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Physics - Rutgers, Boston University, PennState
Being born in a family of physicists I was fond of science from my childhood. Even when I was a little girl, my favorite toys have all been mechanical. Their inside was always a tempting mystery for me. Later on, the questions I asked myself have progressed to more sophisticated ones, usually dealing with nature phenomena around me - like why the sky is blue, how clouds or rainbow form, what the lightning is and so on. Fortunately, my parents were able to help me with providing the answers to some of those questions, or in some cases providing me with references on how to manage myself. Since we had a pretty extensive library at home, soon I was reading books like Swarz “Unusual physics of usual phenomena, Walker’s “Flying Circus of Physics”.

After finishing high school phys-math lyceum in 1994 I entered Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with a strong intention to expand my knowledge of physics and mathematics. MIPT has proved itself to have the best and most uncommon educational system in our country. A lot of its alumni are now world-known prominent scientists. Here I have chosen the Department of General and Applied Physics as the most prestigious and close to my interests.

My group belongs to the sub-faculty of Quantum Radio-physics. Due to the fact that it included people who after their winning the Olympiads had had a right to enter any Russian University without exams my group was a very strong one. The spirit of competition made me study independently a lot. When I was taking special laboratory courses on advanced optics, I was struck by our teacher Prof. A’s so-called “golden hands” - very often the laboratory equipment obeyed only him. My interest in optical phenomena deepened when in 1996-97 I joined the MIPT optical laboratory of Prof. B. I joined this group mainly because they had had interesting ideas of what and how to do and were going to assemble a proper setup. Then we were assembling and tuning optical interferometers and other optical devices, investigating pumping of neodim laser.

In 1997 I was able to find the area that was of the most interest for me in physics and started to work as a research assistant in Molecular Luminescence group of Prof. C at P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute. From the beginning I was actively involved in research in our laboratory. I especially enjoyed its experimental part when I was making something with my own hands and could see the result of my work. I have assembled and mastered a Langmuir-Blodgett mini-trough and managed to obtain good quality films of fat acids and close materials. I have also got acquainted with spin-coating technique of film deposition and have fabricated polymer films for the devices. Apart from technical problems it is interesting to me to be involved in experimental investigation of energy migration in the films and complicated chemical compounds. In this lab I have gained experience of work with the equipment for absorption, polarization and luminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved electrical and fluorescence measurements, various methods for data analysis.

Along with my study and work in the lab I also worked part-time at MIPT Correspondence School (grading schoolchildren works on physics and mathematics) and at MIPT Phys.Tech.School (as an English teacher for schoolchildren) along with working as a private teacher. I enjoyed this job greatly. I enjoy communicating with people and I have got much from my students as well as my students have got from me. I believe this experience will significantly help me both in my teaching assistant assignments and in my future academic career.

Now my interests in science lie in the area of molecular, optical and chemical physics. After completing my PhD program I would like to work as a researcher and as a teacher in this field. I also believe that my serious intention for study and research, my past laboratory experience and academic background in various areas of Physics and Mathematics will be beneficial for my graduate studies. I have chosen Massachusetts Institute of Technology for continuing my education because as I know it provides excellent opportunities for studying physics and mathematics as well as for the research in the area of my interests.
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UC Berkeley, Cornell, Caltech
When I was a child, my parents and relatives called me "Mister Why-man". All that surrounded fourth-year-old kid aroused his great interest. I demanded to explain all things I saw. I wondered, why snow is cold and boiling water is hot, why there is fall of the leaves and how it is possible for airplanes to fly, why sky isn't green but blue and what stars are. In school I got answers to many of my questions by studying geography, biology and history, but the most of the precise, logical and harmonious answers I received at the classes of physics. That is why I am very fond of this beautiful science and aimed to continue my studying of physics.

After my sixth grade in high school I passed entrance exams to phys-math school, headed by brilliant pedagogue A. He taught physics at very high level and he encouraged me to improve my knowledge and understanding of physics. He practiced with gifted pupils in addition in the weekends and explained complicated themes that he omitted in the main classes. I learnt solving of complicated problems and conducting of physical experiments in school laboratory. He also recommended me a bunch of literature, which I found very cognitive. Our math and chemistry teachers were also very professional and wanted students to acquire the very best education.

