proficiency." In this micro world, an attention to detail packs a powerful punch. Show that you're adept at investigating the small to comprehend the big. Your CV will swarm with life, resulting in more career 'cultures' to grow from.

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Culture
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Biochemistry
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Quality Control
• Life Sciences
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Food Microbiology
• Gram Staining
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Microbiology
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Environmental Monitoring
• Biotechnology
• Quality Assurance
• Aseptic Technique

Skills Word Cloud For Microbiologist CVs

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Microbiologist job descriptions and CVs. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Action verbs for microbiologist resumes.

Gearing up to write a CV for a microbiologist role? It'll help to think like a lab. In the core of a microbiologist’s role, there's a focus on researching, testing, and exploring. Your CV needs to reflect this. Use action verbs that paint a picture of someone digging deep into samples, turning over every bacteria to see what's underneath. Start with verbs like "researched," or "conducted,” to show you're the type to go seeking for answers. "I conducted numerous complex experiments to identify harmful pathogens in food samples,” is one powerful example. Another potent one? "I researched new methods to effectively sterilize lab equipment.” Just like microorganisms under a microscope, these action verbs spotlight the crucial work you do. As they read, hiring managers will get a clear picture: a diligent microbiologist who'll truly enhance their lab.

• Synthesized
• Administered
• Interpreted
• Collaborated

For a full list of effective CV action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

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Texts with ‘friendly acquaintance’ not inappropriate, says former Calvin University president

• Updated: Apr. 17, 2024, 6:18 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 17, 2024, 6:12 p.m.

Dr. Wiebe Boer

• Samuel Dodge | [email protected]

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The former Calvin University president accused of sending inappropriate texts to a woman considered her a “friendly acquaintance,” he said in a new statement sent Wednesday.

Wiebe Boer, who stepped down in February amid the accusations, sued the Christian university alongside his wife Joanna on April 12 for breach of contract, discrimination and defamation.

Read more MLive education stories:

• Portage schools strikes proposed ‘no surprises’ directive from new ethics policy
• Saginaw Township school board seeks applicants to fill vacancy
• Action plan outlines how Ann Arbor schools will cut $25M budget deficit
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Lakers News: Anthony Davis Achieves Shocking Personal Record In Year 11

• Author: Ricardo Sandoval

In this story:

In Sunday's 124-108 season finale victory against his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers superstar center Anthony Davis broke a personal record.

Sunday's game marked Davis's 76th contest in the 2023-24 season, the most he's played throughout his 11-year career.

Davis's goal ahead of the year was to play in all 82 games. Even though he didn't reach that goal, coming up six games short in today's NBA is a huge accomplishment. Davis was a menace every time he stepped onto the court, averaging 24.7 points per game on 55.6% from the field, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 35.5 minutes of action.

Davis's previous record was 75 games, which he hit in back-to-back seasons in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, while still in New Orleans. Davis has been ridiculed and chastised for his lack of time on the court. Fans all over social media even laughed at him for saying his goal was to play all 82 games. Not only did he play 76 contests, but he also played through nagging injuries he suffered this season. And guess what? The 31-year-old suffered a minor injury on Sunday, but he will be out there on Tuesday to play-in tournament for the seventh seed. He is much tougher than people credit him; however, casuals are lazy and instead call him 'soft' or 'street clothes.'

The hate and bashing will continue to come his way, but that's okay. Davis will get back up and be there for his team when needed.

The nine-time All-Star will look to establish his dominance once again this postseason.

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Epeedemic —

Life-threatening rat pee infections reach record levels in nyc, between 2001 and 2020, there was an average of 3 cases per year. last year's tally was 24..

Beth Mole - Apr 17, 2024 10:26 pm UTC

A life-threatening bacterial infection typically spread through rat urine sickened a record number of people in New York City last year—and this year looks on track for another all-time high, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports.

Further Reading

The bacteria that causes it—spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira —infect rats, which shed the bacteria in their urine. The germs jump to people through direct contact with open wounds or mucous membranes.

New York City has long been in a (mostly losing) war with its rat population, which last year was estimated to be as many as 3 million . Mayor Eric Adams has made fighting the rat population a key initiative, and just last week, the city council proposed the latest strategy to curtail the furry brown rodent's colony: birth control in the form of salty pellets.

Still, leptospirosis has not been a prime concern from the rats' mischief until recently. Between 2001 and 2020, the city logged an average of just three leptospirosis cases a year—and some of those were travel related. But, things took a turn during the pandemic when the rat population seemed to boom. From 2021 and 2022, the average shot up to 15. In 2023, there were 24 cases, the highest number of cases ever recorded for a single year. And as of April 10, there have been six cases so far.

