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Statement of Purpose

The document is a statement of purpose from a student applying to graduate school. It details their interest in physics from middle school and choice to major in physics in university. It describes several research experiences they had, including projects in geophysics, electrical characterization of materials, and semiconductor characterization. These experiences confirmed their interest in semiconductors, materials science, and working in an advanced lab environment. They are now a graduate research assistant working on utilizing nanotechnology and novel materials.

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Kunal Bhatnagar
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522 views2 pages

Statement of Purpose

The document is a statement of purpose from a student applying to graduate school. It details their interest in physics from middle school and choice to major in physics in university. It describes several research experiences they had, including projects in geophysics, electrical characterization of materials, and semiconductor characterization. These experiences confirmed their interest in semiconductors, materials science, and working in an advanced lab environment. They are now a graduate research assistant working on utilizing nanotechnology and novel materials.

Uploaded by

Kunal Bhatnagar
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Statement of Purpose

Ever since I took my first physics class in middle school, I knew that I wanted to become
a scientist or an engineer. As I went on to high school, my aptitude and interest in physics only
increased. I did not find other courses, such as chemistry or biology nearly as interesting and
certainly not as challenging and satisfying.

I chose a physics major when I entered my university studies, knowing that a physics
degree would prepare me well for a graduate degree in engineering. However, going through
my courses in physics and participating in advanced faculty mentored research has made me
realize that although I would like to be an engineer, I still like the research aspect of physics.

In an effort to get a better idea of what physics sub-field appealed most to me, I began
my involvement in research projects to gain more experience and learn more about a variety of
possibilities. Since I always had an interest in computer science and programming, I began with
a geophysics-based computer simulation project for the analysis of seismic wave scattering in
heterogeneous media. Although I enjoyed the programming aspect of this project, I realized
that I really wanted to try something that was more hands-on. In the summer of 2007, I worked
in Dr. Toni Sauncy’s electrical characterization lab assembling a Van Der Pauw system to
measure surface resistivity. This research introduced me to advanced measurement techniques
and equipment. Still unsure of which field I wanted to get into, in the summer of 2008, I applied
for the Society of Physics Students (SPS) internship in Washington D.C. which was by far the
best opportunity I have had since my arrival in the United States. I had the privilege to work at
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg MD under the
supervision of Dr. Nhan Nguyen in the semiconductor electronic division. During this summer
internship, I worked on a research project involving characterization of MOS structures using
Internal Photoemission Spectroscopy. It was this summer that I confirmed how much I truly
enjoyed working in an advanced lab environment. I found myself interested in the physics and
applications of semiconductors and their growing use in today’s technology and the future.
Working part time with the Information technology department at Angelo State University
made me realize how extensively physics and research comes into play in our everyday lives.
Everything from the remote controls for our televisions to the satellites that provide us myriad
of information, semiconductor devices have revolutionized the entire way of living for humans.

During the summer of 2009, I had the opportunity to work under the direction of Dr.
Ravi Droopad in the installation phase of a new molecular beam epitaxy facility at Texas State
University in San Marcos TX. This introduced me to characterization and growth techniques
used in advanced semiconductor laboratories all over the world. The opportunity to be involved
in the commencement of such an advanced lab was an invaluable learning experience for me. I
learned not only how to operate advanced equipment but also learned troubleshooting and
maintenance of equipment in the lab; I acquired practical skills, like installing LN2 high pressure
lines, plumbing lines for cooling water, high vacuum system leak detection and repair and other
general maintenance skills required to operate an advanced materials growth facility. This
experience has left me with a great foundation for my coming graduate research, giving me a
concrete experience, and providing me with valuable skills in lab operation and trouble
shooting.

Using my Bachelors in Physics, I am currently working as a graduate research assistant


with the Gangopadhyay research group in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. I have been part of a research group that is
based around utilizing nanotechnology and novel materials to solve real world problems and
provide applications in nano-electronics, biophysics, and nano-energetic materials.

I look forward to use my strong foundation in physics, my creative problem solving skills
and most importantly my diligent enthusiasm to pursue advance research in the area of
materials science and engineering. The intensive research performed on nanomaterials is a
special attraction to me as I believe like many others that these are the materials for the future.
I enjoy working in a lab environment and I would eventually like to work as a research scientist
in a national laboratory or in the semiconductor industry.

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