Physicist in Academia
I have always believed that graduate education is not only a continuation of undergraduate studies but a process in which one learns to focus in an area of interest and carry out independent research. Over time, my perception of science has changed as my understanding of physics developed and thanks to my undergraduate studies in Applied Physics I am more convinced that I have only barely touched upon the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
The journey started in my second year as an undergraduate, when, based on the recommendation of my course advisor, I decided to volunteer with the optics and photonics research laboratory group in order to gain research experience and familiarize myself with research laboratory environments. The photonics concept and technologies studied by the group included: interferometry, lasers, coherence, spectroscopy, electro-optics and liquid crystal modulators, optical fiber, optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, and light emitting diodes (LEDs). I took part in advanced open ended special projects which included the fabrication and characterization of working visible quantum diode lasers, silicon-on insulators (SOI) waveguides and arrayed waveguide settings, and holograms. The knowledge gained from volunteering with the optics and photonics laboratory group helped me develop a strong interest in photonics and was instrumental in my decision to carry out my undergraduate project work in the area of photonics. The project is entitled" Optical Injection Dynamics and Chaos Synchronization in Multi-Transverse mode Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VSELs)" and was carried out with an experimental approach.
My years as an undergraduate Physics student at the University xxxx were an exhilarating experience. The exhaustive and exacting nature of the program provided me with a preparative fundamental background for future research. Academically I have always been an achiever and I made sure I maintained high standards throughout my undergraduate days and this saw me finish in the top 5% of my competitive graduating class of 56 students. I believe that the fruitful past academic experiences I have had, my present grooming, and my focused and determined approach towards the future will be the main ingredients of my recipe for success in graduate school.
Albert Einstein once said 'problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them'. I believe this to be true, but I am also of the opinion that Physics represents all efforts which help human beings solve all their problems. Thus, I have decided to commit myself to a lifelong intellectual journey in Physics, by applying for graduate studies in order to learn and gain new skills to affect what is happening around me. I appreciate all that a degree in Physics has imbued in me, including the intellectual thirst to carry out interdisciplinary field research for a protracted length of time. I am sure I can achieve this thirst for pure research with a graduate degree in your institution. Particularly, I would love to be involved in research ranging from Photonics to Biophysics, where I can be involved in works that encompasses the properties of light, laser technologies, and life processes/biological systems.
I find xxxx, an excellent place for achieving my objectives. The state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty and the stimulating research work in various areas of science offers a promising environment for budding research enthusiasts like me. The strong industrial collaboration that it enjoys opens up a plethora of opportunities. After browsing through the programs website, I find that the Photonics material research group under the Applied Physics Division fits perfectly with my areas of research interest. I am also keen on learning more about the interdisciplinary applications of photonics to other scientific fields, especially in Biological/Medical sciences. Working in this area will enable me to carry out focused research while keeping me up to date with the latest developments in relevant technology.
In this rapidly evolving world, higher knowledge, wider exposure to practical experience, and involvement in more extensive research are essential to the development of a well-rounded Physicist and I hence look at your University to provide me with these opportunities.