Graduate / With the sole dream of pursuing my passion, augmented by the strong desire to be exceptional at it.. [3]

Here I am attaching my SOP for graduate school for evaluation. Would really appreciate any advice. Do let me know if I should clarify something..

Thanks
Ayush

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SOP for University of Buffalo

With the sole dream of pursuing my passion, augmented by the strong desire to be exceptional at it, I entered Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. Having the strong inclination to create since childhood, from building an airplane to an all-terrain vehicle, all out of household stuff and a few spare motors, Engineering seemed the perfect match. This unquenchable thirst for creation and taking up new challenges found a path when I read about the stepped breakwater wall structure used in The World Islands of Dubai for the gradual dissipation of waves while maintaining the view to the sea. Similarly, the construction of earthquake resistant structures using the revolutionary spherical base sliding isolation system proves the infinite potential of the human mind to solve seemingly impossible tasks and thus I knew that Civil Engineering was the path I would tread. These, coupled with my experiences during graduation, have made me firm about my decision to pursue research in the field of Civil Engineering in the University of Buffalo.

Since my fresher year I tried to increase my exposure to the various opportunities that being a Civil Engineer entailed. I worked as an intern for Unity Infraprojects Ltd. on the construction site of Mandoli prison complex which made me aware of various possibilities for a B.Tech graduate. Later, unsatisfied by the lack of a thought provoking and innovative environment in the prospects of Civil Engineering after Graduation, I skewed my interest towards research.

After completing my sophomore year I joined an ongoing research project during my intern at IYTE, Turkey on the topic of "Effect of Permeability and Compressibility on Liquefaction Assessment of silty soils using cone penetration resistance". This experience unraveled my true passion for Civil Engineering such that along with the assigned lab work of experiments involved with the laminar box and shake table for Earthquake simulation and data analysis I used my skills in programming and helped with the interpretation of Data by Scilab on GnuPlot and the development of an algorithm for simulation and graphical representation of vibrations in the soil sample. I intend to put my programming skills to use to best utilize the supercomputing facility, CCR at the University of Buffalo for making breakthroughs in Civil Engineering.

Later that year, as my minor project, I worked on the "Fatigue life Assessment of Reinforced concrete member" using recursive algorithm in MatLab. During my final year, as my B.Tech Project, I worked on "Planning and design of Hydropower project on Alaknanda River" where the tasks included preparation of land use map, water availability studies for power generation, estimation and costing of materials along with detailed structural drawings. This gave me an opportunity to completely apply all the spheres of my knowledge in one real-life task.

After my graduation I started preparing for my graduate studies. Appeared for the GRE and later joined Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai as a research intern where I am currently working on "Extracting 2D drawings from a TLS scan data" and also preparing a 3D model from it. The TLS is based on LIDAR technology which collects a point cloud from which a 2D projection is created in AutoCAD using UNDET plugin tools. I have also been on site for the collection of data and to get a better understanding of the working of the TLS.

These experiences have bolstered my desire to pursue masters in this field and follow the field of research. Along with the academics I have actively participated in extracurriculars, from being a highly active member of the Choreography and Dance section and organizing and participating in various events for it to being selected as a member of the Athletics team for the prestigious National Sports Organization and even to being captain of the institute Counterstrike team and taking part in various other intriguing competitions. My quest for innovation drove me to being awarded Second prize in the Intellectual Property Rights Cell Competition for the "Skipping Speed Boat". I designed a speed boat that increased its "skipping time" during its high speed tread due to the specialized aerodynamics of it. This reduced the resistance from the water surface and thus helped it attain very high speeds.

These activities taught me the much needed lessons of discipline, time management, working with and managing a group and also leadership skills which are essential in all aspects of life. During my experience as a choreographer I also learnt being patient, empathizing and engaging in conversations, explanations and demonstrations.

I, having found my initial inspiration in Earthquake resistant structures, am really looking forward to researching at the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Lab (SEESL). SEESL, with its high payload capacity shake tables and the two storied bi-axial Non-structural Component Simulator, along with the CCR at UB will definitely provide the platform I need to pursue my passion. Along with the academics, the association of UB with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division I) will greatly amplify my skills as an athlete and will help bring out the best of my capabilities. Being a dance enthusiast and an active stage performer myself, I am looking forward to attending and, if possible, performing in the activities of the Department of Theatre and Dance in The College of Arts and Sciences.

Having considered every aspect of graduate program at University at Buffalo, I am sure that it is perfect for me to follow my ambitions and passions. Given the opportunity and adequate funding, I would prove highly valuable to the already spectacular microcosm that is UB.

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