Statement of Purpose Essay A comprehensive knowledge of the basics and perspicacious thinking are the assets of a good researcher.

Fortunately, throughout my life I had the opportunity to build my knowledge in the area of science and engineering and develop an analytical and logical mindset. The vibrant and competitive environment, in which I was nurtured, helped instill a proclivity towards sciences at an early stage of my life. Participation in various Olympiads, school quizzes and other academic activities coupled with the opportunities where I could apply concepts learnt in the classroom in the form of laboratory experiments enabled me to dwell more in the areas of Mathematics and Experimental Physics. As I reached High School, I developed an interest in studying Mathematics and Physics and their wider implications in todays context right from how a plane takes off to how a television functions. Eventually it was a penchant for these subjects and my diligence that aided me in scoring 88.4% in my high school and join an undergraduate course in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Jaypee Institute of Information and Technology, Noida (North India). When I was introduced to the study of properties of atomic sciences and learned about its applications in my high school, I was instantly fascinated with the endless possibilities it promised and its efficacy in shaping tomorrows world. Furthermore, with the help of vast online resources available, I got interested in how a minute change at atomic level can change the properties and purpose of things around us and was introduced to a rather nascent field of Nanomaterials. From there, my passion for the subject only grew as I further explored the field by following lecture series and attending a couple of workshops on Nanotechnology during my college years. I was formally introduced to materials and learnt its concepts during the course of Material Science in my 6th semester and furthered my knowledge on nanomaterials, their synthesis and properties, while studying Nanotechnology as an elective in my 7th semester. Thus my interest in the subject has been a continuous process of understanding and zeroing down to it. During my engineering course, I have done three major academic projects. The first project I did in my 5th semester was Cognitive Radio Simulation using SIMULINK, in which I implemented dynamic spectrum access by plotting power spectral density of the spectrum, and finding unused frequency bands. The second one was a Door Security System, done during my 6th semester. In this project, we provided remote access to the user through a DTMF decoder and a resistive touch-screen for pass code input. I worked on a major project in final year, Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis in which hand prosthesis was designed to provide all the basic degrees of freedom and movements of this hand which were controlled through an EMG signal extracted from residual limb through EMG Extraction and Amplification circuit designed by me. As the currently available prosthesis is either costly or scarce, the aim was to make this prosthesis economically viable and accessible to masses thus adding a social value to the project. Furthermore, during this project, it was evident that how nanotechnology can provide relief to millions of amputees in the world. With advances in nanomaterials, it will be possible to produce more biocompatible, low maintenance and lightweight prosthesis and avoid some fundamental problems of the field.

Besides my academic projects, I have also worked, just out of interest, on several other projects. In 4th Semester, I took up a project in which I initially studied various carbon-based nanostructures, their chemical synthesis and attempts to find new ways to synthesize them. These structures were later simulated on Ninithi and their properties were studied .This project not only helped to enrich my knowledge on the subject but also augmented my interest in the field of nanotechnology. There was another project, Simulation of Gecko feet using COMSOL, during the 7th Semester which stands out as I was able to implement and study an approximate model of nanostructure in gecko feet using the assembly features. Through the study of the Dry Adhesion Mechanism, I got a glimpse of nanotechnology in nature as well as got acquainted with the recent attempts to emulate and synthesize them artificially which made me keen to learn more on the subject. Thus my projects were instrumental in strengthening my resolve to study nanotechnology further in my graduate studies. I have also done various practical trainings as part of my course curriculum till date. In my sophomore year, I completed my summer training in Central Electronics Limited, a public Sector Enterprise under Microwave Electronics Department. I studied phase shifters and use of dielectrics in its construction. Various parameters were covered such as understanding behavior of materials under electromagnetic conditions and its use in multi array radars. In the same year, I did my training of Embedded C at CETPA InfoTech which enhanced my knowledge on the coding of microcontrollers, and also helped me in my hardware projects throughout the college. From May to July 2012, along with17 other students, I joined Bharat Electronics Limited as a trainee. Here, we were first familiarized with Radars and other technologies related to it such as PCB Fabrication, Assembly and Magnetics. I submitted a report on Study of Transmitter under Central Acquisition Radar Division. Being a defense subsidiary, the research was an integral part of the facility and working as a trainee under Project Central Acquisition Radar, I got first - hand experience of an industrial level research program. A great aspect of this training was the experience of working in a research group which provided me with an insight into the dedication and perseverance required for graduate studies and research. Other than academic pursuits, I have lent myself to extra-curricular activities as well which have shaped me into a well-rounded personality. These activities in school included participations in various musical competitions as well as organization of several functions which developed in me leadership qualities at a young age and prepared me to shoulder more responsibilities during my college days. My interest and talent in music eventually helped me clear Grade 1 of Violin for Trinity Guildhall Examination, based in London. I later joined a renowned NGO, Institute of Career Courses, where I was able to use my leadership skills to help organize Educational Camps for underprivileged children in my city. These activities carried out successfully, inspired me to organize social awareness camps in my neighborhood, working as a volunteer for another well renowned NGO, Sudhar Sewa Evam Kalyan Samiti, with the sole aim of acquainting the general populace to their social rights and duties. Additionally, I have been an active member of my colleges Robotics as well as Electronics Club. Since my freshman year, Ive participated in a multitude of technical fests and won various events over the last 3 years. Thus, my interests and qualities beyond academics have always helped me in all my endeavors, from various projects to organizing workshops and technical events in College fest.

Education, I believe, is a lifelong process. Whenever I pause to analyze the knowledge gained so far, I feel that I have learnt little and that there is an ocean of unknown and fascinating knowledge, yet to be explored. As the field of Nano science and technology is an upcoming field, it encompasses many areas of science including Chemistry, Physics, Photonics, Environmental Science and Biology, and thus is of prime importance for aspiring researchers like me. It is an exciting area of scientific development which promises more for less. It offers ways to create smaller, cheaper, lighter and faster devices that can do more and cleverer things, use less raw materials and consume less energy. It offers opportunities in creating new features and functions and is already providing the solutions to many long-standing medical, social and environmental problems. I, therefore, wish to pursue a Masters degree in Nano Technology after my under graduation, and then go on to do research and further studies in the same field where I can use my analytical abilities and dedication to contribute positively to the academic community. At University of Pennsylvania, a pioneer in Nanotechnology Education across the globe and being a leader in Research, I feel the interdisciplinary courses such as NanoMechanics, MEMS & NEMS and Polymers & Biomaterials offered here will instrumental for me to actualize my theoretical knowledge and aspirations into utilitarian applications .Moreover, I find the Nanotechnology graduate course, with its highly active eminent faculty and vibrant academic atmosphere, ideal to accomplish my career goals. Besides, Prof. Robert Carpicks work in Nanotribology and Carbon thin films, Prof. Kagans breakthrough work in the field of nanostructured materials and their novel applications inspires me and completely matches my academic interests. The opportunity to work with these leaders of their respective field and learn directly from them is truly unparalleled and working in their research group would be an accomplishment in itself. Being brought up in a highly competitive academic environment and with my fundamentals in place, I am confident that I would be able to fulfill the challenging academic requirements of your university and actively participate in its research work.