September 6, 2016

132 Royal Pines Dr.

Arden, NC 28704
TCR Graduation Project Board
250 Overlook Rd.
Asheville, NC 28803
Dear Advisory Board:
For my graduation project I would like to learn about Down Syndrome. I have always found
Down Syndrome to be a unique genetic disorder, but I know very little about the disease itself. I
would like to use this project to learn about the genetic disorder as I am considering a possible
career in the genetic field.
For my research paper I will explore the causes, treatments, how Down Syndrome is diagnosed,
and affects of Down Syndrome. My resources will include books, periodicals, the internet, and
an interview with a genetic counselor.
For my practical experience I will shadow my genetic counselor Shearon Roberts who works for
the Mission Hospital Genetic Center. Alongside Shearon I will work with genetic lab technician
Melissa Shook. Shearon will be my teacher who informs me all about Down Syndrome and what
her job as a counselor is like. Melissa will work with me in the lab and will show me how to run
tests on DNA. This will not cost me anything because Shearon has all the books I will be reading
and Melissa has all the equipment I will be using. I will spend at least 15 hours learning the
basics, being in the lab analyzing DNA as well as analyzing how people live with Down
Syndrome. To document my experience I will take pictures and journal my process as well as
accomplishments on my websites blog page every time I work.
I am well aware that plagiarism is not legal and I will not do it as it could lead to failing my
graduation project. I will use the MLA format to document all my citations properly.
Sincerely,

Jordyn Pennstrom
Attachments: Mentor/Parent Consent