Subject: PhD Application Inquiry and Expression of Interest in Geotechnical Engineering

Research

Dear Professor Puppala,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Burak Bulut from Turkey, and I am a master’s
student in Geotechnical Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. I am writing to express
my sincere interest in pursuing a PhD under your esteemed guidance at Texas A&M
University. Your outstanding contributions to sustainable environmental practices have greatly
inspired me, and I am eager to contribute to your research team.
As a recipient of the YLSY scholarship from the Turkish Ministry of National Education, my
financial needs for the PhD program will be fully supported. This scholarship, which
promotes international academic cooperation, reflects my commitment to contributing
significantly to the academic community. Enclosed with this email, you will find my
scholarship certification as evidence of this funding and commitment.
I am currently in the final stages of my master’s thesis, which investigates the short-term
hydraulic properties of various recycled materials such as recycled asphalt pavement, recycled
concrete aggregate, and steel slag, in conjunction with nonwoven geotextiles, compared with
natural aggregates. I recently received acceptance to present a paper titled "Short-Term
Drainage Performance of Geotextile-Recycled Asphalt Pavement Filter Systems" at the 5th
Environmental Geotechnology, Recycled Waste Materials and Sustainable Engineering
conference. This paper, based on the initial results of my thesis, was well-received, and I am
currently planning to co-author a detailed article on this subject with my thesis advisor, Dr.
Mustafa Hatipoğlu.
In addition, I would like to inquire about the application requirements for the PhD program,
particularly regarding the GRE test. The information on the department’s website was not
definitive, and I am seeking clarification on this matter. Furthermore, I am preparing to fulfill
the English proficiency requirements and aim to secure the necessary IELTS score soon.
I plan to submit my application by the end of 2024, hoping to begin my studies in the Fall
semester of 2025. Your impressive track record in sustainable environment and geotechnical
engineering has inspired me, and I am eager to contribute to and learn from your esteemed
research team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your
team and contributing to the field of sustainable environmental practices.
Warm regards,
Burak Bulut
[bulutt.bburak@gmail.com]
[bulut21@itu.edu.tr]
[+905535066320]
Istanbul Technical University