Microbot
Nov 26, 2018
Graduate / Need Critique/Advice on Condensing the SoP - Microbiology PhD Program [6]
Dear @Holt this is my revision. As much as I could to my ability, it now still stands shy under 1200 words. I would like to hear your critic/feedback, maybe by rearranging some points, the 1000 words limit could finally be reached.
The pivotal point of my academic interest came when I first learned on synthetic biology. In May 2010, J. Craig Venter successfully led his team to create the first synthetic genomes in vivo. I was enthralled since this seminal breakthrough broke the boundaries on the definition of life as we know it. Using the synthetic genome as a chassis, I saw the possibility of plugging together genes from different species to create a programmable microbial cell capable of doing any programmed tasks, from producing high-value chemicals to sensing toxic substances in the environment. The accomplishment of Dr. Jay Keasling synthesizing the precursor of antimalarial drug artemisinin in yeast, allowing for a more cost-effective production and widespread use of the drug to save millions of lives, excited me even further. The tremendous potential of microbial synthetic biology to revolutionize the future galvanized me to obtain a Ph.D. and pursue research career on the field.
I have been long fascinated by the potential utilization of microbes for sustainability applications. In my undergraduate research under Prof. [3 words], I investigated oyster mushroom growth under five different magnetic field doses. Due to unexpectedly rampant contaminations, I had to repeat the already lengthy preparation multiple times which delayed my progress. By reducing the medium surface to shrink the exposed area for contamination, I solved this issue and successfully cultivate enough mushroom bodies for the experiment. My data indicated that a magnetic field of 0.8 mT increases fruiting body production by 17%, showing the potential of building a novel mushroom farming facility equipped with magnetic coils to improve productivity. From this first exposure, I learned that research can be frustrating, but the key to success is perseverance.
Eager to gain more experience, I enrolled in the [7 words] at [1 word] University. I worked to develop Microbial Electrochemical Cells (MXC) for H2O2 production from organic waste, supervised by Dr. [2 words]. Having had no logistics ready for the newly commenced project, I took the initiative by purchasing a simple cell and along with Mr. [2 words], a Ph.D. student, set off a series of preliminary runs to familiarize ourselves with the setup. Notwithstanding the lack of standardized methods to MXC optimization, we kept on building, testing, and improving our cell designs. During the cathodic optimization, we obtained the H2O2 yield of ~60 mg/L using a RVC 80 cathode after 3 h. Continuous MXC run using a mixed inoculum also generated a high 1.59 A/m2 of current after 18 days of operation. My contribution was recognized in [5 words]. More importantly, I learned that research demands persistence to overcome any uncertainty. With many possible approaches to a problem, we will never know which one would work unless we try.
In summer 2015, I did an internship project at [4 words], [2 words] under the [5 words] Certificate, as one of the first two [1 word] students selected for the program. My project is on techno-economic analysis of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) production from sugarcane molasses, supervised by Dr. [2 words]. By adopting a design based on patents owned by Genomatica on BDO production methods using an engineered E. coli strain, I built a proof-of-concept demonstrating that building a molasses-to-BDO plant in South Africa could generate [1 word] 2 billion over 10 years, with ROI of ~720% and payback period of only 1.5 months. The encouragement from my supervisor, that my goal is more to learn than getting correct results, motivated me to successfully complete the project on time despite having no prior background on the topic. I acknowledged that learning is a tiring endeavor, but the valuable knowledge to be obtained is always worth the pain.
Looking further back, my achievements in Biology Olympiad competitions during high school was a stepping stone to my career and has nurtured my passion in biology. Being privileged to this life-changing experience, I want to inspire the next generation in Indonesia and break the prevailing stigma that biology is a less-regarded discipline, only deal with memorizing scientific names and anatomical parts. For nine years, I have dedicated myself as an instructor at the [6 words], training young biologist to represent [1 word] for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Spending time with these enthusiastic kids motivated me to get back on track after struggling with my academics entering the sophomore year due to a heavier course load, allowing me to still graduate with a [number] GPA. Having risen through the ranks, at IBO 2018 I was appointed as one of the jury members from the Indonesian delegation. One of my proposed problem questions was selected by the organizing committee as part of the theoretical exam, which was taken by 261 students from 68 countries. With a Ph.D., I hope to expand my credentials and contributing to a wider and more diverse community.
