Vishesh H.

Shah
( Applying for Ph.D in Chemical Engineering for Fall 2006 )

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

“The aim of Graduate Studies is to convert a raw diamond into a well-cut diamond”. It is these
words by the doyen of Indian chemical engineering, Professor M.M.Sharma that have motivated me to
pursue advanced studies in chemical engineering. Today, as I stand on the threshold of graduation, I
realize that the knowledge I have gained till now as an undergraduate constitutes what is fundamental in
chemical engineering and this has already captivated me. With this start I want to further improve myself
in this field. I firmly believe that graduate study throws open an entire gamut of diverse intellectual
challenges and opportunities for growth and professional progress. I want to extend my understanding
and competence in chemical engineering, learn about research and make an important contribution in
this area.

Throughout my academic career, I have shown a strong penchant towards science and mathematics. In
school, I have won several awards for excelling in these areas and this continued till junior college. My
good performance at the Higher Secondary School examination, 2002, enabled me to gain admission
to the University of Mumbai, Institute of Chemical Technology (UICT), a premier institute for
chemical engineering, renowned for its excellence both in India and abroad. At UICT, I have had the
opportunity of studying under eminent professors like Professor V.G.Pangarkar, Professor A.B.Pandit
and Professor G.D.Yadav who have consistently delivered outstanding contributions in the field of
chemical engineering. I have, due to my consistent and dedicated efforts secured 7th position in a
highly competitive class of 75. UICT coursework exposed me to a plethora of challenging and
interesting topics. The academic atmosphere seemed to be a perfect abode for my questioning and
explorative mind.

With an emphasis on application of theoretical principles, the coursework at UICT included 3 semesters
of chemical engineering laboratory. This is a course I really loved to work on. The part which
fascinated me the most was the exercise of obtaining desired parameters from the collected data and
then verifying it with the reported data or actual values and finally probing the various probable causes
for deviations from the expected results. I love the feeling of anticipation one feels before plugging in
numbers obtained experimentally and then getting an expected answer. It gives me great joy that the
theory we love so much, and study with such faith – is indeed true.

My inclination towards graduate studies gained foot in the third year summer vacations when I was
involved in in-plant training at Lubrizol India Pvt. Ltd. At that time I was exposed to a lot of techniques,
which make a process more efficient, and this was a direct reflection of the impact of research on
industry. I am currently working on a seminar on ‘Process Engineering Aspects of Manufacture of
Fatty Alcohols by non-oxo Routes’ (which involves an in-depth literature survey). I realized that industry
generally implements things extensively studied by researchers. Someday I want to be responsible for
such process choices. Innovations in improving and optimizing processes is a challenge I wish to
conquer.

I am greatly inspired by fundamental breakthroughs in research. It is such an amazing feeling that

sincere efforts of an individual affect the living of millions of people all over the world. Simple

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Vishesh H. Shah
( Applying for Ph.D in Chemical Engineering for Fall 2006 )

fundamental research, without being flamboyant, can drastically improve lives. It is my ambition since
childhood to do something like this, to do my bit for society and help improve existing conditions. This far-
fetched dream is now within my grasp.

I have always had a very strong liking for mathematics. The mathematics involved in chemical
engineering has fascinated me. I was always drawn towards topics which relied heavily on mathematics
including Chemical Reaction Engineering, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Momentum
Transfer, Heat Transfer and so on.

Other topics like Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Applied Physics, Structural Mechanics,
and Electrical Engineering & Electronics have also interested me. These courses, though not directly
related to chemical engineering, have helped me develop a feel for all the fields, which an engineer
should be aware of. At the same time, chemical engineering subjects like Unit Operations, Separation
Processes, and Plant Utilities also have interested me greatly. One of my favorites was Industrial &
Engineering Chemistry. It was the application of all the other courses and the principles learnt therein.
According to me, this is what chemical engineering boils down to. And this industrial research is what I
want to be actively involved in. I must clearly state that I have studied my entire undergraduate
curriculum without any subject bias and I am equally comfortable in detailed study of any one of them.

Inspite of hailing from an institution so actively involved in research, one may wonder why a student
should pursue higher studies abroad. The reason is to have a cutting edge in technology and
technical expertise and to get acquainted with the state-of-the-art technology. Also, the level of
sophistication and facilities in advanced countries like the U.S.A. are unmatched. The independence to
work and the ability to interact with students from all over the world in an unmatched intellectual
atmosphere is an added incentive.

It is thus my keen desire to participate in your pioneering research efforts and to be at the forefront of
technology. It is in the atmosphere of your prestigious institution that my research potential can be fully
realized. I believe that only by subjecting one’s ideas and beliefs to the scrutiny of other experts, whose
perspectives and experiences might be much different, will one be able to come out with cutting edge
research. I am sure that Purdue University would provide the ideal environment for my transformation
from an enthusiastic and inquisitive student of chemical engineering to a well-trained professional
engaged in meaningful research.

I am aware that graduate study calls for a high degree of commitment, diligence, innovation and sound
fundamentals in chemical engineering and I am confident that with my unwavering dedication and
persistence, I shall be able to face all posed challenges. I sincerely hope to fulfill my ambition of carrying
out original research work and in the process contribute to the research endeavors at Purdue University,
making it a mutually rewarding experience.

Vishesh H. Shah

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