With such teachers it wasn't difficult for me to win regional olympiads in physics, mathematics and chemistry. That time I had to decide, whether my future specialty would be physics or chemistry. I chose physics. After Russian school physics olympiads, where I received 2nd diploma in 1994 and 1995 I was chosen to represent Russia on 27th international physics olympiad in Oslo, where I took Bronze Medal. During the time of preparation to all these olympiads I gained not only much new knowledge and experience but also confidence that I had made right choice of my subject.

After high school I entered Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, which, as I knew, could offer the very best education in the fields of physics and mathematics. Lectures and seminars were very interesting, and experiment practices gave me final perception that I want to become a physicist-researcher. Among all fields of modern physics I chose solid state and condensed matter physics. Along studying of general and theoretical physics I started profound study of my major at the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) in Chernogolovka.

I have listened to several specialized courses of general aspects of the theory of solid state, spectroscopy and now I am listening the courses of physics of metals, semiconductors and some others. Besides, there were several experimental courses where I gained experience with handling of modern equipment of present-day physics.

Now I work at ISSP as a part-time research assistant in the laboratory of superconductivity under guidance of Dr. B, the head of laboratory. Our current work concerns creation and investigation of P-contact (foundation for future quantum computers) and its properties. It is rather new thing in physics of solid state, there is a lot of work for researcher and it is very interesting. I quite enjoy making experiments and interpreting data obtained. Dr. B often gives me his or other scientists' recent articles of nowadays researches or just recommends to read them in magazines like PhysRev. These activities give me so valuable experience as well as satisfaction of hard work.

Summarize all written above, I believe that my serious intention for study, my past lab work, academic background in various areas of physics and mathematics will be beneficial for my graduate studies and research. I think it would be a good chance to receive high-level education under guidance of strong scientists and excellent teachers and with the help of first-class equipment presented at Your University.
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Chemistry Student - Florida State University, Auburn University
am seriously interested in Chemistry from the time when I was a schoolboy. Not satisfied with standard school program, in the last 2 years of high school I studied in Moscow Chemical High School which had a strong science and mathematics training. This greatly developed my skills and helped me to win three School Chemistry Olympiads.

After graduation school I entered the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology – one of the best educational institutions for Chemistry in Russia. By March 2003, I will complete 5 1/2 years of undergraduate studies and receive a University Diploma. In our Physical Chemistry Department students are required not only to take undergraduate courses, including chemical engineering, but also to carry out research in one of the major research centers in Moscow or at the University.

I intend to continue my research work in chemistry. The main goal of my future education is to gain valuable research experience and deepen my knowledge of chemistry. I have chosen Florida State University because it provides excellent opportunities to pursue research in various areas of chemistry.

Since 1999 I have been doing research work at the Division of Chemistry and Technology of Crystals of the University. My research for the most part is related to areas of Physical Chemistry such as Solid State Chemistry, Crystal Growth, Surface Chemistry and others. My first project was synthesis and determination of thermometric parameters of luminophors based on Zinc Sulfide doped with Bismuth. I synthesized and analyzed 19 luminophors with different additives such as Eu, CdS, LiCl and others. As a result of this work, I presented a paper entitled “Non-traditional application of luminophors” at the General Chemistry Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences student conference in 2001.

In Fall 2001, I switched to research in the field of crystal growth. My second project concerned the single-crystal growth of Calcium and Barium Tungstates (CaWO4, BaWO4). This work I accomplished at the General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. I grew these crystals by flux growth (Czochralski technique). Such single-crystals are important as nonlinear solid-state components for lasers of stimulated scattering.

In addition, I have done work on deposition of thin films. This interesting laboratory practice was lasting during the one of my favorite elective courses “Technology of Heterostructures”. The subject of my research was physical and chemical thin film deposition of Lead Tellurium (PbTe) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) from gas phase, thus I have gained practical experience in deposition of thin films of A3B5 and A2B6 heterostructures in vacuum on silicon substrate. Such films are used in the electronic industry as semiconductor layers.

In Spring 2002, I began a project that set the basis for my graduation paper. This research deals with the powder and nanoparticles of Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) which I analyze by adsorbtion measurements and Monte Carlo simulation. I determine the pore size distribution of the materials based on the compound that is essential for creation of non-organic filters.

Moreover, during the 2001/2002 academic year, I had an important experience as an instructor for freshmen at the General and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory. Also, I often help foreign students to learn the Russian language. I should say that I enjoy teaching.

