(no subject)
I just finished up my first draft SOP for MS/PhD programs in Structural Engineering, and I'm interested in getting some feedback. I tried to highlight what I'm interested in and the research I've done relating to it, but I really don't have that much directly applicable research experience. I also was a veterinarian for a couple years before returning to school and I tried to make some of those experiences relevant to grad school, but I don't think I succeeded all that well. Any feedback would be great, and feel free to rip it to pieces, since I need all the help I can get. Thanks!
I was experimentally characterizing a frame used on the MTS Tabletop Earthquake System. One of the sensors measuring deflection was not working properly, so I needed to find another method to analyze the frame as fixed-fixed or pinned-fixed. I decided to measure the natural frequency of the structure and then calculate the stiffness, k. The results were unexpectedly closer to a pinned-fixed frame, rather than a fixed-fixed frame. This data indicated that the designs for future frames I would be building had to be readjusted. This experience highlights what I enjoy about research, and why I’m interested in pursuing the MS/PhD program in Structural Engineering, emphasizing earthquake engineering, at XX-there are always challenges to be overcome and unexpected insights which may alter the course of the experiment.
I previously conducted research in a veterinary biosciences laboratory, where I analyzed the effects of intestinal proteins on the immune system. The research process was interesting and stimulating, but realized I did not want to perform research in the biosciences. As I returned to school and entered the civil engineering program at XX, I was again drawn to research. Currently I am performing research in Professor XX laboratory analyzing frame structures on the MTS Tabletop Earthquake System. I am designing and building one story, one bay frames made of steel, aluminum and acrylic. The cross-sectional properties will be kept constant so only the moduli of elasticity will vary for each structure, though the design will be such that the mass on top of the structure can be changed. Also, an interchangeable connection which can be either fixed or pinned is being designed and built, so the boundary conditions of the frame can be easily modified from fixed-fixed to fixed-pinned. The responses of the different frames and boundary conditions will be analyzed and compared with theoretical responses. This research project has given me a greater understand of structural design overall and seismic design specifically, and has allowed me to apply the concepts I’m learning in my steel, concrete and masonry structural design courses.
I became a veterinarian because I wanted to understand how different systems interact to cause disease, and how I could influence those factors with medicine and surgery to bring about health. These same factors have influenced my interest in structural design, specifically seismic design. I want to know how all the parts of a building (the materials, connections, boundary conditions, etc.) interact to produce the best configuration to withstand earthquake loads. What can be done to improve the building design to make it safer and more economical? What boundary conditions are most effective in resisting earthquake loads and decreasing structural damage? How do different materials respond to certain loading conditions, and how can these responses be improved? Graduate school is a natural next step for me because it will allow me to pursue these interests and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying issues.
My years in veterinary school and civil engineering have given me the skills necessary to be successful in graduate school. I understand the work and dedication necessary to complete a rigorous post-undergraduate degree. I have shown I can work independently and manage my time to successfully complete school, research and work responsibilities. My six years as a full-time and part-time veterinarian in mixed animal practice strengthened me both personally and professionally. I was required to work and think independently while diagnosing and treating diseases in my patients, along with needing strong communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with clients. Returning to school, I have been dedicated to my coursework, as shown by my 4.0 GPA during the past three years and my participation in the honors program, which includes a thesis to be written later this semester and next semester. I have also worked as a tutor and enjoy teaching concepts to fellow students in a way they understand.
I am interesting in entering the M.S./Ph.D program in Structural Engineering with an emphasis in earthquake engineering at XX. After completion of my doctoral degree, I would either take a post-doctoral position, with a career in academia as the final goal, or find a job at a structural consulting firm where my knowledge and experience would be put to good use. Two of the engineers at the engineering consulting firm where I have been interning for the past year have doctoral degrees, and one was a professor before starting the company, so I have firsthand knowledge into how useful graduate level experience and knowledge can be outside of academia.
My interest in XX stems from the dynamic and cutting edge earthquake research being done there. The XX Lab offers opportunities to test large-scale structures, an option that few universities offer. The school has numerous classes on earthquake engineering, along with the requisite structural engineering courses. The structures department is large and diverse, bringing people of many backgrounds and interests together. Within the structures department, numerous faculty are involved in interesting seismic research, such as Professor XX research into XX and Professor XX research into XX, among others. XX would be an excellent fit as I work toward a deeper understanding of earthquake engineering specifically and structural engineering overall.