May 24, 1995

Dr. H. S. Caplan, Head
Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
University of Saskatchewan
116 Science Place
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 5E2

Dear Dr. Caplan:

I wish to apply for the position of Assistant Professor in the
Department of Physics and Engineering Physics.  My curriculum vitae
follows this letter, but I would like here to set out some of my
qualifications for this position.

As a new research associate without significant prior hardware
experience, I managed the development of a major new airglow imager,
from specification and design to calibration and installation.  I
led the mechanical and optical design efforts and coordinated a
diverse team of technical and scientific personnel.  The imager
has performed exceptionally well under extremely harsh conditions
and has acquired data of unprecedented quality on the polar atmosphere
and ionosphere.  While managing the ongoing operation of the imager, I
have carried forward the analysis of the data, with one manuscript
nearing completion and two other studies in progress.

On the strength of the above work I proposed a research plan to the
Canadian Space Agency.  I was awarded a 3-year contract to study polar
ionospheric and atmospheric processes as they relate to the space and
terrestrial environments.

During this period I also taught a summer session survey course in
Physics.  I received an exceptionally high rating in the student
evaluation, and a spontaneous ovation at the close of the final lecture.
I have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, and to
contributing to undergraduate and graduate education in physics.

With my skills and experience, I am confident that I can make a
significant contribution to the teaching and research in the Department.
I look forward to hearing from you and the selection committee in the
next few weeks.

Yours truly,


David P. Steele, Ph.D.

P.S.  Please note the addition of Prof. J. S. Murphree as a referee on
page 4 of my c.v.