Conducting research with Dr. Li has profoundly influenced many areas of my 
         life. There is of course the practical rewards research offers such as gaining 
         insight and knowledge in equipment and current topics in chemistry, gaining 
         experience in research which is highly valued by graduate institutions, and 
         reading literature on topics related to the research therby increasing education. 
         Furthermore, I was able to gain a recommendation from an extremely 
         sagacious and intellectual researcher which aided me in applying to graduate 
         school. 
         Working with Dr. Li has encouraged me to continue my education and has 
         given me the enthusiasm to be successful. Before working with Dr. Li I was 
         not aware of what my interests were. By performing research I realized that I 
         not only enjoy the work but also possess the desire and motivation to succeed 
         in the sciences. I not only realized I like research but also found a specific field 
         of chemistry I take pleasure in studying. 
         There are also numerous subtle ways that research has had an impact on my 
         life. Thorough investigation of an area, as done in research. promotes and 
         necessitates thoughtful, independent thinking. unlike class work where you 
         simply memorize facts, lab work requires reading the facts and then adjusting 
         them in order to carefully observe and collect data. As a result of working 
         with Dr. Li I also learned how to organize the collected data and be able to 
         present my findings to others. By doing so I have increased my 
         communication skills. These communication skills are an integral part of 
         science, at all levels. I have also been given the opportunity to watch others 
         present their research. By watching others present I was able to expand my 
         knowledge in other fields of science. 
         In conclusion, I feel it is the culmination of all these positive influences of 
         research that will enable me to hopefully one day be on the forefront of 
         advances in science.