Name : MARKAPURAM VENKATA HARIPRASAD

Intended Major : MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Degree Sought: M.S.(leading to Ph.D)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
I introduce myself as a student of the undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering
at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering (Hyderabad), a
premier state run institution accredited ‘A’ by the National Board of Accreditation and
the University Grants Commission. I use this opportunity to elucidate my career
objectives and give in quintessence of my educational background.

My Educational Background and academic achievements :

Since my school days, I have been interested in Mathematics and physical sciences. My
scholastic record has been meritorious right through school and higher secondary
education. With my propensity towards Mathematics and physics, I chose Mathematics-
Physics-Chemistry as my group for post secondary education. My fascination for
engineering was from an early stage though not a conscious one. There has been doers
because there have been dreamers, because in our dreams we see not what is, but what
can be. It is with such dreams and visions that today we stand at the milestone of
success. The sweeping changes in the Global Industrialization and Design Engineering
have made the role of mechanical engineer a really indispensable one. It has been my
deepest desire to be a part of this rapidly burgeoning community. My strong penchant
towards thermal sciences, design and also the versatility of the Mechanical Engineering
and my basic interest in the field of Mechanical Machines motivated me to take
Mechanical Engineering as my major in undergraduate program. My years as an
undergraduate student have influenced me the most. Academically I have matured a lot
during this period. It was here that I understood the need to put theory into practice and
most importantly to innovate in face of immense hurdles. During the course of study, my
encounters with Design Principals and Thermodynamic Principles have been extremely
enlightening. The joy of learning these subjects under excellent professors is
unsurpassable. My inclination towards graduate studies gained foot during my second
year of engineering, when I visited Bharat Dynamics Limited under such professors.
During the visit, I came in intimate contact with researchers and learnt a lot about the
temperament and determination required for research.
Why To Pursue M.S.?
Excellence in any sphere of life can be achieved through determination, hard work,
perseverance and dedication. Yet, lack of in-depth knowledge of the subject leaves the
conceptual skills incomplete. The nature of undergraduate courses does not offer scope
for individual expression and rapidly advancing technology necessitates mastery of
particular area. In a world where technology evolves everyday, I need specialized training
beyond my undergraduate level to have competitive edge and help me keep pace with the
new generation of problems and product applications. All the things which are mentioned
above made me to pursue Master’s program in Mechanical engineering.
Why Thermal Engineering?
My interest in Thermal Engineering stems from the fact that it holds good opportunities
and provides a wide scope for research. I have been fascinated by the type of practical
challenges it poses. An effective practice in Thermal Engineering demands the aspect of
analyzing, thinking logically and visualizing the impacts of problems.

Why Tennessee State University?

The selection of the right university by the candidate is as important as the selection of
the right candidate by the university. Having to choose a university that is suitable to my
ambition is a major decision, one which can’t be taken in haste. To achieve my
objectives, I feel that the choice of University is of critical importance. Information from
Vice- Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, faculty here at the
college, my seniors and perusal of the University web-site, I have inferred that Tennessee
State University provides excellent research activities and balanced academic program
which is conducive to my study. I feel that I can realize my aspirations that I have
nurtured a long.
As a part of your family of students, I have to imbibe the best of what you offer, extend
the breadth of knowledge. In conclusion, I hope that I will be given chance to realize my
objectives by granting admission in your esteemed and distinguished University. I am
confident that with my academic standards and strong motivation, zeal, positive attitude
and with the aid of your graduate program, I will be able to make a significant
contribution to the research endeavors at the University. I take this opportunity to request
for suitable financial assistance from the department and college.
(HARIPRASAD. M.V.)

Esther Plavan appikatla

Aspirant of Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Term Applied: Fall 2001
Statement of Purpose
“The thirst for knowledge increases with the acquisition of it” –Thomas Carlyle
Excellence in any sphere of life can be achieved through determination and perseverance.
These are the driving forces that initiate a result-oriented activity and bring fruitful
results. I, Esther Plavan Appikatla, have always believed in the above adage, and
realized early in my life that industriousness and hard work are the only investments that
never fail. I have always ensured that I do complete justice to any pursuit I undertake and
I have been persistent throughout the long transformation from an inquisitive youngster
to a man of reasoning. Genial disposition, pellucid expression, indomitable grit,
relentless and arduous worker –this is how I delineate my personality. If I were to
mention one quality in me that sets me apart, it is my never-say-die spirit which has
goaded me on and on.
An avid student in my junior high school days, I actively participated in inter school
debates and science workshops. I also represented my school at the state-level science
exhibition and demonstrated a prototype of water level indicator that was widely
applauded and was also implemented in the school drinking water system. It gave me
deep appreciation for science and my quest for more led me to choose Physics,
Mathematics and Chemistry as my majors at 10 + 2 level.
The industrial and technological revolution of the new millennium combined with the
knowledge-backed economy has provided an impetus to me to take up Engineering as a
career. The introduction of newer concepts like flexible manufacturing system,
automation and mechanization of industries are some of the major factors that
encouraged me to take up Production Engineering in my under-graduate study. In a
country where technical education is a prerogative of only the cream of students, I stood
among the top 0.5% of the students who got through the state-level common entrance
examination. This enabled me to get into DVR College of Engineering and Technology,
a prestigious and coveted institute. It is said that with proper nurturing, one can
transform a fascination into an excellent productive faculty. Indeed, the last three years
that I spent as a student of the under-graduate program have certainly proved fruitful and
enabled the potent drive in me to graduate and manifest my ideals into reality. But my
hunger for learning and reaching greater heights of excellence, far from being satiated,
has grown manifold.

