Professional Statement

My name is Joshua M. Rhodes. I am from Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. I have always been a hard worker whether it is on the job or in academics. I always strive to do and be my best. In high school chemistry always intrigued me. When I was accepted at Elizabeth City State University I chose Chemistry as my major.

The summer preceding my freshman year I participated in Watershed Watch, a two-week summer research institution that took place on the Elizabeth City State University Campus. I was able to perform research on “Herpetofauna and Avifauna Diversity in the Great Dismal Swamp and the ECSU Campus”. I finished my freshman year with a 3.7 GPA. During my studies at ECSU I hope to gain as much relevant hands-on research experience as possible.

I am currently conducting research at ECSU via the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Sciences. I am a member of the Ocean Optics research team, mentored by Dr. Leonid Sokoletsky. The program has enabled me to use several computer programs, generate a webpage, and increase my professional skills.

I hope to take full advantage of the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Sciences. I hope to achieve and maintain the chancellor’s list for the rest of my studies at ECSU. My goal is to become proficient in Chemistry and obtain more internships.

After graduating ECSU I wish to pursue my Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon obtaining my Ph.D. I hope to acquire a job at the United States Environmental Protection Agency. At the EPA I aspire to perform research in the area of Green Chemistry; preventing pollution at the molecular level.