PhD in Biology/Biomedical Sciences..a brief draft

Born in a family where good education was always given the highest priority, I have had the wonderful opportunity to pursue my interests without any constraints of convention. It has been my consistent interest in Biology and Biomedical Sciences that has motivated me to a pursue a PhD in this field, an interest that first sparked while reading books by Oliver Sacks, Richard Dawkins, VS Ramachandran etc. back in the 10th grade.

At a time, when Biotech education was still in its infancy in India, I chose it for its merits as being research-centric. During bachelor's, I gained first-hand theoretical as well as practical exposure to techniques used in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Microbiology and Immunology. Seeking to enhance the scope of my knowledge in Biotechnology, I gained admission to a Master's degree (M.Sc) in Biotechnology winning a scholarship from the Government of India. Studying for the M.Sc degree and the various extra-curricular trainings during that time period allowed me to comprehend the whole aspect of research in biotechnology and allied sciences.

After completing M.Sc in the year 2009, I underwent an industrial training program at XXXX Laboratories Limited in New Delhi. Here, I designed and developed a prognostic assay for colorectal cancer which was further developed and patented by the company. But, because of my consistent interest in the field of Neuroscience, I approached Prof. XXXXX, one of the prominent neuroscientists of the country, to work on a research project. Prof. XXX's lab focuses on the study of neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuro-glial interaction. She allowed me to work on the project titled, "Neuroendocrine Dysfunction due to Anti-Epileptic Drugs in cycling female rats." It was while working at this place that I learned to apply my education in a proper research environment. With Prof. Kaur's constant support and encouragement, I was able to further hone my analytical abilities and made some major improvements in the previously standardized protocols. Working here not just trained me in techniques like Western Blotting, Immunochemistry, Northern Blotting, ELISA etc., but also developed a deep interest in areas like neurodegeneration and neuro-protection. I realized the importance of aligning my future career plans with my research experience and hence, work towards a PhD degree.

Other projects in the above lab, like studying the role of various factors in improving synaptic plasticity, neuro-glial interaction; neuro-degeneration due to oxidative agents, seemed to be equally fascinating. After reading about the research focus of many scientists at Syracuse University, I am convinced about this being a wonderful place for me to advance my research career in an area that I have come to be truly passionate about.

After completing PhD, I plan to continue with extensive research on various degenerative diseases. I also want to work on the development of complementary pharmacological interventions that are based on a better understanding of stem cell biology and CNS pathology. By pursuing clinically relevant research, I hope to bring the world closer to the daunting goal of developing safe and effective therapeutics for various neurological disorders. And it is with this thought, I look forward to putting my goals and dreams into action, and to being an asset to the School with great excitement and strong commitment.

I think it reflects more motivation, maturity and seriousness than most essays I've seen! You do not sound pompous at all, just very intelligent and dedicated.

Thanks Susan, that was very kind of you to say that. I have to make a few additions, hope you can go through that as well and let me know what you think.

I'll be on the lookout for it!

Hi Susan. I believe you couldn't go through my revised draft. In the meanwhile I have written another version. So, if you can, please go through this one. And, if you manage to go through all the three, please let me know which one would be the best to use. Thanks !!

As a young boy examining insects under a small microscope, little did I know then that one day I would actually pursue a career in Biology and work towards finding treatments to some of the most of the dreadful diseases afflicting mankind. But, through my perseverance and an inspiration from scientists who have gone before me, I have started taking little steps towards the fulfillment of this dream. It is my goal now to build upon the academic and technical training that I have already achieved with a doctorate from XXXX University.

It excites me to think the difference I can make in people's lives as a researcher by pursuing clinically relevant research. A major focus of my interest in Biological sciences is directed towards Neuroscience. I have always marveled at the level of sophistication and expertise nature has given us in the form of our nervous system, without which human survival would not have been possible. Driving to enhance the understanding of something so intricately bound to us, yet so subtle is a cause I find worth devoting my entire life.

Though Biology appealed to me from a very early age, but my affinity towards multidisciplinary training led me to pursue Bachelor's in Biotechnology, after studying Biology as the main subject during high school. This helped me incorporate diverse subject like Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, immunology, microbiology etc. B.Sc education helped me attain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals in the above subjects. Being very fascinated by these subjects, I followed up my undergraduate studies with a Master's in Biotechnology, by qualifying a national level exam and securing a scholarship from the Govt. of India. Doing a six-month dissertation on "Evaluation of polymorphism in the ITS regions of rDNA in four different species of fungus" and a number of extra-curricular trainings exposed me to the various aspects of research in biotech and allied sciences.

After M.Sc, I did an internship at OncQuest Laboratories Limited, New Delhi that gave me an opportunity to work in a focused research environment and identify my area of interest. I designed and developed a "Prognostic assay for colorectal cancer on the basis of mitochondrial mutations" which has recently been filed for a patent by the company.

The success at this internship attracted me further towards Biomedicine and I got in touch with various scientists across the country. I worked with Prof.Gurcharan Kaur, one of the prominent neuroscientists in the country, with a focus on neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuro-glial interaction. Under Prof.Kaur's guidance, I worked on the project, "Neuroendocrine Dysfunction due to Anti-Epileptic Drugs in cycling female rats." This experience helped me gain proficiency in various lab techniques and adopt a holistic approach towards the treatment of various degenerative diseases. We also collaborated with an NGO towards the rehabilitation of people afflicted by such diseases. All these experiences helped affirm my motivation to do a PhD and work for a very dear cause, i.e. treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Working with various charitable societies like Autism Society of India and The Pingalwara Foundation, I realized the plight of the people afflicted by various neurological diseases. Due to endemic poverty, most of these people do not have any access to rehabilitative systems. With the ultimate goal of changing this situation, after PhD I plan to continue my research in the development of novel pharmacological interventions. With my work, I hope to bring the world closer to the daunting goal of developing safe and effective therapeutics for various neurological disorders that would be accessible to all sections of the society

In searching for ways to further my knowledge and at the same time being able to help people led me to the world of Biology and Biomedicine. I know that by gaining admission to XXXX University and getting the opportunity to work closely with some very reputed scientists, I will surely be able to fulfill my aspirations. I look forward to putting my words into action and to being an asset to your program with strong commitment and great excitement.

Thank you very much for your consideration.