Sanjay Venkatesan DOB: 12th August 1990

MS, Electrical Engineering August Intake, 2012

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
"How things Work?" A simple question turned out to be my inspiration. As a young student I had figured that knowing the concept behind the working of machines around me was more fascinating than what these machines actually did. Hailing from a family of engineers, starting with my grandfather who was a chemical engineer, my father and brother electrical engineers I always used to get first hand information on theories behind engineered machines and devices around me. My father had answers to any question I asked him. Till today I continue to be astounded by his vast knowledge and derive my inspiration from him. When I was 11 years old I built a pebble throwing machine. I can proudly say it was my first venture into automation. Opening my room door would trigger the device to throw a pebble aimed at the person standing by the door and needless to say, it never impressed my mother. I had the habit of regularly opening up my wide collection remote controlled cars but never knew how to put it back together, yet I had the satisfaction of quenching my curiosity. During my high school days, I developed a basic understanding of electronics. I then ventured into robotics and fashioned my first line-follower robot in 11th grade using Lego pieces and programmed it using a custom made software. Automation had became my real passion in life. I also held a strong background in computer sciences. As early as 5th and 6th grades, I secured a distinction in computer studies in an international exam conducted by University of New South Wales, Australia. That was when I realised my natural flair for the subject. During my 9th grade I was chosen as one of the top 30 programmers in India by Infosys Technologies Ltd. and was awarded a 30 day professional software training with them. Further I represented the state of Tamil Nadu at the National Level Programming contest conducted by the government of India and bagged the second place. With this aptitude for computer sciences and my passion for automation I decided to pursue a career in computer aided control and automation with a goal of becoming a professional in the field. I therefore worked towards obtaining admission to the National Institutes of Technology (NIT), India's set of premier institutions for engineering. I secured admission competing with 1.2 million candidates who appeared in the all India entrance examination (AIEEE). I opted for Instrumentation and Control Engineering of NIT, Trichy (NITT) currently ranked 2nd in India in this field, a perfect choice to further my knowledge and passion for automation. At NITT, I was introduced to various new concepts in measurement techniques, sensor and transducer technology and various control systems, problems, algorithms and methods. I gained interest in subjects like Data Structures and Algorithm which is the basis of any computerised automation system. I soon picked up software packages like MathLab & Simulink, National Instruments' LabView on my own to complement my work in computer based control and automation. While class room training was indeed essential, I took up industrial projects and training to gain more practical experience as a control engineer and to widen my knowledge on the various important industrial processes. In-plant training at GMR Diesel Power Plant in Chennai, one of India's fully automated power plant. I received Hands-on experience with a real industrial computer control interface. Summer Internship in Singapore at a 4x350 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant run by Parsons and Brinkerhoff Power Limited, Singapore. I made a detailed "Technical study on the Process Automation and Control Systems" employed in the functioning of the plant.

Sanjay Venkatesan DOB: 12th August 1990

MS, Electrical Engineering August Intake, 2012

In-plant training at GH Inductions Private Ltd., Chennai, India, a French based company that makes metal gear hardening systems for industries. I completed the task of "Automating a Ring Gear Hardening System by programming PLC based Controllers using Ladder Logic". It furthered my understanding of PLCs and its programming. To broaden my industrial experience, I had carried out a project at the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Manali, Chennai on "Wireless Plant Control". I developed a reliable model of a wireless signal transmission system between an on-field transmitter and the central control system using ZigBee protocol. I carried out a detailed feasibility study and submitted a report on the same stating the pro and cons of installing the technology. Towards the end of my under graduate studies, I worked on a project on "Control System Failure Analysis" at a hydro power generating station operated by government of India in partnership with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, Tehri, Lower Himalayas. My task was to carry out a detailed case study on the Turbine Unit Control failure at the Tehri 1000 MW Hydro Power station and file a report. In addition, I compiled a study "report on the commissioning of a new hydro electric" power plant in Koteshwar a few kilometers away from Tehri, on the upstream of the river Bhagirathi.

The array of select industrial projects helped me gain a lot of insight into industrial automation concepts and the demand for automation in the industry. I recently designed and developed a "Remote Heart Monitoring System" as part of the product design and development course I had in my seventh semester. I successfully created a portable device which was capable of picking up heart signals from the patient who holds it and in case of heart abnormality send a text message to the nearest hospital in the locality and a few preprogrammed numbers. I am currently working on a "Designing a Second-Order Sliding Mode Observer for a specific application" as part of my final year Bachelor's seminar project under the guidance of Prof. Dr. D. Ezhilarasi.

Over the past four years, I have become absolutely convinced that the path towards this goal will involve leveraging my current skills and abilities to make significant contributions to improve the understanding of systems and concepts in the field of Control and Automation Sciences. I am well convinced that graduate studies in Control and Automation Engineering is the next step in my career. I believe that National University of Singapore is an ideal place for me to pursue my Masters degree. Singapore is one of the world leaders in the field of Automation and Control Sciences and NUS is one of the few premier universities offering this major. As I was growing up, I heard a lot about NUS, its culture, student life and the opportunities it has to offer, from my brother who is an alumnus of the ECE department of the university and who focussed on Control and Automation. I'm fascinated by this department which epitomizes excellent research facilities, experienced faculty and a diverse student environment. I also understand that the university has close ties with the industry and other top universities around the world which would help me gain access to knowledge from across the globe. I would be privileged to study at your university and am aware that the university expects very high standards from its students. My track record gives me the confidence that I will be able to meet those expectations and I assure you that, if given a chance, I would work hard to contribute to the development of the department and would try my level best to be a valuable asset to your institution.