Application To Join Dendrosciences Research Group

I am writing in regard to the possibility of joining the Dendrosciences Research Group, a part of the Forest Dynamics Research Unit at WSL as a PhD student to undertake a significant project which inclines towards reconstructing past air pollution events with the help of dendroclimatic analysis. I am particularly interested in applying for this doctoral programme at WSL as the prerequisites of this research project perfectly match my background and research interests.

While studying Environmental Sciences during my undergraduate level, I developed keen interest in palaeoclimatology with a particular passion in the field of dendroclimatology. My research focus both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level has been studying physical growth-based physical proxies like tree ring widths and chemical proxies such as stable isotopes in native Himalayan conifers to understand past climatic variations in this remote part of the Indian subcontinent. The dendrochronology approaches related to the chemistry and growth dynamics of tree rings, underpin the international attempts to quantify and perceive the natural climatic variations in the past with the help of absolute dated reconstructions capturing variations on a multi decadal timescale. Therefore, I wish to pursue my academic career with a PhD in the field of dendroclimatology and dendroecology.

As mentioned in the project description, that this research will be a part of a larger SNF project along with collaborations with several eminent institutions around the world, I would highly be appreciable for the opportunity I would get to work with the world-leading experts in this field. I strongly believe that this research has a potential to add to the scientific understanding of the use of dendrochemistry to understand the effects of air pollution and particulate matter on trees. This research will allow the understanding of the physiological processes in trees and their response to the surrounding climate and atmospheric conditions more in depth.

I would also like to point out that I have gained relevant experience in dendroclimatic analysis, microscopy, chemical analysis, mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis through work experience and independent research, thus, I believe that my strong motivation and academic background will allow me to complete this research effectively.

With my experience and knowledge, I believe that this PhD position is ideal for me and this programme at WSL will give me a great chance to deepen my consciousness and give my contributions to the field of dendrosciences. Thank you very much for considering my application and I am looking forward to hearing to your prompt response.