My name is X, and I am applying to the Master program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at KAIST for the Fall 2026 semester. I am currently a senior student majoring in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at Y University.
My academic and research interests lie in understanding and engineering the structure and properties of nanomaterials through both computational and experimental methods. I'm always curious about how the materials' behaviors evolve at the atomic scale. This curiosity motivated me to pursue research early in my undergraduate years, beginning with a position as a research assistant at the Quantum Materials laboratory of Professor Z, one of the developers of Quantum ESPRESSO, a widely used computational materials science software.
My first project involved investigating the optical properties of Eu3+ doped AlPO4 photocatalyst powder using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Because I had no prior experience with DFT, the beginning was quite challenging. However, I maintained a positive mindset and realized that the only way to overcome these difficulties was to work harder and harder. I began by studying various English textbooks and deepening my understanding through relevant papers. I often received advice from my supervisor about his research experience, focusing on how he overcame obstacles. Working in this way helped me develop a deeper understanding of DFT and I obtained several interesting results from this project. This work led to my first publication in the Proceedings of the 13th Vietnam National Conference on Solid State Physics and Materials Science.
From this initial success, I was assigned another project, which also became my final-year thesis. This project was more application-oriented and challenging. In addition to DFT, I learned Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to support my study. By combining two methods, I elucidated the mechanism and kinetics of Pt deposition process, which are relevant to fuel cell catalyst design. Despite many challenges, I successfully published my first paper as first author in a Q1-ranked ACS journal, a reputable and influential journal in the field of Materials Science. It partly demonstrates my ability and effort in conducting scientific research.
To complement my computational study, I joined Professor A's laboratory to gain hands-on experience in nanomaterials synthesis. There, I synthesized Pt nanoparticles on graphene using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique, which helped me validate my theoretical predictions and understand the practical challenges of thin-film growth. Working on both simulations and experiments provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of nanomaterial behavior from multiple perspectives.
I chose KAIST over other institutions because of my direct experience as a research intern in Professor B's laboratory, Deparment of Physics. I worked on fabricating optical microcavities using 2D materials, I had the opportunity to work with advanced equipment and conduct experiments in a high-quality cleanroom. This experience confirmed that KAIST is an ideal place for me, not only because of its global reputation, but also because it provides an environment that can strongly support to my research.
During my undergraduate studies, I took several courses related to semiconductors, such as Semiconductor Materials, Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuit Fabrication Technology, and Electronic Materials and Components. These courses introduced me to the fundamental properties of semiconductors and their operating principles in electronic devices, which I found truly fascinating. This academic foundation strengthened my interest in semiconductor research and motivated me to pursue graduate study in this field. Building on this background, I am particularly excited to work with Professor C on synthesizing 2D semiconductor materials using advanced deposition technology (ALD), as it aligns closely with my interests and experience.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the semiconductor field. I believe KAIST will provide a strong foundation for this path through practical learning, access to cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with talented researchers from around the world. I also hope that I could contribute positively to this field by high-quality research during my time at KAIST, as well as partly strengthen the Korea-Vietnam relationships in engineering and research.
My academic and research interests lie in understanding and engineering the structure and properties of nanomaterials through both computational and experimental methods. I'm always curious about how the materials' behaviors evolve at the atomic scale. This curiosity motivated me to pursue research early in my undergraduate years, beginning with a position as a research assistant at the Quantum Materials laboratory of Professor Z, one of the developers of Quantum ESPRESSO, a widely used computational materials science software.
My first project involved investigating the optical properties of Eu3+ doped AlPO4 photocatalyst powder using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Because I had no prior experience with DFT, the beginning was quite challenging. However, I maintained a positive mindset and realized that the only way to overcome these difficulties was to work harder and harder. I began by studying various English textbooks and deepening my understanding through relevant papers. I often received advice from my supervisor about his research experience, focusing on how he overcame obstacles. Working in this way helped me develop a deeper understanding of DFT and I obtained several interesting results from this project. This work led to my first publication in the Proceedings of the 13th Vietnam National Conference on Solid State Physics and Materials Science.
From this initial success, I was assigned another project, which also became my final-year thesis. This project was more application-oriented and challenging. In addition to DFT, I learned Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to support my study. By combining two methods, I elucidated the mechanism and kinetics of Pt deposition process, which are relevant to fuel cell catalyst design. Despite many challenges, I successfully published my first paper as first author in a Q1-ranked ACS journal, a reputable and influential journal in the field of Materials Science. It partly demonstrates my ability and effort in conducting scientific research.
To complement my computational study, I joined Professor A's laboratory to gain hands-on experience in nanomaterials synthesis. There, I synthesized Pt nanoparticles on graphene using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique, which helped me validate my theoretical predictions and understand the practical challenges of thin-film growth. Working on both simulations and experiments provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of nanomaterial behavior from multiple perspectives.
I chose KAIST over other institutions because of my direct experience as a research intern in Professor B's laboratory, Deparment of Physics. I worked on fabricating optical microcavities using 2D materials, I had the opportunity to work with advanced equipment and conduct experiments in a high-quality cleanroom. This experience confirmed that KAIST is an ideal place for me, not only because of its global reputation, but also because it provides an environment that can strongly support to my research.
During my undergraduate studies, I took several courses related to semiconductors, such as Semiconductor Materials, Semiconductor Devices and Integrated Circuit Fabrication Technology, and Electronic Materials and Components. These courses introduced me to the fundamental properties of semiconductors and their operating principles in electronic devices, which I found truly fascinating. This academic foundation strengthened my interest in semiconductor research and motivated me to pursue graduate study in this field. Building on this background, I am particularly excited to work with Professor C on synthesizing 2D semiconductor materials using advanced deposition technology (ALD), as it aligns closely with my interests and experience.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the semiconductor field. I believe KAIST will provide a strong foundation for this path through practical learning, access to cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with talented researchers from around the world. I also hope that I could contribute positively to this field by high-quality research during my time at KAIST, as well as partly strengthen the Korea-Vietnam relationships in engineering and research.