That number of cases so far this year is concerning given that Leptospira bacteria are "fragile," as the NYC health department puts it. They die quickly in the freezing temperatures of winte and the dry heat of summer. Their main time to thrive is in warm, moist conditions. Last year, the months with the most cases were June and October. The health department noted that climate change, which is causing excessive rain and unseasonably warm temperatures, may be partly driving the uptick in cases.

In a health advisory released last week , the city's health department advised clinicians to be on the lookout for cases, which are treated with common oral antibiotics when mild or intravenous doses when severe. Symptoms typically develop in 5 to 14 days after an exposure, but can show up anywhere from 2 to 30 days.

Of the 98 locally acquired cases that the city has recorded between 2001 and 2023, nearly all were in men (94 percent) and the median age was 50, with a range of 20 to 80 years. Most often, the cases occurred in the Bronx (37), followed by Manhattan (28), Brooklyn (19), Queens (10), and Staten Island (4). Cases presented to clinicians with acute kidney and liver failure and occasionally severe respiratory involvement. Of the 98 cases, six died.

The cases are typically related to living or working environments with rat urine, contaminated soil and water, or materials frequently contaminated with rat urine, such as trash bags or food waste bins. The health department noted that human-to-human transmission is rare.

New York isn't the only city plagued by leptospirosis cases. Last year, doctors in the Netherlands reported the case of an 18-year-old with jaundiced, bloody eyes, who had developed leptospirosis after falling into a canal that was likely contaminated with rodent urine.

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York Tech: Data incident may have involved personal information being obtained

The York County School of Technology has reported a security incident in which some personal information, including Social Security numbers, may have been obtained by an unauthorized individual last year, according to a statement.

York Tech reported that it experienced a network security incident that impacted some of its operations on April 26, 2023. It prompted an immediate investigation, and the school worked closely with external cybersecurity professionals to determine whether any protected information was accessed or obtained, the statement says.

The extensive investigation found that a limited amount of information stored on the network may have been accessed and/or acquired by an unauthorized individual around March 27, 2023, the statement says.

That information contained personal and protected health information, including full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, driver's license numbers and more.

"York Tech has no evidence that any of the information has been used for identity theft or financial fraud as a result of this incident," the statement says.

The school has notified the individuals whose information may have been involved, and it informed them of the precautionary measures they can take to protect themselves, the statement says.

York Tech also is providing credit monitoring services to individuals whose Social Security numbers were involved, the statement says.

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Breaking news, ex-army financial counselor admits to defrauding grieving gold star families in life insurance scheme.

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A former financial counselor with the US Army has pleaded guilty to defrauding grieving Gold Star families out of millions of dollars worth of life insurance payments, the Department of Justice said Tuesday.

New Jersey resident Caz Craffy, 41, pleaded guilty to six counts of wire fraud and one count each of securities fraud, making false statements in a loan application, committing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and making false statements to a federal agency.

If found guilty he could spend 8 to 10 years in prison under recommended federal guidelines. He’s also agreed not to appeal a sentence up to that range and to make full restitution.

When a member of the armed forces dies during active duty their surviving beneficiary — a Gold Star family member — is entitled to a $100,000 payment and the servicemember’s life insurance up to $400,000.

From November 2017 to January 2023, Craffy was responsible for providing general financial education to Gold Star families but instead used his position to “target” these vulnerable families, court documents revealed.

“Nothing can undo the enormous loss that Gold Star families have suffered, but the Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to protect them from further harm,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The 41-year-old was an employee of the Army working as a financial counselor with the Casualty Assistance Office and has also been a major in the Army Reserve.

He was prohibited from offering any personal opinions regarding the beneficiaries money and was “not permitted to participate personally in any government matter in which he had an outside financial interest in,” court filings read.

Craffy admitted that he’d encouraged Gold Star families to invest in accounts he managed in his outside employment with two separate financial investment firms. The families mistakenly believed this was with the authorization of the Army.

From May 2018 to November 2022, Craffy cheated the beneficiaries out of more than $9.9 million. 

He used the money for trades without the family’s authorization earning Craffy high commissions.

Gold Star family accounts lost more than $3.7 million, while Craffy earned more than $1.4 million in commissions taken from their accounts.

“Craffy disgraced his entrusted position to care for our nation’s military families when he allegedly took advantage of them during a vulnerable time of grief,” Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark said.

Craffy entered his plea before US District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton, New Jersey and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21.

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