Graduate / SOP for Automatic Control Engineering at Polimi [2]

Prompt - A letter of motivation (also called a "statement of purpose" or "personal essay") is a brief essay in which you explain what you hope to achieve, as well as what qualifies you as a top candidate for the admission, why you selected that specific programme, and why you have chosen Politecnico di Milano among other universities. (max. 2 pages each)

There are about 660,000 people with severe visual impairments in Ghana, leaving these individuals unable to navigate their surroundings autonomously. As I worked on developing a vision-based assistive device for visually impaired individuals, I came to realise not only the profound impact that technology could have on empowering these communities but also the gaps in my knowledge that would need to be addressed to make such solutions more effective. This realisation informed my decision to pursue graduate studies. I recognise that affordable, low-resource solutions are essential for real-world impact, and I aim to develop a robust visual perception and planning system optimised for real-time, low-power devices. To achieve this, I seek to deepen my expertise in perception and planning and believe the Automatic Control and Engineering program at Politecnico di Milano offers the ideal foundation to help build and conduct impactful research on such systems. Ultimately, I aspire to become an academic working on problems on robust visual perception and planning systems optimised for real-time assistive technology, and to achieve this, I will need a deep technical understanding along with valuable research experience.
I believe that this program perfectly aligns with my goals because it has a strong foundation in vision and robotics, demonstrated through modules such as "Robust Control," "Perception, Localisation, and Mapping for Mobile Robots," and "Image Analysis and Computer Vision." In the "Image Analysis and Computer Vision" course, I aim to gain a thorough understanding of computer vision, including its current challenges, and explore ways to advance the field. I will use this understanding to evaluate various computer vision models and choose and implement the best for my applications, as well as conduct research in this field. I am also excited to take "Robust Control." This course will help me understand how real-world systems are subject to various types of uncertainties and will equip me to design controllers that maintain stability and performance in unpredictable environments like those my assistive devices would be navigating. Furthermore, through "Perception, Localisation, and Mapping for Mobile Robots," I will learn about techniques like visual odometry and probabilistic methods that help estimate a robot's position when GPS data is unreliable or unavailable. With this understanding, I would be able to create accurate localisation, which is crucial for any mobile robot, especially in environments where GPS will not be effective like indoor settings for my assistive device.
Aside from the knowledge I would acquire through coursework, I also find the research environment at Politecnico di Milano stimulating and aligned with my goals. I find Prof. X's work on human-robot collaboration fascinating, as it directly aligns with my goal of ensuring safe and efficient robot-human interaction in dynamic environments. The professor's approach of using danger zones for collision avoidance and real-time trajectory optimisation aligns with my interest in designing vision-based assistive robots that can safely navigate while maintaining high efficiency. Research experience in his lab would also provide me with research training in preparation for a PhD.
I anticipate that this program will be enlightening and challenge me beyond my potential. I firmly believe based on my previous experience that I have been adequately prepared to take on this task. My academic background in electrical engineering has provided me with a solid foundation in control systems, which I am excited to deepen in your program. Furthermore, I developed a strong grasp of feedback, stability, and robust control techniques, applied to complex real-world systems, during my undergraduate coursework.
Additionally, during my time at a robotics summer school, I gained a brief introduction to simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) and trajectory planning, which I aim to deepen through this master's program. Also, I gained hands-on experience programming a semi-autonomous robot to navigate complex, obstacle-filled environments. Working with Robotic Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo, I used mapping and localisation packages to achieve reliable path planning in dynamic settings. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of robust localisation and increased my interest in learning more about such systems. I aim to expand on these skills during the program and to develop advanced control algorithms that support autonomous navigation in unstructured environments, such as urban areas.
Moreover, a significant part of my robotics experience has been in computer vision, where I've applied perception techniques to extract meaningful information from visual data. I independently acquired most of my computer vision knowledge by building various projects, including a system that combines a Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network (CRNN) for real-time scene text recognition and YOLO (You Only Look Once) for efficient obstacle detection in a user's path. This project gave me insight into the complexities of perception as it applies to robotics. Eager for more knowledge, I learnt the more advanced concepts such as domain adaptation and generative modelling at the Computer Vision Summer School. I hope to deepen my understanding of visual perception systems in your program and learn how to create robots that operate autonomously in visually complex environments, such as fields and urban spaces.
Working on vision-based assistive technology for visually impaired users highlighted the diverse skills that were needed, from advanced control systems to robust perception, motivating me to pursue graduate studies at Politecnico Milano. I am confident that the specialised coursework, research opportunities, and expert guidance offered by your program will equip me with the expertise necessary to turn my vision into reality. I look forward to growing as a researcher and making impactful advancements in robotics and automation through your graduate program.

Scholarship / Chevening Networking Essay - Wicked Problems [3]

Prompt - Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future.

