1. August 6, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
I have known Ms. Angelucci since August, 2014 when she began working as an undergraduate research
assistant on a river restoration project I’m conducting on the Great Miami River near Dayton, OH. The
objective of the study is to assess the effects of dam removal and kayak-run installation on fish and
macroinvertebrate communities. Amanda requested to work on the study as an undergraduate research assistant
and immediately distinguished herself by enthusiastically participating in all aspects of the project including
field sampling which included boat-electroshocking for fish (deep waters), bank-electroshocking for sampling
fish in shallow water (using a portable 5.5 horsepower generator), and a range of sampling methods for
macroinvertebrates including kick net, sweep net, and hester-dendy artificial substrate samplers. These efforts
required students to often be in the field for hours at a time. Amanda also worked in sampling teams collecting
water chemistry data for pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen at multiple sites. These teams
took samples early in the morning, just after sunrise, in order to reduce the effects of photosynthesis on
dissolved oxygen levels. Some students weren’t “up” for the task that required them to be on the river at
sunrise, but Amanda proved to be completely reliable in performing this task on a daily basis for weeks at a
time. She greatly impressed me with her strong work ethic in doing so.
Because Ms. Angelucci performed all aspects of the field sampling in a dedicated and responsible
manner, I requested her to continue work on the project in 2015 and 2016 as we processed the field samples in
the laboratory. This has involved many long hours over months sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates.
We are still in this phase of the project, but so far I am extremely pleased with her work.
As an undergraduate student Amanda has learned a wide variety of stream sampling and laboratory
techniques that would take professionals many years to learn. She has accomplished this with a positive attitude
and complete dependability. Amanda has shown herself to be a team player, working closely with her fellow
students in the field and in the lab. I’ve never heard any complaints about her from the other students who are
all very happy to work with her.
It’s not often I can write a letter for a student so strongly deserving of your attention. But that is the case
with Ms. Amanda Angelucci. Beyond her academic record, admirable work-ethic, and ability to excel in many
scientific endeavors she has shown leadership abilities along with a positive and respectful personality. I can
fully recommend Ms. Angelucci to your program without any reservations. Her personal qualities and
academic achievements give her great potential for success in a future career and as a leader in the sciences.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey L. Kavanaugh, Ph.D.
Director, UD Vivarium
Dr. Jeffrey L. Kavanaugh, Director U.D. Vivarium
Department of Biology
300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-2320
jeffrey.kavanaugh@notes.udayton.edu — Office (937) 229-4521 — FAX (937) 229-2021