During my study I dealt with different research projects and I have various research interests, but the major area in which I would like to specialize, if I will be accepted at your graduate school, is Physical or Theoretical Chemistry. I hope that my research work (including research program) will be beneficial for the University and myself. I am very interested in doing research work at Florida State University.
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The Physics Student admitted to the University of Chicago
I always think of my knowledge the same way a wealthy person thinks of his bank account, all he really knows is addition. My strong analytical abilities invariably attract me to unresolved theoretical problems either at the foundations of physics or at the frontiers of technology. Challenge intrigues and motivates me to discover unique solutions. The act of solving difficult problems not only provides an excellent way of gaining a significant amount of knowledge per unit time but also enables me to derive a deep sense of pride and satisfaction from my hard work.

Before entering Sofia University, I studied at one of the best specialized science high schools in Bulgaria. XX, a well-known in Bulgaria high school physics teacher, profoundly impacted my intellectual development at that time by engaging me in the school’s physics center and teaching me calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations at the university level. In addition, he instilled in me a spirit of competitiveness and intellectual curiosity. While preparing to represent Bulgaria at two International Physics Olympiads, I realized that being good in physics requires constant effort. Like an athlete training his or her muscles for the championship game, I refined my abilities to solve complicated problems through many hours of daily practice. The fact that I was awarded a bronze medal at the 1991 International Physics Olympiad in Cuba, gave me a deep, long - lasting confidence in my abilities. Due to the high level of expertise in undergraduate physics that I acquired during my preparation, now I am confident in my abilities to be an effective Teaching Assistant. In fact, I am currently a grader for the honors physics class at the X State University and look forward to the challenges awaiting me as a Teaching Assistant next quarter.

Following my graduation from Sofia University, I engaged in further development of my analytical skills from 1998 to 2000 while being a Research Assistant in the field of theoretical optical pattern recognition at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. I was responsible for developing mathematical methods to obtain a scale and rotation invariant correlation filter that may have exciting applications for image recognition of fingerprints, faces, cells, etc. The problem has remained unsolved for over 30 years. I worked on an independent basis, since no one in Bulgaria had theoretical expertise in the field. This unyielding work contributed in developing my intellectual persistence. My adviser, Prof. X, frequently remarked, “I am amazed you have not given up yet!” Although I was unable to find the general solution, I succeeded in both generalizing the existing methods and finding two new partial solutions. The results of my strenuous work were published in the two attached articles. I am especially proud of the last article, which will appear in the January 2003 issue of Applied Optics. It presents an analytical derivation and computational test of a new scale-only invariant filter that has shown one of the best performances in the field.

I am currently concentrating in elementary particle theory, including string theory. My interest in this topic stems from numerous discussions with a friend who works in the field as well as numerous Internet searches on the subject. A book from Stephen Hawking, The Universe in a Nutshell, further struck my imagination with its powerful ideas about strings, quantum gravity, black holes, and time travel. The mathematical demands and richness of new physics concepts attracted me to explore this field in greater detail.

In the summer of 2001, my interest led me to the CDF (Collider Detector at Fermilab) experimental high energy group at X State University. My task in the group was writing C++ software for data analysis. The CDF’s software is very good although not perfect. For example, the analysis programs usually crash when the structure of the input file is not of the type expected. Such failures motivated me to write the first program that was able to probe the structure of the input file and not try to read nonexistent data. My program never crashed and the members of the group started using it extensively.

My major project in the group was developing xxxx. I was specifically responsible for writing the routines that selected the tracks pertaining to a common vertex. I developed and implemented two completely new methods for xxxx. I performed a substantial amount of analytical work and computational tests to complete the design. My enthusiasm for the project, often translated into working until the early morning hours. The result was great in that I substantially raised the efficiency of the primary vertex finder to the level of vxprim (the standard vertex finder) and above. I presented the results in the talk I gave at Fermilab in August xxxx (attached).

While exploring the experimental side of high energy physics, my interest gradually shifted towards elementary particle theory. The recent advances in the field are promising - the Grand Unified Theory is closer than ever, gravity may be reconciled with quantum mechanics, and the extraction of details about the superstring theories at the Large Hadron Collider seems plausible. In addition, my personal experiences listed above have enabled me to realize that I have a natural inclination towards analytical work. I have already taken one course unit in quantum field theory and three units in particle physics. Studying the Standard Model and mastering the math machinery behind it fascinated me. Despite being a successful theory, it has too many phenomenological constants such as the quark and lepton masses and there is a great deal of work for a researcher. The enthusiasm I felt during these courses convinced me that I had made the right choice of subject. Additionally, my time here at the X State University has enabled me to attend some impressive talks in superstring theories by leading lecturers in the field that have also further stimulated my interest.

