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PICS TO DISCUSS IN AN ESSAY ABOUT HORRORS OF SCIENCE

The development of science and scientific exploration has undoubtedly led to many breakthroughs that have improved life for humans and advanced our understanding of the natural world. The pursuit of knowledge through experimentation and pushing boundaries has at times come at significant costs and caused tremendous harm. When writing an essay aiming to shed light on some of the darker sides of science, carefully selecting impactful photographic evidence can help illustrate the real human toll of certain practices and discoveries. Below are some options to consider including and discussing to demonstrate science’s capacity for creating horrors.

One image that could start an essay off powerfully is a picture from the Unit 731 experiments conducted by Japanese scientists and military in China during World War II. This top secret biological and chemical warfare research unit systematically tested weapons on live prisoner test subjects without their consent. Photographs exist showing emaciated and brutalized prisoners who were subjected to vivisection, frostbite and hypothermia studies without anesthesia. Discussing the inhumane acts perpetrated in the name of science could shed light on the moral failings that can occur when decisions about research involve humans as mere objects or means to an end, rather than as ends in themselves deserving dignity and respect.

Another option is photos from early 20th century eugenics movements, like images of patients residing in institutions for people deemed “feeble-minded” or “unfit” by those pursuing eugenics ideologies. The eugenics agenda of many scientists led to the coerced sterilization of tens of thousands and provided faulty scientific justification for the Holocaust. Pictures humanizing the individual lives affected could be a sobering reminder of how scientific authority and ideas about biological superiority have been misused to justify grave human rights violations. The eugenics era shows how easily science can contribute to dehumanization and enacting views that certain groups are inherently less valuable when propagated by those in positions of power and influence.

For illustrating the costs of unconstrained, unethical experimentation, photos from the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study could feature prominently. From 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service engaged in a non-therapeutic experiment on 399 Black men in Alabama, withholding treatment even after penicillin became a cure. Pictures taken of participants throughout the experiment, along with their medical files and records of the lies told to obtain “consent,” provide a stark image of scientific racism and the harm that can result when marginalized populations are treated as guinea pigs rather than fully human. Notes or photos from family members of how syphilis ravaged the bodies and minds of their loved ones over decades also personalize the devastating multi-generational effects.

Nuclear weapons testing offers another opportunity to include illuminating photographs. Images taken at test sites display the apocalyptic destruction caused by the vaporization and subsequent mushroom clouds. Pictures of citizens exposed to radiation fallout shed light on the often overlooked human and environmental costs of weapons development pursued in the name of national security. Discussing pictures of deformed and changed landscapes alongside human victims emphasizes science’s ability to irreversibly alter the world when unleashed without sufficient oversight or concern for unintended consequences downwind.

Photographs from primate research facilities featuring caged chimpanzees and other highly intelligent social species used in experiments could make for a powerful visual representation of the ethical issues with certain areas of animal testing. Pictures humanizing the individual personalities and intelligence of nonhuman primates remind viewers that science has at times disregarded sentience and inflicted harm even on our closest evolutionary relatives solely because a different species status allows it. Notes on the trauma and psychological effects enduring experimentation has on social animals could accompany the images.

While more abstract than physical images, charts, graphs or timelines displaying the rise of antibiotic resistance as a direct result of irresponsible antibiotic overuse in medicine and agriculture would have important messaging. Tracing the predictable evolutionary response science itself predicts when selective pressures are applied underscores how rapidly past gains can be undone. Photos of infected patients or diseased livestock struggling with “superbugs” because prior generations prioritized short term profits over long term sustainability could drive the point home.

While science undoubtedly improves lives, an essay aiming to explore its capacity for creating horrors would do well to incorporate evocative photographic evidence from the examples discussed. Carefully selected images humanizing real individual victims and documenting the physical, mental and environmental toll paid illuminate the very real costs incurred and harm capable when scientific pursuits are divorced from ethics. Examining lessons that can be learned from history ensures the promise of knowledge and discovery is matched by progress in upholding dignity and rights to avoid repeating mistakes. A well-rounded discussion alongside visual documentation reminding of science’s ability to both heal and maim could leave readers with much food for thought.

WHAT ARE SOME EFFECTIVE WAYS TO DISCUSS MY CAPSTONE PROJECT IN A COVER LETTER

When writing a cover letter for a job application upon graduating, it is important to highlight the skills and knowledge gained through your capstone project experience. The capstone project is often the culminating experience of an academic program where students demonstrate their mastery of their field through an original research or applied project. In the cover letter, you should convey the significance and impact of your capstone project work to a prospective employer to showcase your qualifications for the position.

Start by providing a brief overview of your capstone project in 2-3 concise sentences that summarize the topic, goals, and your role. For example, you could write “My capstone project involved conducting original market research for a proposed residential development in my city. The goal of the project was to analyze demand, identify target demographics, and make recommendations to maximize profitability. As project leader, I managed a team of 5 students and oversaw all aspects of the research and final deliverables.” This high-level introduction piques the reader’s interest and demonstrates the scope and your leadership on the project.

Next, delve deeper into 2-3 specific aspects of your capstone project experience that are most relevant and translatable to the job you are applying for. For instance, if the role involves data analysis, highlight any data collection, cleaning, modeling or analytics tasks you performed. If it is in a marketing or customer-facing function, emphasize stakeholder engagement, presentation skills or insights gained. Provide concrete examples to illustrate your contributions rather than generic statements. For a marketing coordinator role, you could say “I designed and administered a survey that gathered attitudes from 200 prospective residents. I then analyzed response trends to identity 2 key customer segments, each with differentiated needs.”

In the body paragraphs, stress how your capstone experience helped develop or enhance specific skills required for success in the position. For example, if leadership or project management is important, discuss the responsibilities you took on like assembling a team, delegating tasks, tracking progress, and resolving issues. Quantifying your achievements adds credibility, such as “I led a team of 5 students and kept the diverse workstreams on schedule through bi-weekly check-ins, resulting in on-time delivery of all project deliverables.” Correlate how these newfound strengths from the capstone directly translate to valued skills for the employer.

Discuss both technical and soft skills developed through your project work. In addition to analytic tasks, high-performing capstone projects involve extensive communication, critical thinking, research aptitude and more. Make note of how you improved in certain competencies while working across discipline-based boundaries. For a consulting role requiring synthesis of diverse viewpoints, say “Through stakeholder interviews with community leaders and residents, I enhanced my ability to gather qualitative insights and identify shared priorities among varied constituents.” Emphasize your newly honed, well-rounded qualifications.

Conclude by reiterating your enhanced qualifications and strong fit relative to the company’s needs based on the experience. For example, “My capstone project allowed me to take on significant responsibility, think strategically, and develop a customer-centric mindset – all critical assets for this Associate Marketing role at your growing firm. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute meaningful insights from day one.” Thank the reader for their consideration and express enthusiasm for further dialogue.

In total, dedicate 3-4 concise yet impactful paragraphs (150-200 words each) to discussing the value and applicability of your capstone project experience. Make it prominent yet proportional within the overall cover letter. By highlighting distinct achievements and correlated skills, you showcase leadership, initiative and gained qualifications that set you apart as a candidate. A well-articulated capstone discussion can make your application materials truly stand out from others and catch the eye of prospective employers.