SOP Sample for MS in Computer Engineering in USA

Statement of Purpose

*"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity."* – Eleanor Roosevelt

I have always been fascinated by the concept of invisibility. Widely shown in several popular movies, I would often wonder about the magic behind the optical illusion. While researching, I learned that this can be achieved by using metamaterial cloak to manipulate high frequencies and make objects seem invisible. VLSI photonics can also be achieved using high-index contrast waveguiding structures. Keen to quantitatively evaluate the invisibility performance of the cloak by creating an ideal hidden free space, my team of two took up a project under the guidance of Prof. [NAME], who specializes in metamaterials. To deal with undesirable losses, I designed a microwave cloak using transverse magnetic waves with a negative refractive index and a split ring resonator. With this circuit design, we were able to render a macroscopic object invisible. The success of this project led me to consider a career in VLSI photonics. To delve deeper into the field, I realized I need to enhance my knowledge base. To this end, I wish to enroll in a graduate program in electrical engineering specializing in VLSI, which will enable me to come up with more such path-breaking innovations.

Eager to explore the metamaterials application in VLSI, I undertook a project titled, "Electromagnetic based fluid sensor using metamaterials." A nano-sensor circuit was designed and fabricated to test the purity of various liquid samples based on their permittivity values. The metamaterial-based sensor was initially designed with one and two split ring resonators, but no noticeable sensitivity was observed. Finally, a complex three ring resonator showed precise sensitivity and systematic output based on the permittivity of the liquid samples at microwave frequency (2.7 GHz). This project was published in the International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 2021.

My academic background has been instrumental in helping me gain a firm grasp of concepts relevant to VLSI. I was among the toppers of my department with an impressive CGPA of 9.11. Courses on programming languages like C, Python, and Verilog HDL predilected my skills on practical courses. I also conducted a two-day workshop on "PCB design and fabrication" and "Python programming" for 80 participants. To get hands-on experience on the latest technologies in the industry, I completed a certificate course, "Backend Digital VLSI Design."

I strongly believe that a well-rounded personality is a must to succeed in today's competitive world. I have been an active member of the IEEE, and as the Publicity Head of its student chapter, I led a 20-member team and helped promote technical workshops and events. We won the best team award from the [ORGANIZATION] student branch. Owing to my leadership skills, I also held the position of the General Secretary of IEEE, where I led 40 associate members of IEEE committee and ensured smooth functioning of various events in the college. Despite the pandemic, we successfully conducted 10 technical online workshops on circuit design and simulation using Proteus and game development using Java. I also conducted a 2-month summer internship for 150+ inquisitive minds on "Exploring data science and Python using MySQL." As an IEEE General Secretary, I not only acquired technical expertise to bring research to the table, but also the qualities required to become a strong leader and an effective communicator. These activities honed my interpersonal skills, which I would like to exercise while participating in extracurricular activities at the graduate school.

Currently, I'm working as a Patent Analyst at [COMPANY], a leading technology and intellectual property consulting company that provides critical support during each stage of patent lifecycle. I analyze new technology patents in the field of electronics by identifying trends in the technology field and recognizing research areas that have maximum potential. My role also requires me to execute searches related to patentability, invalidity, freedom to operate, landscape, and state-of-the-art analysis. This job has enhanced my analytical and communication skills. This relevant work experience will surely complement my research studies by providing another way of learning outside the classroom.

My career goal is to work as a Silicon-Design Engineer with companies like [COMPANY], [COMPANY], [COMPANY], and [COMPANY]. I am particularly interested in working on SoCs from architecture development and circuit design and validation till product tape-out. In the long run, I aspire to be a Research Scientist and work toward the development of cutting-edge technologies. To achieve my long-term goals, I seek to focus on short-term goals and pursue MS in Computer Engineering (Electrical Engineering) from [UNIVERSITY].

With requisite exposure and experience in the domain, I now look forward to broadening my vistas by applying for the coveted master's program in Computer Engineering (Electrical Engineering) of [SCHOOL], at [UNIVERSITY]. Courses like Electronic and mixed-signal circuit design will help enhance my practical knowledge. The research endeavors of Prof. [NAME] and Prof. [NAME] are in alignment with my career interests, and I look forward to assisting them in their research. To further my academic and professional development, I look forward to being a part of IEEE Student chapter at [UNIVERSITY] that would give me the opportunity to put my ideas into practice.

The unwavering dedication and consistent efforts I have put in toward accomplishing my academic pursuits are traits that will help me emerge as a valuable asset at the university. Thus, I hope my application for pursuing graduate studies will be given due consideration and that I will be granted the opportunity to be a part of the fall 2022 class.