The Microbiology Graduate Program at [2 words] is my top choice for its interdepartmental approach and housing many faculties working in my area of interests. Complimentary to my experience and previously acquired skill set, I am keen to learn the genetic manipulation of microbes to produce valuable products from sustainable feedstocks. I wish to pursue my work at Dr. [2 words] lab in engineering isoprenoid and fatty acid metabolisms in E. coli and yeast to produce biofuels. This would be of a strong relevance to [1 word] as my country has been overly reliant on fossil fuels that every rise in gasoline price often leads to a public uproar. I am also excited by the work of Dr. [2 words] on engineering pathways to convert plant biomass to biopolymers. I hope to be trained rigorously not only in microbiology, genetic engineering, and fermentation techniques but also computational biology and high-throughput analytical methods. I am also ready to widening my interests to programmable genetic control systems, specifically Dr. [2 words] work in redirecting carbon flux to improve pathway efficiency and Dr. [2 words] work in tunable RNA devices. Their expertise will armed me with a strong mastery of synthetic biology tools to exploit microorganisms for the human benefit.
I was so fortunate to visit [2 words] in spring 2016 for the [7 words] and got the chance to interact with Dr. [2 words] himself. The strong affiliations with the [4 words] and previously the [4 words] further convinced me that [2 words] is the premier destination to pursue research on sustainability applications of microbiology. The vibrant location as one of the biggest biotech hubs in the world assures me I would feel at home in [1 word] and have all resources to grow and succeed to become a microbial synthetic biologist. After graduation, I plan to pursue postdoctoral studies in industry and then return to [1 word] to develop a bio-based economy through synthetic biology research and train a new generation of synthetic biologists.
Having a history of commitment to excellence, I am confident I have the tools and the determination to grow as a mature and productive scientist at [2 words] . I truly hope that [2 words] will give me the opportunity to join the Microbiology Graduate Program.
Dear @Holt this is my revision. As much as I could to my ability, it now still stands shy under 1200 words. I would like to hear your critic/feedback, maybe by rearranging some points, the 1000 words limit could finally be reached.
The pivotal point of my academic interest came when I first learned on synthetic biology. In May 2010, J. Craig Venter successfully led his team to create the first synthetic genomes in vivo. I was enthralled since this seminal breakthrough broke the boundaries on the definition of life as we know it. Using the synthetic genome as a chassis, I saw the possibility of plugging together genes from different species to create a programmable microbial cell capable of doing any programmed tasks, from producing high-value chemicals to sensing toxic substances in the environment. The accomplishment of Dr. Jay Keasling synthesizing the precursor of antimalarial drug artemisinin in yeast, allowing for a more cost-effective production and widespread use of the drug to save millions of lives, excited me even further. The tremendous potential of microbial synthetic biology to revolutionize the future galvanized me to obtain a Ph.D. and pursue research career on the field.
I have been long fascinated by the potential utilization of microbes for sustainability applications. In my undergraduate research under Prof. [3 words], I investigated oyster mushroom growth under five different magnetic field doses. Due to unexpectedly rampant contaminations, I had to repeat the already lengthy preparation multiple times which delayed my progress. By reducing the medium surface to shrink the exposed area for contamination, I solved this issue and successfully cultivate enough mushroom bodies for the experiment. My data indicated that a magnetic field of 0.8 mT increases fruiting body production by 17%, showing the potential of building a novel mushroom farming facility equipped with magnetic coils to improve productivity. From this first exposure, I learned that research can be frustrating, but the key to success is perseverance.