I tested my general theoretical preparation in September xxxx when I passed the Qualifying Exam at the X State University with a score of 89% (results attached) compared to an average of 47% among my student colleagues. Next quarter, I will continue to strengthen my background by taking the last units of the quantum field theory as well as any course offered on superstrings. I have also been studying group theory on an independent basis. In my opinion, a good theoretician must have expertise in areas outside of the major field. That is why, led by my intellectual curiosity, I took a course in superconductivity during spring quarter 2002. Furthermore, next quarter I will be enrolled in courses on general relativity, nonlinear dynamical systems and chaos, and a nuclear theory course that will discuss applications of effective field theory to many body systems.

The intensive and more advanced level of research in elementary particles theory at the University of California at Berkeley has strengthened my belief that your program provides better opportunities for me to continue my studies of the Standard Model and the superstring theories. The Berkeley’s first-class faculty and the presence of a competitive student body that more appropriately matches my own high level of preparation would certainly stimulate me more to achieve the highest standards of academic excellence in physics. Furthermore, I find the research conducted at Berkeley more contemporary and intriguing. Of particular interest to me in my field is the research of Prof. Lawrence Hall in physics of extra spatial dimensions and symmetry breaking and that of Prof. Petr Horava in string theory. Graduating from Berkeley would have a profound impact on my future career in physics by providing better opportunities for professional realization in the academic sphere.

In conclusion, my comprehensive background in theoretical and computational physics, my strong interest in theoretical particle physics, and my proven abilities to independently obtain solutions in highly unyielding theoretical areas (optical pattern recognition), give me the confidence that I have the appropriate potential and motivation to meet to your high academic standards while being an innovative contributor to the science of physics.
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Physics Student
I would like to do experimental research in Condensed Matter Physics. In particular, I am interested in Ultra Low Temperature Physics. Conceptual issue that attracts me in this area is a possibility to observe quantum effects at a macroscopic level. It also gives an opportunity to study extremely pure substance while adding impurities in a controlled manner.

Stanford University is one of the few universities in the world that have strong research groups in experimental Ultra Low Temperature Physics and provide powerful and well-designed equipment for ultra low temperature experiments. In addition, the Stanford Physics department gives an opportunity to take outstanding advanced graduate courses in various areas of physics and exposure to new views and methods from world-class scientists.

I was introduced to physics by my mother, inventor and Professor of Physics at Nizhniy Novgorod Technical University (NNTU) at a very early age. She advised me on interesting physics books and we had discussions after I read them. She pointed out peculiar aspects of a phenomenon, then asked me questions to make sure I understood the concept behind the problems. We also discussed school physics when I started taking it. As I grew, she taught me pedagogical issues in physics and gave me a lot of good advice on how to make an effective presentation.

Understanding that it takes a good mathematician to be a good physicist, I went to Specialized Math & Physics High school, where I took courses in math more advanced than regular requirements, such as introductory calculus, introduction to differential equations, numerical methods, introduction to group theory and computer programming courses. In addition, I was enrolled in a correspondence course in mathematics at Moscow State University.

During winter and spring quarters of my last year of High school I performed a research in physics under advise of a researcher from Nizhniy Novgorod State University. The purpose of the project was to understand some methods of acoustical investigation of the bottom of the ocean; more specifically, what parameters of the bottom can we extract from reflected acoustic signal so we could determine the composition of the ocean bottom. I won the Second Prize in Physics among High school students of Nizhniy Novgorod region for a presentation of these results at student competition. The project was very educational: I had my first experience learning how to approach a research problem, using reference materials and checking the validity of results.

I graduated from Nizhniy Novgorod State University (NNSU), Department of Radio-Physics and Electronics. This science-oriented school gave me an extensive background in physics. The curriculum of the department covers a wide range of knowledge in theoretical and experimental physics as well as non-linear dynamics theory and electrical engineering courses. It included 9 semesters of lab courses (5 - 11 hours per week) where we started with learning basic techniques (oscilloscope usage, measurement of emf, measurement of capacitance, measurement of magnetic field using Hall effect etc.) and studying key phenomena (measurement of elementary electric charge in oil drop experiment, Fraunhoffer diffraction, light interference experiments, spinning tops, Cp/Cv measurement, longitudinal ultrasonic waves in a wire, etc.) As we acquired basic skills in measurement and broadened our theoretical knowledge, we performed more advanced experiments: properties of n-p junction in application to semiconductor devices, Zeeman effect, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, electromagnetic field measurements in the wave guide, antenna measurements, measuring the wavelength of surface waves on deep and shallow water, parameters of waves propagating in media, etc.

