Tell us about an engineering idea you have, or about your interest in engineering. Describe how your ideas and interests may be realized by - and linked to - specific resources within the College of Engineering. Finally, explain what a Cornell Engineering education will enable you to accomplish.
I held that tiny test tube, barely an inch long, against the dim lighting. Suddenly all the weeks of arduous and time-consuming tasks were justified; I made that. I realized in terms of contribution to science it did not qualify as anything remotely spectacular, but somehow I felt a sense of gratification.
It all started when I began reading Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything". Months after I was still plagued by disbelief and awe. There were countless scientists and engineers who selflessly devoted their lives towards the betterment of society and advancing of science, with only a few of them appreciated or remembered for their contributions, some tragically acknowledged only after their demise. Clair Patterson for example sacrificed a lifetime towards the banning of leaded petrol. He did not receive a Nobel Prize and was relatively unknown, and yet we all owe our good health to him. I could not fathom the intensity of passion that led these men to sacrifice all for the sake of science, yet I yearned to possess such passion for a field.
Curious as I was, I decided to apply for a chemical engineering internship at the University of Technology PETRONAS. I was accepted for a stint of a month at the chemical engineering department during my holidays. I decided to study the factors affecting the synthesis of biodiesel. I was incredibly positive at first; I had a rare opportunity to conduct research with absolute freedom and limitless resources. Unfortunately, my sparse laboratory skills acquired from the few experiments my high school could provide did not suffice, and I was feeling inadequate when the experiment failed repeatedly. I questioned the very point of my research. Despite that, something was nagging at me, and the idea of abandoning my research was painful. So I pulled myself together, and kept going with the help of many research/thesis books, finally succeeding after the umpteenth try.
I am still unable to identify what lies silently in the minds of these humble figures I admire, driving them to success with unwavering determination. All I know is that when I held that vial of biodiesel to be analysed using gas chromatography, I oddly enough felt like I had a reason to be here. At Cornell I believe I will acquire a holistic education in order to achieve this purpose. Not only will I be taught by incredible talented lecturers, but I will also have a chance to be immersed in a stimulating atmosphere of research and science. Cornell's affiliation with research especially in engineering is attractive since I will be able to develop myself into a savvy engineer with real-world skills. Even at an Undergraduate level I will have opportunities to hone these skills and apply my engineering knowledge in research and projects. Cornell's hands-on approach towards engineering and science is engaging and befitting for someone like me, who is active and scientifically curious.
I held that tiny test tube, barely an inch long, against the dim lighting. Suddenly all the weeks of arduous and time-consuming tasks were justified; I made that. I realized in terms of contribution to science it did not qualify as anything remotely spectacular, but somehow I felt a sense of gratification.
It all started when I began reading Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything". Months after I was still plagued by disbelief and awe. There were countless scientists and engineers who selflessly devoted their lives towards the betterment of society and advancing of science, with only a few of them appreciated or remembered for their contributions, some tragically acknowledged only after their demise. Clair Patterson for example sacrificed a lifetime towards the banning of leaded petrol. He did not receive a Nobel Prize and was relatively unknown, and yet we all owe our good health to him. I could not fathom the intensity of passion that led these men to sacrifice all for the sake of science, yet I yearned to possess such passion for a field.
Curious as I was, I decided to apply for a chemical engineering internship at the University of Technology PETRONAS. I was accepted for a stint of a month at the chemical engineering department during my holidays. I decided to study the factors affecting the synthesis of biodiesel. I was incredibly positive at first; I had a rare opportunity to conduct research with absolute freedom and limitless resources. Unfortunately, my sparse laboratory skills acquired from the few experiments my high school could provide did not suffice, and I was feeling inadequate when the experiment failed repeatedly. I questioned the very point of my research. Despite that, something was nagging at me, and the idea of abandoning my research was painful. So I pulled myself together, and kept going with the help of many research/thesis books, finally succeeding after the umpteenth try.
I am still unable to identify what lies silently in the minds of these humble figures I admire, driving them to success with unwavering determination. All I know is that when I held that vial of biodiesel to be analysed using gas chromatography, I oddly enough felt like I had a reason to be here. At Cornell I believe I will acquire a holistic education in order to achieve this purpose. Not only will I be taught by incredible talented lecturers, but I will also have a chance to be immersed in a stimulating atmosphere of research and science. Cornell's affiliation with research especially in engineering is attractive since I will be able to develop myself into a savvy engineer with real-world skills. Even at an Undergraduate level I will have opportunities to hone these skills and apply my engineering knowledge in research and projects. Cornell's hands-on approach towards engineering and science is engaging and befitting for someone like me, who is active and scientifically curious.
