Sample Statement of Purpose for Chemistry
Statement by Russian Student (01/2003)
The Chemistry Student admitted to Florida State University, Auburn
University
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
I 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.
|