During my second year, I performed theoretical research on the stability of waves on deep and shallow water when the free surface is the lower one and the gravity introduces instability into the waves. In terms of the boundary conditions, I obtained an answer to the question: How narrow the neck of the container should be so the water won't spill out when it is flipped upside down? I enjoyed the opportunity of presenting a talk on my research at a physics seminar in our department.

Our department formed an extraordinary school for non-linear dynamics and wave theory, which was the emphasis of three years of my independent study. After an oral presentation, my Diploma Paper "Spatial Chaos in an Inhomogeneous Medium with Diffusion" was recommended for publication by State Examination Committee. The model described in this paper (a one-dimensional, one-component, periodically-inhomogeneous medium, described by the diffusion equation with a source) is very interesting and has several possible applications. It may be applied to semiconductor physics, to biological processes, and to some chemical reactions.

After graduation, I collaborated with A and B at Radiophysical Research Institute (NIRFI), Russia on the article "Near-field Scanning in the Time Domain" (paper in progress). This article describes methods of time-domain field calculation and far-field reconstruction by near-field measurements in the time domain on an arbitrary scanning surface.

In the years 1995-97, I worked as a Production Engineer/Programmer at Microtech Conversion Systems, Inc. (Belmont, CA). I developed accounting, security and tape-analyzing software using the C language. I was involved in assembly, testing and design improvement of a high-capacity unattended CD-R duplication equipment run by a PC.

I want experimental research in physics and teaching to be an outline of my future career. I would like to become a professor in academia in my future. I believe that my serious intention for study, my past lab work, academic background in various areas of physics and mathematics and industrial experience will be beneficial for my graduate studies and research.
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BioPhysics - MIT, Caltech, Princeton
When I was a schoolgirl my parents and I would go hiking all over Russia. Traipsing through the middle of the untamed nature I realized that the most intriguing and complicated objects in our world are living creatures. Now, having studied for four and a half years at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and having broad research experience, I am sure that improvement of our understanding of living world is essential for successful existence of our civilization and is the most important thing one can accomplish during his or her life.

During last two years I have spent most of my time carrying out research and attending a number of extra-curricular lectures and seminars in biophysics. My favorite lectures were Biochemistry of the Cell and Biophysics of Membrane Processes part of which was devoted to model problem solving. Of great interest to me was also the inter-institutional seminar on modern problems and phenomena in biophysics. Prominent biophysicists from Russia and other countries participated and told us about their current research and its applications to life. All these significantly improved my understanding of the subject and further enhanced my interest in it. I found cellular physiology to be of the greatest interest to me. My extensive knowledge of physics and mathematical modeling proved to be very useful in understanding the principles that underlie biological phenomena in cells. Consequently, one of my research project involves the investigation of cytoplasmic membrane structure and another deals with study of potassium channels in cardio myocytes.

I carried out my first research project in biophysics at Lebedev Physical Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences in the biokinetics research group under the guidance of Prof. A. The ultimate goal of our research was to check the change in permeability of lipid bilayer for O2, glucose, K+, Na+, Ca++ and in membrane structure of the human cells under pressure. Working in this laboratory I performed a number of experiments, got acquainted with laboratory equipment and further studied mathematical modeling of biological processes. This research was especially interesting because we worked in collaboration with clinicians who used our findings in treatment of cancer and diabetes. By the end of the year I successfully defended a bachelor of science senior honors thesis on the topic "The Change of Erythrocyte's Membrane Permeability for Glucouse and Oxygen in Normal Conditions and Under Pressure."

Currently I am working on a second research project under the guidance of Prof. B at Cardiological Research Center (where the Russian president Yeltsin underwent his heart surgery). This laboratory deals primarily with treatments of atrial flutter and fibrillation. Specifically, we investigate the new Russian Class III antiarythmic drug Nibentan. It was invented in collaboration with this laboratory and is currently being used in clinics. Our current aim is to improve the existing formula. For the last year I have been investigating the effects of Nibentan and other drugs on the potassium ion channels of guinea pig and rabbit atrial and sinoatrial cells using the whole cell patch clamp technique. By May of 2000 I will have enough results in order to defend a masters thesis one year ahead of time.

