# Application for Position (Research assistant)

Thursday 12th August,
I am writing to apply for the advertised research assistant position. I am an international postgraduate student currently studying a Master of Laws degree. I am passionate about environmental issues, enjoy research and would like to pursue a career in academia. I have previously studied Comparative Environmental Law and Climate Change Law and Policy, obtaining an A+ grade in both. At present I am studying Environmental Markets and intend to study International Environmental Law next semester. In 2007 I volunteered as a researcher for the Activist Legal Project, writing a brief on the laws relating to activism on university campuses.  I have written two dissertations, one of which was about emissions trading schemes and has been published in the Cork Online Law Review. The more recent one received a starred first, the highest achievable grade in the UK, and I am currently working with Justine Nolan, Deputy Director of the Australian Human Rights Centre, on having it published. I have been involved in mooting and attended a Model United Nations conference in Taiwan earlier this year. I also worked as a student attorney for the Capital Punishment Clinic at the University of Texas, conducting legal and other research for death row appeal cases. I have a very strong interest in climate change and the environment and it is the area in which I wish to make a career. In February 2008 I organised a well-attended conference on climate change solutions, which looked at sustainable development, renewable energy and green homes. I am currently volunteering at Amnesty International Australia, conducting an environmental audit at their head office in Sydney and drawing up a plan to make it more environmentally sound. Thus, while I do not have a technical background on environmental science or renewable energy, I am knowledgeable on both subjects and am always keen to learn more. My availability is very flexible; my classes take place in the evening, leaving my days free for work and study. Yours sincerely,