Please critic my final draft (Is it too long, what should I change)

[beejaei]

My research interests are directly related to my aptitude and interest in math. I enjoy and succeed in math for two main reasons: it stimulates analytical thinking and it is a useful tool for all my other science and engineering classes. In the engineering classes I have taken so far, I have had to use limits, derivatives, integrals, differential equations and other mathematical principles to understand abstract physical phenomena and engineering problems and their underlying principles. I usually would go further and develop ‘if-else’ and ‘what-if’ conditions for my engineering problems; I was interested in using math to not only solve, but to also explore problems fully. Math has been an avenue for me to live in a fantasy world, where I am a creator and tinkerer. Although this interest in math as tool for creating solutions was not fully developed in high school, there was enough evidence of its existence to guide me into choosing computer science as a major at Margaret University.

Computer science has given me an avenue to regularly solve open-ended problems based on mathematics, analytical thinking and logic. For the past three years, I have taken computer science classes that demand that I first understand and analyze a problem, then create mathematical models for it, and then devise an efficient and creative solution for it. I have sought a broader avenue to express my interests and skills by undertaking an internship at Stanley Company in the summer after my freshman year, where I was in charge of developing UNIX scripts on a daily basis to troubleshoot system programming issues. While I enjoyed my work, but I preferred to have a project, a goal that I could be invested in and creatively apply my mathematical and coding skills to. This yearning for a sense of creative input and completion led me to my several research experiences, the most recent of which are my work with Dr. Jonathan Bell of the University of GradCafe, with whom I am developing geometric and computational models to study electrical activity in nerve cells, and Dr. Cheng Luo of Magaret University, with whom I am working on improving an algorithm for route skyline queries of databases.

Before I took part in these latter research projects, I had worked in Dr. John’s Information and Computer Technology lab at CollegeConfidential University in the summer after my sophomore year. Our main research objective was to study the relationships between driving patterns and energy usage and to use this information to predict efficient ways of using energy in electric vehicles. Using go-karts as a model, I helped in designing experiments and analyzing data to investigate how the various components of the electric vehicle like the controller, battery, and mechanical parts could be selected to achieve optimal energy efficiency. For future work, my research group discussed a possible application in which a GPS-like system could be developed through which a driver will be informed of the distance left to travel, amount of energy still available, and different possible combinations of average speeds and driving patterns that will result in different durations for the journey. At the end of that summer, I presented my results at the SROP poster session at CollegeConfidential University and the PIC Conference at Anonymous State University. Another highlight of this summer experience was the interest I developed in vehicles, specifically robotic vehicles and how they could be controlled and engineered to behave intelligently.

I learned more control algorithms and intelligent robotic vehicles by observing the research done in Dr.Karck’s Robotic Mobility Group at GIT; however, under the auspices of the GIT Research Program, my primary research project in the group was on image analysis and processing. The goal of the research was to study the mechanical interaction between a model of the Mars Rover wheel and a Mars soil simulant using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), to understand the effect the motion and force of the wheel had on the mechanical properties of the soil. My main task was to develop – by modifying existing ones – particle tracking software that will give information on the motion patterns of the soil particles in response to the motion of the wheel. I spent the first few weeks of this research experience understanding the mathematical foundations of PIV and the cross-correlation function and algorithm. Then, to inform the choice of software for the experiments, I designed a tool for measuring the relative accuracy of different PIV software in detecting the motion of the soil particles. I also designed an initial camera frame for the test bed in addition to creating image enhancement algorithms to optimize the input images for the PIV software. Next, I made informed decisions on the optimal instruments and physical conditions for carrying out the PIV experiments. I ultimately applied all of this knowledge to investigate, integrate, and utilize PIV software to acquire, pre-process, analyze and post-process images from the test bed for the PIV experiments.

My experiences at CollegeConfidential University and GIT exposed me to different research projects beyond my field and helped me develop an interest in creating algorithms to make unmanned moving robots move increasingly autonomously, effectively and intelligently. From my readings on robots, control, and artificial intelligence, I have gathered that sophisticated controllers and creative algorithms are important for intelligent behavior. Generally, robots perform well in known environments; however, they find it almost impossible to cross chaotic and unpredictable surroundings with many obstacles. Therefore my research interest lies in applying ideas in decision making in uncertain conditions, path planning and independent navigation to enhance the performance of these robots; my research will focus on using these ideas to develop sophisticated control strategies and algorithms for robotic vehicles. I expect this research approach to yield significant applications in disaster recovery and in safer and more energy-efficient transportation. In applications in disaster recovery, for example, it will be important for a robotic vehicle to possess a dynamic mobility in undefined and unpredictable environments. Such a robot or vehicle should be able to adjust its motion techniques and search strategies according to the physical characteristics of the particular terrain and other important sensory information. Also, present work by Google on driverless cars, when enhanced with progressively sophisticated controllers, will result in safer and more efficient driving.

I look forward with excitement to working in this research area because of what I have learned about my interests and skills from my other research experiences. My research experiences have pushed me to analyze, perceive patterns and use mathematical knowledge to produce innovative solutions to problems. The challenge and novelty these experiences offered and the independent intellectual rigor that was required to solve the problems were gratifying. As I have worked with my supervisors, I have seen the rigor and depth of their knowledge, and I have seen the patient and considered manner with which they have approached problems. I have seen the frustration and disappointment at a failed experiment, and I have seen their determination to keep plugging away at the task because of their innate curiosity and love for what they do. These experiences have helped me conclude that I want to be a part of the research culture.

It is not a coincidence that four of the five jobs or internships I have had in college have been in research, tutoring, or mentoring. In fact, some of the most profound and fulfilling experiences of my adult life have come from mentoring freshmen on the path to success in college and tutoring them in their first math classes. In addition, it has been deeply rewarding to be of service to minority-serving organizations like the HBCU Summit on Retention. Indeed, I am product of great mentoring and teaching from my professors and research supervisors, and this has helped me to see the value in giving back. Therefore, I want to earn a PhD and work in academia, where I can pursue research, teaching and mentoring.

I am applying to the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT to earn this PhD because of its track record in graduating world-class engineers that go on to excellent careers in academia and industry. I also know that this department, renowned for its rigorous academic and research demands, will give me the best opportunity to grow intellectually and foster those research skills, like independent thought and development of creative solutions, I have learned and practiced in my research projects. In particular, earning a PhD from this department will give me an opportunity to work with researchers like Dr. Shedrach, Dr. Meshach, and Dr. Abednego, whose works excite me and reflect my research goals. Ultimately, earning a PhD from this department will allow me relive all those research experiences that assured me that I enjoy the analytic stimulation, demands and fulfillments of doing research.

How can I incorporate this:

Although my initial attempt to do research by commuting to a different school, affected my grades in the Fall of 2011, I have since learned to balance research and school work appropriately.