After graduation I plan to continue my scientific career in the field of cell physiology. Successful research requires modern equipment and facilities which in current financial situation Russian laboratories cannot afford. These has forced me to look for other opportunities to continue my education. Department of Biophysics at Harvard University has excellent facilities and leading laboratories in which I can fully realize my scientific interests. Study of molecular physiology of potassium channels in the laboratory of Prof. Gary Yellen and study of acetylcholine receptors in the laboratory of Prof. Jonathan Cohen are of particular interest to me. I would regard my admission to Harvard University not only as a great honor but also as a great responsibility and an obligation to work hard.
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Physics - Rutgers University
To discover new things and to set relations between phenomena is the main destination for a scientist. There is no boundary for discovery, whether one deals with subatomic phenomenon or the explanation of the origin of Universe. It is still a mystery if we have a right concept of nature surrounding us. For instance, it can still be questioned whether the Standard Model is valid or not.

From my parents’ point of view I have been a very bustling and curious girl in my childhood. A lot of toys and different devices were disassembled and destroyed to perceive a nature by a childish mind. The desire for knowledge of how nature operates accompanies me all the time. I have been seriously interested in physics since the high school. After reading “Elementary particles and symmetry” by Lewis H. Ryder and “Quantum electrodynamics” by R. Feynman I realized that the study of elementary particles is especially appealing to me. To extend my knowledge of physics I entered Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). I took several special high-energy physics courses there. I found “The theory of interaction with matter“ and “Elementary Particle Physics» to be the most exiting and useful for me. The theory inspired me for further deep study of this subject and made me familiar with the modern concepts of particle physics.

During my third year I started to attend lectures and to work as a research assistant at ITEP (Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics), specializing in elementary particles. At ITEP I have chosen a career of an experimentalist. Experiment on double beta decay attracted me because the search for the neutrino less double beta decay is very important. It gives the unique possibility to investigate many phenomena beyond the Standard Model. I began to work in group of Prof. A, that is trying to explain the possible nature of neutrino’s mass and prove the violation of lepton number conservation in weak interactions.

One of my tasks was to separate the detrimental data, such as muon cosmic radiation, from the useful one. When experiment was ready for taking data, I took part in preliminary tests of amplitude and time measurements using the cosmic trigger. Then I took characteristics of admixture contents of industrial methane. My current project is to investigate the main types of the background in the experiment. One of them is the “external” background, connected with external radiation flux: the photon can imitate two-beta events through the double Compton scattering in the Xe-target. Measured spectrum was used for Monte-Carlo simulation of two-electron background with vertex at the Xe volume. The results of this research were presented at the annual MIPT Scientific Conference. Soon these results will be published.

I am interested in elementary particles and I would like to study strong interactions. Physics Department at Yale participates in leading high-energy experiments in which I can completely realize my scientific interests. The Relativistic Heavy Ion Group, headed by John W. Harris, is of particular interest to me. I also would like to investigate the phase transition from ordinary nuclear matter to quark-gluon plasma.

I am sure that my curiosity and research skills will enable me to succeed in the greatly claiming program to become an experimentalist. Eventually, I deeply believe that the excellence of your program, along with my capabilities and motivation, will help me to attain my destination.
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The Biomedical Engineering Student
am interested in Biomedical Engineering as a field to pursue my career in. I find its unique mix of Engineering, Medicine and Life Sciences very exciting. It is a fast growing area with tremendous potential for research and also an increasing number of applications in today's world of medicine and technology. I am paricularly interested in the application of microsystems technology and the latest microelectronics technology in developing implanted biomedical devices and other medical products. My research interests lie primarily in the areas of Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems. My parallel areas of interest are the design and fabrication of Biomaterials and determining the mechanical, transport and biocompatability properties of implantable artificial materials and the applications of Biomedical Instrumentation. To help you understand my current professional goals and research interests better, I would like to first explain my educational experience up to this point.

I have recently graduated from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at XX University where I completed a non-thesis Masters program in Computer Engineering. My decision to pursue graduate studies in Computer Engineering was the natural culmination of my undergraduate coursework in Electrical and Electronics Engineering where I majored in Computer Organization and Microcomputer Systems. Also, I wanted to broaden my horizons and gain relevant exposure in the field of Computer Hardware.