Eager to gain more experience, I enrolled in the [7 words] at [1 word] University. I worked to develop Microbial Electrochemical Cells (MXC) for H2O2 production from organic waste, supervised by Dr. [2 words]. Having had no logistics ready for the newly commenced project, I took the initiative by purchasing a simple cell and along with Mr. [2 words], a Ph.D. student, set off a series of preliminary runs to familiarize ourselves with the setup. Notwithstanding the lack of standardized methods to MXC optimization, we kept on building, testing, and improving our cell designs. During the cathodic optimization, we obtained the H2O2 yield of ~60 mg/L using a RVC 80 cathode after 3 h. Continuous MXC run using a mixed inoculum also generated a high 1.59 A/m2 of current after 18 days of operation. My contribution was recognized in [5 words]. More importantly, I learned that research demands persistence to overcome any uncertainty. With many possible approaches to a problem, we will never know which one would work unless we try.
In summer 2015, I did an internship project at [4 words], [2 words] under the [5 words] Certificate, as one of the first two [1 word] students selected for the program. My project is on techno-economic analysis of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) production from sugarcane molasses, supervised by Dr. [2 words]. By adopting a design based on patents owned by Genomatica on BDO production methods using an engineered E. coli strain, I built a proof-of-concept demonstrating that building a molasses-to-BDO plant in South Africa could generate [1 word] 2 billion over 10 years, with ROI of ~720% and payback period of only 1.5 months. The encouragement from my supervisor, that my goal is more to learn than getting correct results, motivated me to successfully complete the project on time despite having no prior background on the topic. I acknowledged that learning is a tiring endeavor, but the valuable knowledge to be obtained is always worth the pain.
Looking further back, my achievements in Biology Olympiad competitions during high school was a stepping stone to my career and has nurtured my passion in biology. Being privileged to this life-changing experience, I want to inspire the next generation in Indonesia and break the prevailing stigma that biology is a less-regarded discipline, only deal with memorizing scientific names and anatomical parts. For nine years, I have dedicated myself as an instructor at the [6 words], training young biologist to represent [1 word] for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Spending time with these enthusiastic kids motivated me to get back on track after struggling with my academics entering the sophomore year due to a heavier course load, allowing me to still graduate with a [number] GPA. Having risen through the ranks, at IBO 2018 I was appointed as one of the jury members from the Indonesian delegation. One of my proposed problem questions was selected by the organizing committee as part of the theoretical exam, which was taken by 261 students from 68 countries. With a Ph.D., I hope to expand my credentials and contributing to a wider and more diverse community.
The Microbiology Graduate Program at [2 words] is my top choice for its interdepartmental approach and housing many faculties working in my area of interests. Complimentary to my experience and previously acquired skill set, I am keen to learn the genetic manipulation of microbes to produce valuable products from sustainable feedstocks. I wish to pursue my work at Dr. [2 words] lab in engineering isoprenoid and fatty acid metabolisms in E. coli and yeast to produce biofuels. This would be of a strong relevance to [1 word] as my country has been overly reliant on fossil fuels that every rise in gasoline price often leads to a public uproar. I am also excited by the work of Dr. [2 words] on engineering pathways to convert plant biomass to biopolymers. I hope to be trained rigorously not only in microbiology, genetic engineering, and fermentation techniques but also computational biology and high-throughput analytical methods. I am also ready to widening my interests to programmable genetic control systems, specifically Dr. [2 words] work in redirecting carbon flux to improve pathway efficiency and Dr. [2 words] work in tunable RNA devices. Their expertise will armed me with a strong mastery of synthetic biology tools to exploit microorganisms for the human benefit.
I was so fortunate to visit [2 words] in spring 2016 for the [7 words] and got the chance to interact with Dr. [2 words] himself. The strong affiliations with the [4 words] and previously the [4 words] further convinced me that [2 words] is the premier destination to pursue research on sustainability applications of microbiology. The vibrant location as one of the biggest biotech hubs in the world assures me I would feel at home in [1 word] and have all resources to grow and succeed to become a microbial synthetic biologist. After graduation, I plan to pursue postdoctoral studies in industry and then return to [1 word] to develop a bio-based economy through synthetic biology research and train a new generation of synthetic biologists.
Having a history of commitment to excellence, I am confident I have the tools and the determination to grow as a mature and productive scientist at [2 words] . I truly hope that [2 words] will give me the opportunity to join the Microbiology Graduate Program.