Wicked problems that impact societies can never be solved in isolation. As a result, the ability to reach out to relevant individuals and work together towards a common goal is very important. I believe I possess these skills and have demonstrated them in various ways.
To me, networking is comparable to weaving a kente cloth where each thread represents an individual's skills and experiences, and when woven together, they create a rich and intricate design. During the Vision Summer School, I had the opportunity to apply this principle. We were tasked with forming groups for a hackathon, and I found myself in an environment where I didn't know anyone and therefore had no prior knowledge on their research interests or even skills. However, I embraced the challenge and began speaking with each and every participant, asking about their interests and projects. While I was enjoying talking to everyone about their interests and learning from everyone, I also identified like-minded individuals through these conversations. These individuals were smart people who had the aim of working on creating an assistive solution for visually impaired individuals, a field similar to a project that I had already worked on during my time in my lab.
We faced more issues. When it was time for us to develop a specific solution, I realized that everyone, including me, came to the discussion with different perspectives on the matter, perspectives that did not completely merge. This led to a situation where the rest of our group members were hesitant to share their ideas and were just comfortable working on only one person's ideas. This was not ideal, as I believe that everyone had something good to contribute. To break through this roadblock, I organized brainstorming sessions where I asked everyone questions on what they envisioned for the project. This straight-forward and collaborative approach led us to put our heads together, compromising in some aspects, to create a Question and Answer Mobile application for the visually impaired capable of effectively communicating in Swahili, Amharic, and English. Ultimately, our efforts led us to winning the competition and securing a mentor to help bring our solution to life.
This experience showed the value of networking and collaboration, highlighting how uniting individuals with shared interests can lead to innovative solutions and meaningful outcomes even if the approaches to the shared interests differ at first. In future projects, especially within the Chevening network, I hope to apply my networking skills to build diverse teams that bring levels of various expertise together. My network may also provide access to additional resources, knowledge, and support. Therefore, I would be able to use my connections to collaborate on projects that align with Chevening's goals, particularly in areas that impact communities in my Ghana.

Scholarship / Career Plan Chevening - Creating an AI innovation centre for long term [2]

Prompt - Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country.

After my postgraduate studies, I plan to return to my current research lab as their work relates directly to my main goal to solve problems in Ghana using AI. Our lab has numerous project ideas and some experience in areas like gender-based violence and healthcare, yet we face hurdles due to skill gaps and limited resources. By rejoining the lab, I can leverage the skills acquired through my Master's program to help bridge these gaps, allowing us to tackle these critical issues more effectively.
I also intend to establish a capacity-building program in collaboration with the research lab. This initiative would target the shortage of skilled AI professionals, especially women, in Ghana, offering specialised training on core topics such as computer vision algorithms, robotics and AI ethics. The technical and practical expertise I gain from my studies will be fundamental in crafting a curriculum and delivering classes to empower a new generation of engineers and researchers in Ghana to drive meaningful advancements in these fields.
The UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) initiatives, particularly the African Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), could provide essential support for my vision. Partnering with SGCI would open pathways for securing funding for AI and robotics projects, enabling our lab to develop impactful AI solutions in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, directly benefiting communities in Ghana.
After three years, I plan to pursue a PhD in AI, with a focus on domain shift and adaptation. This is to ensure that AI solutions I create remain relevant in diverse, often under-represented contexts, even in data-scarce environments like Ghana. My PhD research would concentrate on practical applications in Ghana, such as optimising diagnostic tools in healthcare.
My long-term goal is to establish an AI research and innovation centre in Ghana, dedicated to creating AI and robotics solutions tailored for Africa. This centre would serve as a collaborative space for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to address unique challenges across the continent. In addition to driving technological advancements, the centre would serve as a training hub, providing skills development and job opportunities for young Ghanaians, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth.
Furthermore, I envision collaborating with the FCDO through initiatives such as the UK-Ghana Partnership for Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) to ensure that our AI projects are accessible to under-represented groups in STEM, including women and marginalised communities. This would involve mentorship programs specifically tailored for women in computer vision and robotics, empowering them to engage in and lead transformative projects.
The Chevening network and its global reach are valuable, as they would connect me with alumni and experts who can provide valuable insights into establishing sustainable AI initiatives in Ghana. Its emphasis on leadership development would further strengthen my ability to drive impactful projects and build partnerships with UK organisations, fostering lasting change in Ghana and beyond.

Scholarship / Study in the UK Essay for Chevening - Modules and Access to Research Labs [3]

Prompt- Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future.