During the one and a half years of my graduate studies I gained a deep understanding of various fields in Computer Engineering mainly microarchitecture, VLSI System Design ,Analog Electronics and the fundamentals of computer networking and communication. As part of my graduate coursework, I received a number of opportunities to work closely with semiconductor technology through various design, implementation and research projects. Working on key projects like the design of a 4-bit slice microprocessor, 6-bit FLASH Analog-to-Digtal Converters and a number of simulations and experiments to design and determine the performance of computers at the microarchitecture level, I got the opportunities to use state-of-the-art hardware design and simulation tools like the Cadence , Synopsys, Hspice and Verilog.

It was during this phase that I developed an interest in exploring the areas of application of semiconductor and microsystems technology in non traditional fields like the Medicine and life sciences. My studies revealed to me both a high research potential and a significant growth in the application of microelectronics and microsystems in the field of Biomedical Engineering. What I discovered significantly improved my understanding of the subject and further enhanced my fascination for it.

I look forward to a career in committed research where I can not only use my academic background to achieve my research goals but also make original scientific contributions to my field of interest and to mankind in general. I believe that graduate studies would provide me with the opportunities to attend advanced courses and be the stepping stone to my career in research. Graduate study at Wayne State University holds this promise for me. The quality of the faculty, flexibility of the graduate program, the diverse areas of ongoing research, the carefully designed depth and breadth of courses, cultural diversity in the graduate school, seem to me as the right ambience to nurture my research interests and work towards my goal. It would be a matter of great pride for me to be a part of this rich interdisciplinary interface.

My strengths are a strong academic background, sense of teamwork, integrity and ability to put in sustained quality effort consistently . It is my desire to have a mutually beneficial association with your University and to contribute my best to the field of Biomedical Engineering .I am aware that X University has high standards for admitting students to its graduate programs. I believe that my academic credentials together with my research interests and potential would help me gain admission to the esteemed Department of Biomedical Engineering at X Universuty. I hope that on reviewing my application package, the University would be convinced of the same.
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The Product Design Program Applicant admitted to Stanford
Write a brief statement concerning both your past work in your intended field of study and related fields, your plans for graduate study at Stanford, and your subsequent career plans. As this is an important part of your application, please describe the relevance of your past work and future intentions to the program for which you are applying.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

One evening in xxxx, as I was strolling on the deck of the Motor Tanker X, where I was serving as Chief Engineer, I came upon the anchor which had been heaved up the day before, when we set sail the across the Atlantic. A thrill ran through me, as the anchor had brought up with it loamy clay of the finest quality. I picked up a bucket load of this clay and hauled it off to my cabin to model into a sculpture, a favorite hobby of mine when I was ashore on leave. I enjoyed making that particular sculpture so much, first building a metal skeleton using various tools from the engineer’s workshop, I decided that if there was a career which could integrate engineering acumen and artistic creativity together, that would be the career I would be most happy pursuing. But over the years, I had come to believe that these two were disparate and irreconcilable interests and that one could only be pursued at the expense of the other, at least as far as a career was concerned. It was only when I came across the Product Design course description as offered at Stanford University, that it became evident to me this need not be necessarily so.

I always had a keen interest in the study of Mathematics & the Engineering Sciences, and was always among the top three students in class. On passing out of Higher Secondary School, I was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Government of India for achieving a score within the top one percent of students all over India that year in Physics. This predilection for Applied Science & Engineering led me to the study Marine Engineering for my Bachelor’s degree, so that I could work with large, powerful and varied machinery in a single capsule unit, aboard a ship. At engineering college, I secured the first rank in Academics during the final two years of study. I was also awarded the Gold Medal from the Office of the President of India for all-round excellence and possessing qualities likely to make the Finest Marine Engineer from my batch.

Having completed 10 years of active service last year as a Marine Engineer aboard X ocean-going tanker vessels, with about 2 years in the capacity of Chief Engineer, I had gained a large amount of hands-on, practical knowledge of marine & mechanical engineering systems, such as IC engines, steam & gas turbine machinery, cargo handling hydraulic systems, centrifugal pumping and purifying systems, advanced unmanned automation & control systems, etc. But I aspired to go beyond being a maintenance engineer to a design engineer, and realized I needed to gain a more research-based, theoretical foundation to complement my practical experience. I applied to and was admitted into the Master of Science degree program in Ocean Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley, I was introduced to modern theory and practice of ship design and was specially fascinated by the field of Structural Reliability as applied to ship design. My final research project was the preparation of a report for a Reliability-based guideline, converting the deterministic Rules for determining structural scantlings for steel ships currently being applied by the American Bureau of Shipping, City, State. XX is a leading Ship Classification Society, a governing body that establishes and administers standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine vessels and structures. I am currently employed as a Ship Structural Engineer at XX, working on structural plan reviews for new buildings and creating Finite Element Models for analyzing dynamic and static loads on ships.