To contribute to the developing technology, and as a first step in my research

career, I presented three technical papers at various National level technical symposiums
1. ‘Mechatronics (Mechatronic Design Elements)’, at Techsonance ‘99, held by IE
(The Institution of Engineers), University College of Engineering, O.U. Students’
Chapter.
2. ‘Sensing of Tool Wear using Artificial Neural Networks’, at Technisium -98, held
by Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur
3. ‘Control of Autonomous Robots’ at CYGNUS 1999-2000, held by Crescent
Engineering College, Chennai.
The recommendation letters of the guides for the papers are enclosed. I was a sophomore
at that time and it was then that I focussed on ‘Industrial Automation’ as my choice for
future career plans. I received good training at various industries during the preparation
of my technical papers. I also gained invaluable knowledge and experience at the
different National Level Technical Symposiums that I have attended, interacting with
distinguished professors and participating in groupdiscussions.
Other Skills
I have been an avid participant at many co-curricular intra-collegiate competitions for
which I have represented my college. I have won state-level awards in debate, elocution
and other literary activities. Such inspirational participation has ensured that the latent
expertise in communication skills that I possess have been successfully brought to the
fore. I have also been exposed to organizational activities related to handling classes in
‘C’ language for corporate clients at a training program where I worked as faculty.
Project Work and Future Plans
My desire to prepare myself for the future has prompted me to take up my undergraduate
project in consonance with my career objectives. At present I am working on a project
entitled ‘Design & Control of a Flexible Manipulator coupled to a CNC Machine for
Automation’, sponsored by Rane Engine Valves Ltd, which is India’s largest
manufacturing industry producing automobile parts. The project is aimed at design and
development of a flexible manipulator, which is to be coupled to a CNC machine to
completely eliminate human interference. Further, the finite element packages such as
ANSYS, CAEFEM (FEAMAP) are used for analysis.
I am extremely interested in the field of CAD/CAM & Industrial Automation and have
done extensive work in it for quite some time now. My Publications and project work are
a testimony to it. Realizing the importance of design software packages in the field of
‘Computer Integrated Design & Manufacturing’, I am at present, undergoing training in
ProEngineer and CAD software. I also plan to work on ‘Virtual Manufacturing’.
Purpose of Graduate Study
The nature of undergraduate study does not offer enough scope for individual expression
while rapidly advancing technology necessitates mastery of particular areas. My
propensity for research combined with an insatiable thirst for knowledge has instilled in
me a longing to take up research in my career. Much of the integration of advanced
technologies in any field takes place in a graduate program. Since the standard of
graduate studies in the US is superlative and as the opportunities to do worthwhile
research are plentiful, I have resolved to pursue my MS degree there.
Career Goal
I see graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in ‘CAD/CAM and
Automation’ as perfect opportunity for me to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the
subject and would like to supplement this by carrying out creative and useful research
leading to my doctorate study. I would like to be involved in ongoing research in areas
involving advanced technology such as ‘Agile manufacturing’, ‘Design for Automation’,
‘Virtual Manufacturing’ & ‘Computer Integrated Manufacturing’. My ultimate goal is to
take up a career in research.
Why at your University
I have inferred from the information garnered that the graduate program in the ‘Industrial
Engineering Department’ at your esteemed university has excellent facilities for research
and an eminent faculty. Moreover the research work in the department is an exact match
to my field of interests. Also my interaction with highly motivated and intellectual peers
will keep me focussed and make my study a pleasurable experience. I would also benefit
from their cultural diversity and professional expertise.
Newton had said, “Science is like a vast beach spread in front of me and my knowledge is
just a small pebble in that beach”. To be a more significant part of this vast beach, I
consider it important to obtain my Master’s from a University of repute such as yours.
For, I believe, the means is as important as the end.
(esther plavan appikatla)