The UK's advancements in robotics and computer vision make it an ideal environment for an AI professional like myself. Studying there would allow me to connect with startup leaders and innovators, gaining insights on building an AI research institute for robotics in Ghana. The international focus of UK universities also offers opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives, broadening my perspective.
The courses I have chosen cover essential areas such as computer vision, advanced control, machine learning, and robotic navigation. Together, they will equip me to design intelligent, adaptive systems, preparing me to develop autonomous robots for applications in autonomous systems and assistive devices. I am particularly motivated to apply these skills in Ghana's health and agriculture sectors.
Though similar in content, each program offers unique advantages aligned with my professional goals. For instance, the Master's program in Robotics at the University of Sheffield includes a machine learning and data modeling course focused on unsupervised methods, which is essential for creating data efficient solutions to combat data scarcity in Ghana. I am also particularly interested in the opportunities in the Vision Lab, as I would be able to collaborate on cutting-edge research focused on assistive technologies. This environment would allow me to apply my skills in computer vision and machine learning to develop innovative solutions that enhance accessibility.
Additionally, Heriot-Watt University stands out due to Prof. X's expertise in vision-based robotics with a focus on computational efficiency, a critical skill for developing AI in resource-limited settings like Ghana. Finally, the University of Plymouth offers an opportunity to work with Prof. Y, whose research on vision-based robotics in challenging environments aligns with my interest in developing adaptable systems for diverse conditions, from low-light to adverse weather.
The program will be challenging, but my academic and professional backgrounds have prepared me to face it. I earned a First Class bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, providing a solid foundation for further studies. My knowledge of robotics and computer vision expanded through the Robotics Summer School and the Computer Vision Summer School, where I learned the basics of computer vision. At Robotics Summer School, I programmed semi-autonomous vehicles using ROS, gaining practical experience in robotics and real-time system integration. I also explored advanced topics like 3D vision techniques and trajectory planning, enhancing my ability to develop robots that navigate complex scenarios.
I have also worked on various AI and robotics projects, including developing a deep-learning-powered assistive device for the visually impaired, which reinforced my commitment to creating accessible solutions through machine vision and adaptive AI. Additionally, I contributed to a Visual Question Answering (VQA) model that integrated translation models with a GPT-based question-answering system in Swahili.
In summary, my academic background and practical experiences have prepared me to excel in advanced study at the aforementioned universities. I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I gain to contribute to impactful projects in robotics and computer vision, particularly in health and agriculture in Ghana.

Scholarship / My Vision for AI in Ghana - Leadership and Influence Chevening [4]

My vision is for Ghana to build a thriving AI economy that tackles its unique challenges and keeps pace with global advancements, unlike in the past industrial revolutions. Although AI has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of Ghanaians, proliferation is hampered by issues such as a shortage of qualified workers, data scarcity, and poor digital infrastructure. Among other things, I believe that passionate, proactive leadership is key to overcoming these obstacles, and I am committed to being one of those leaders driving Ghana's AI transformation.

I was not born a leader but became one through the problems I identified and the steps I took to contribute to solving them. As I mentioned earlier, one main problem of AI adoption in Ghana is the lack of skilled personnel. My experience in capacity-building, especially as a mentor, has allowed me to address this gap directly by empowering others with the skills and confidence to pursue AI and technology. As a mentor at SheCodes Club at my university, I noticed that many female students felt apprehensive about programming and robotics. My goal was to not only teach them technical skills but also to inspire confidence and provide tailored support to help them engage fully with these fields. Through weekly classes, I guided them in programming and robotics, gradually transforming their initial hesitations into enthusiasm. When they faced challenges, I shared my own experiences of failure and perseverance, encouraging them to see setbacks as opportunities for growth. I also adapted my teaching style to fit individual learning needs, ensuring each student received the support they needed. By the end, many students confidently applied their new skills to final-year projects, demonstrating the lasting impact a good leader has on creating skilled individuals.

Furthermore, most existing AI solutions. do not meet the continent's specific needs. Keeping this in mind, I joined a team during the Africa Computer Vision Summer School Hackathon focused on developing an assistive device. For me, leadership involves fostering an environment rich in discussion where every contribution matters while guiding these conversations toward a common goal. To promote open collaboration, I organized brainstorming sessions and actively encouraged all team members, who were often hesitant, to share their ideas. I used my experience in creating assistive devices and my observations of the AI landscape to guide the discussions toward a solution that resonated with the African visually impaired community. This approach steered our discussions toward a Question and Answering System capable of effectively communicating in Swahili, Amharic, and English. Ultimately, our collaborative efforts culminated in winning the competition and securing a mentor to help bring our solution to life.

In conclusion, my leadership journey has fueled my commitment to encouraging the widespread building of AI solutions in Africa. hrough the Chevening program, I will refine my skills to drive sustainable growth and inspire others, ensuring Ghana emerges as a leader in the global AI landscape.

Note: I would appreciate any help to make is essay better. Additionally, I want to maintain this problems of AI theme throughout my essays, is that alright also?