STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

I hold a BSc (honors) degree in Mechanical Engineering with a first class from the premier university in
Nigeria, University of Ibadan, where I graduated as the best student in my department with a CGPA of
6.4/7.0. This was made possible because of my passion for research and academic excellence. While at
the University, I was taught fundamental Mechanical Engineering modules, such as fluid dynamics,
thermodynamics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, material science, etc. Through those modules and by
working on group projects and assignments, I gained theoretical, practical and analytical skills which has
helped in problem solving and tackling challenges.

Under the supervision of Dr. Samson Fasogbon, I conducted research that investigated the effect of
varying compression ratio on Performance characteristics such as brake power, brake specific fuel
consumption and combustion characteristics such as heat release rate, ignition delay period, cylinder
pressure of compression ignition engine fueled with Orange peel oil-based biodiesel as my undergraduate
project. The main contribution of the research is the development of a combustion and performance
model that can be use by researchers and engine designers in improving engine designs and enhancing
biodiesels in order to increase its potential of replacing fossil fuel. The result of the project has already
been published in a reputable Journal.

I currently work as a teaching and research assistant at the Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Federal University of Technology, Nigeria. I have assisted in taking courses on refrigeration and air
conditioning and I am presently conducting research on numerical studies of flow in Venturi meter. The
focus of this study is to determine the effect of varying throat diameter on fluid flow as well as the effect
of varying pipe length on heat transfer.

Based on the gathered experience, I have dedicated myself towards a postgraduate study in Mechanical
engineering with interest in thermal and fluid sciences. The choice of the American University of Beirut
(AUB) is not far fetch- their Department of Mechanical Engineering is very attractive to me and I am
fascinated by several research projects carried out by its faculty members. AUB has a well-structured
master’s degree plans, and this will provide me with broader view of my field. Besides I would be able to
learn from the outstanding staff strength and strong research team. These reasons and the availability of
several state-of-the-art facilities for learning, teaching and research have made the university the best in
Lebanon and one of the best ranked university in the world.

In conclusion, the opportunity to study in a world class university and make important connections within
the international graduate students’ community will create a supportive teaching and learning
environment which will prepare me for a successful future career. I strongly believe that the skills and
knowledge that AUB will impart me with will put me on the track of becoming one of the leading scholars
in my area of specialization and in advancing frontier of knowledge in academics and as a researcher
through innovation relevant to local and global development.