STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated with the way technology affects people. I have always wanted to turn my passion into a force with which I can achieve something tangible. I believe the only way I can realize this is by pursuing a Master's program in Aerospace engineering from ____ University.
My natural interest and flair for Mathematics and Physics kept me in the top 1% of students at school. My thirst for technical knowledge spurred me to pursue Chemical Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus.
During the course of my undergraduate studies I was exposed to the vast expanse of Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics. This gave me a glimpse of the mathematics involved in momentum and energy transfer and an overview of how fluids interact with various objects.
I supplemented my theoretical studies with projects in these areas. I have always believed that a subject is best understood when one actually observes an abstract theory being realized by a practical system.
I also joined the Aerodynamics Group of our campus which consisted of students interested in learning the basics of aerodynamics and applying it practically. As part of the group we made different models of planes including a model P-51 Mustang with wing configuration designed to prevent tip stall and a vertical takeoff and landing vehicle based on the principles of the Coanda effect.
I have worked on projects relating to wind turbines under Prof. Alok Goyal of I.I.T. Bombay on turbine blades, particularly the aerofoil configuration used to obtain optimum output. I have also explored the potential of Airborne Wind Turbines as an alternative mode of exploiting the power of the wind, particularly in developing countries like India.
In my endeavor to equip myself with knowledge and skills in more facets of aerospace engineering, I built a quadrotor based aerial vehicle as part of a team project to gain experience in avionics. (Details of these projects can be found in my resume as well as on my personal website abhishekjain91.com).
The arena of engineering is an ever expanding one where the boundaries between its various fields are becoming increasingly blurred. To have a multidisciplinary approach is the way forward. Consequently, I have been deeply involved in Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Aerial Robotics and Algorithm development. My interest in these areas has been enhanced by the projects I have done.
One of the projects, which has given me immense satisfaction, is the development of an embedded system to improve the Emergency response services in a developing country like India (details on project-cpa.com). It also led to the publishing of a paper titled "Intelligent system for quick response to city-wide emergency calls".
This along with my projects on Aerodynamics has given me an insight into how research helps one to construct and recognize underlying assumptions and limitations, think creatively and develop new solutions to old problems.
The projects have also taught me the value of working in a team. They have reinforced my interest in research and instilled in me a strong belief that it is only with technology that the world's greatest problems can be solved.
Career Objectives
I would very much like to work in the area of Aerodynamics associated with renewable energy. The ways in which wind energy can contribute in giving the world a broader energy portfolio has always inspired me. The way in which I could contribute in this area is by delving into blade design optimization, weather forecasting and wind speed assessment for application in offshore as well as airborne wind energy turbines.
Over the past four years, I have become absolutely convinced that the path towards my goal will involve leveraging my current skills and abilities to make meaningful contributions in Aerospace Engineering. I am sure that it will be an exhilarating experience even though I will have to make personal sacrifices in terms of time and immediate reward.
Six or seven years from now, I see myself as part of a leading research group, giving significant inputs in the field of Aerospace engineering. A PhD/MS in Aerospace engineering is therefore a natural first step towards this goal.
My Preparation
The projects that I have been involved in and the rigors of my academic course have prepared me for a career in research. The necessity of conforming to a deadline, the purpose of continuously refining your methods, the benefits of arduous testing, the value of gathering and analyzing data, the ability to power through and recover from unproductive periods and failed experiments, finding alternative ways to attack problems and ultimately the most important fact of always going ground up from the fundamentals to solve your problems - these traits have become ingrained in me through a well-rounded and exacting curriculum coupled with the projects I have done.
It is my inherent nature to spend time and delve deep into a problem irrespective of time boundaries; this has affected my grades to a certain extent. However, given sufficient time I have always been able to show good results i.e. (A or B) in lab and project courses.
Reasons for selecting University
Based on input from my project supervisors, both at my institute and at I.I.T. Bombay and my own research I have concluded that the Aerospace Engineering program at (insert university name) is one of the best programs to pursue research in the field of Aerodynamics. The state of art facilities in <insert lab name> and the renowned faculty associated with them have been the driving force in my decision to apply to <university name>.
Conclusion
I am fully aware that a research career requires a constant, well-directed and whole--hearted effort I am also mindful of the kind of dedication, resilience and resolve that it calls for. I feel that I am adequately prepared, both in having the technical qualifications, and in having the right mind-set for research work. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with <university name>.