Yet, all through these years as a professional engineer, I fueled my passion for Art by devoting almost every moment of my leisure, at home and on board ship, to painting or sculpture or to the study of fine art. I created numerous paintings in oil and gouache, and many sculptures in clay, continually honing my creativity and artistic skill. I won many awards and prizes for painting and sketching at the school and inter-collegiate level. Although I could not find the time to learn painting in a formal art course, I have read extensively on various subjects in art and learned further by copying many works of great Masters such as Michelangelo, the pre-Raphaelite painters, and some ancient Indian Masters in Sculpture. I did finally realize a long-standing desire to study art formally when I did an intensive summer course in drawing at Berkeley.

The Product Design Course, especially in the form it is being offered at Stanford University, jointly by the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Art, seems to me to be the most perfectly suited to my dream of forging these two diverse interests of mine into a fulfilling new career. Though I have had no formal training in design, I have found that I could come up with innovative and original ideas for solutions to various problems faced during my career at sea, such as designing new types of tools for machinery maintenance, more efficient methods of overhaul or more effective automation systems. At leisure too, I have always enjoyed designing and building models, be they a set of rotating water fountains for ship-board decoration or a stable painting easel from the limited material available on board or architectural sketches for my future home.

I have also worked with keen interest in computer-based simulation models and training aids my father is currently involved in developing. I have designed numerous models for his company demonstrating lesson plans for the functioning of various mechanical systems such as principles of IC engines, fuel injection and fire detection systems etc., using software such as 3D Studio and Macromedia Director. I am currently engaged in developing a web-site for showcasing an exquisitely beautiful temple complex in Southern India, called X.

While I was studying at UC Berkeley, I had the opportunity of visiting the Stanford University campus and meeting with Professor Y of Design Division. He was very appreciative of my art portfolio and on his advice I visited the Design Loft on campus, which has left a lasting impression on me. There was a charged atmosphere of creativity in that room and it seemed ideas would almost shape themselves out in that melee of materials and tools and half-built models.

I am sure that formally studying Product Design can channelize my capabilities and enable me to come up with functionally efficient and aesthetically pleasing designs especially in the field of household consumer products and electronics. I would consider it an honor if I could study at Stanford University and assure you that I will put in my utmost effort into this domain.
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BioMedical Engineering
WHY BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING?

Belonging to a family of medical practitioners I have always been fascinated by the concept of applying my technical acumen in Engineering with that of Bio-Medicine. I found core engineering relatively “dry” and chose the field of Bio-Medical Engineering for the excitement of working with living systems and to apply advanced technology to medical care. I feel BME is the only engineering discipline with “Life”. Thus my keen desire to pursue a research career in this field.

RESEARCH INTEREST & EXPERIENCE IN BME:

I started my study in the area of Biomechanics as a sophomore (while doing the course “Mechanics of Solids)” and every since I had single mindedly directed my study so as to gain knowledge in this career.

I took up a project to further my endeavor in the area of Bio-Mechanics and Rehabilitation at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India. The project ‘Comparison of normal gait pattern with that of pathological gait using the Electromyograph (EMG)” has given me a very strong grasp of the fundamentals of biomechanics. I have gained a substantial knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology, and orthopedic biomaterials, which I tacked prior to this project. This has given me a great research potential and valuable experience with medical equipment which I want to explore further by doing much more meaningful research work.

Being a major in Chemical Engineering I have a sound knowledge of heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics and polymers. Moreover I have done courses in Bio-Chemical Engineering and Biology to prepare myself for research in Cellular Engineering (immobilized biomedicules and cells).

Thus, I would love to work on research areas in Biomedical Engineering.

CAREER GOALS:
Initially I would like to go for a M.S. degree (thesis) since I still haven’t had a full exposure to this field. After the M.S., I am going to pursue a Ph.D. degree.

In the long run therefore, I would like to pursue a career in post-doctoral research and tech.
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