Jasmin Schmitz earned A's in her introductory chemistry courses and is in the top 10% of students. She works hard, asks insightful questions, and has a passion for science. Her professor strongly recommends her for an international research program based on her strong analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, work ethic, and friendly personality. He is certain she will approach research with deep interest and commitment.

1. October 17, 2015
RE: Jasmin Schmitz
Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Jasmin Schmitz for the UROP international research
summer school at Aachen University. I met Jasmin in the fall semester of 2014 when she was a
student in the first semester of an introductory college chemistry class (CHEM 151) at the
University of Arizona. She also completed the second semester of the course (CHEM 152) under my
guidance. Jasmin earned an A in both courses and she was among the top 10% of the students
enrolled in these classes, which were composed of over 280 freshmen. Given her great performance
and motivation, this fall semester she is working as a preceptor in my CHEM 151 class where she
tutors students inside and outside the classroom..
Jasmin is a bright and committed young woman who is always open to new intellectual
challenges. Few students have the drive and intellectual capacity that Jasmin has demonstrated day
after day in my interactions with her in the regular lecture hours, during my office hours, and in her
work as a preceptor. As a student, she always asked very insightful questions, critically reflected on
the ideas discussed in class, and volunteered thoughtful answers to many problems that I posed. She
is one of those students who genuinely cares about understanding the concepts presented in a course
and improving the way she reasons and applies ideas. Jasmin also has a refreshing passion for
science and is a strong self-motivated learner.
Jasmin displays strong analytical abilities and is a critical thinker. She is also a hard worker who
completes all of the tasks that she is assigned. Jasmin has a very friendly personality and is a joy to work
with. She is engaging and very respectful when expressing her ideas about the topics under discussion.
As part of the chemistry class, students had to work in small groups to complete various participation
activities. Jasmin was always engaged in the class activities and worked very well with others. Her
current work as a preceptor, where she supports the learning of freshman students enrolled in General
Chemistry classes, demonstrates her passion for both learning and helping others.
Consequently, I have no reservations in strongly recommending Jasmin Schmitz for the
summer research program at Aachen University. I am certain that she will approach her research
project with deep interest, commitment, and passion.
Sincerely,
Vicente Talanquer
Distinguished Professor
Professor Vicente Talanquer
Telephone: (520) 626-8169
e-mail:vicente@u.arizona.edu
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
P.O. Box 210041
Tucson, AZ 85721-0041
FAX: (520) 621-8407