1. Organic Analytical Laboratory
Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512
Reno, NV
Re: Recommendation for Alexandra Masaitis, Ph.D. in Environmental Science,
University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
THE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
I currently hold the position as Assistant Research Professor and Director of the Organic
Analytical Laboratory in the Division of Atmospheric Sciences of the Desert Research
Institute (DRI) in Reno, Nevada. The DRI is an autonomous research division of the
University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN). I have been active in
the air pollution field for more than ten years and specialized in the analysis of organic
compounds in ambient air and emission sources.
I know Mrs. Alexandra Masaitis from fall 2012, when she was studying under my
supervision in “Atmospheric Pollution” class. During this time, she showed that she is a
talented student, scientific researcher, and very intelligent person; she can conduct any
scientific research and task with initiative and thoughtfulness. During the spring 2013,
Alexandra successfully completed the advanced level course with laboratories and field
experience for the Air Pollution Measurement and Data Analyze in the Desert Research
Institute, Reno, NV. Currently, I am joining the Graduation Committee of Alexandra and
can observe her scientific progress.

2. Alexandra has an interdisciplinary background in booth environmental science and social
science in the level if international environmental regulation, that obviously help her
perfectly understand the scientific fundament for environmental protection as well the
mechanisms and methods for the environmental policy. More important that her
background include experience from both developed and developing countries, that give
her a great bonus for the understanding the environmental challenges around the world.
As a person who worked more than five years to monitored the environmental challenges
in NV, I can confirm how significant Alexandra’s research for the local community. The
idea about Good Neighbor Agreement as a new type of mechanism for developing a
partnership between the communities and the mining industry, will not only support
people who have impact on the mine industry in NV, but increase the level of education
and participation in decision-making process. It’s a critical for the NV residents, because
mine is a primary industry here, and current people do not involve enough for being the
self-confidence. The success of Alexandra’s research based on scientific data but, also in
her work with people. Moreover, Alexandra has an active relationship with the mine
companies here, that give her a perfect access to the information and reports to the
regulation agencies from the mine. That data is an accurate base for developing
international standards for the response mining. The current conditions in the mining
sector not only in NV but all mining states in US show the necessary to create the new
methods of communications between the mine and people. The new level of community
participation in the mining process and Good Neighbor Agreement as an innovative
mechanism is a perfect way for that task.
Apparently that Alexandra’s research perfectly fit for the intellectual merit and broader
impact criteria. Her research has interdisciplinary base that will have a significant effect
on the international communities for achieving a sustainable future. This is innovative
and brave project, which can bring a significant contribution to our life.
I characterize Mrs. Alexandra Masaitis as a very motivated student, and it has been very
pleasant to supervise her scientific research in Environmental Science field. Alexandra is
the perfect team player (that shows her relationships with students and co – workers in
the Research Facility in UNR). She is always trying to understand the fundamental

3. principal what she learned and also she try to know dipper about the study subjects that
it’s regarded for the program. She is easily creating the new ideas and makes that idea
interesting for the people around her. She can quickly find the answer from a difficult
task, and this is the answer always will be very innovative and maximum effective. I
know Alexandra as a workaholic person, which has a perfect time management skills,
like ability to made productive result in a short period. I can talk that she has high-stress
stability.
It is my immense pleasure to recommend one of my best students, Mrs. Alexandra
Masaitis, for her any environmental science positions.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Vera Samburova
Assistant Research Professor
Organic Analytical Laboratory
Desert Research Institute
Reno, Nevada
e-mail: vera.samburova@dri.edu
phone: (775)674-7149