STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Dear Sir/Madam, I deem it as an opportunity and privilege to let me say something about myself by way of introduction. I am Shafiq Ahmed Shahbaz, an undergraduate in Aeronautical Engineering from KBN college of Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka, India and presently pursuing MS in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle University, Daytona Beach Campus Florida. I have the pleasure to write this letter to express my intent to transfer admission to your university for pursuing Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering. However my background is from Aeronautical Engineering. Academic Background Before enrolling myself in the graduate school, majoring in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle University Daytona Beach Campus I have pursued my bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering with enthusiasm at KBN College of engineering affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University which is one the prestigious and finest institutions in imparting technical education in INDIA. My undergraduate studies included many subjects from the mechanical engineering department. I enjoyed these subjects and I had good grades in them. I have acquired a strong background in the fundamentals of the basic mechanical engineering subjects like Thermodynamics, Solid Mechanics, Fluid mechanics, CAD/CAM, Mechanics of Materials, Dynamics of machine etc. As per the requirements of the institute I was also exposed to the needs and aspirations of the industry through a series of well orchestrated lectures by eminent people who are leaders in their field. These courses have helped me build a strong foundation in Mechanical Field. The College Project At my under graduation year, I was involved in four- students collage project to develop an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAVs), our group was subdivided into smaller groups which involved a lot of multitasking abilities like co-ordination, planning, management and implementation of the project from its inception to its final execution , the best skills I gained is to gather information needed under lack of resources, do a lot of experimental work , contact other professionals to be able to finish this task accurately and on time. And I also was well trained on leadership and inspirit of teamwork. This project helped me to relate my theoretical work to a practical scenario. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the subject and a sound technical base which also aroused a greater liking for the subject.

Achievements During my under graduation I gained six months of Industrial training in Engineering Dept of NACIL (National Aviation Company of India Ltd. Air India) that gave me an exposure to outside world of engineering. In the meanwhile I attended various technical seminar and various workshops and have taken part in the debates and various others inter departmental competitions. I have also achieved certification in little technical proficiency software that includes AutoCAD, Ansys, Pro-E, Mat lab, Fluent and Gambit. Work experience After completion of my undergraduate I served as a Lecturer for a period of 1 year in Bharat College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, A.P, India and then served as an assistant professor for a period of six months in Gurukul Vidyapeeth College of Engineering & Technology, Chandigarh, India where my duty was to deliver lectures, tutorials, demonstrate practical laboratories in areas of mechanical and aeronautical. Meanwhile I have done a lot of research work and assisted senior faculty members with my work in delivering conference meetings, publishing journal etc. Career Objective My objective for graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering is to prepare myself for the long-term goal of pursuing a career of teaching and research. I have nurtured a strong passion to become a scientist and pursue research. The pursuit for knowledge has been the supreme goal in my life. We are in an era of global and technological changes where boundaries are fast disappearing and the greatest challenge tomorrow holds for us is to manage continuity of change. To satiate my curiosity and to fulfill my ambitions I have decided to pursue a masters program in Mechanical Engineering. I would like to get involved in research work in this area. Although there is a vast scope for research in this area, the scope for research in India is limited. The need for exposure to a wider environment has prompted me to seek an opportunity to study in the United States. A Masters in this field, followed by a doctorial would be my first steps. I strongly feel that the guidance of the capable, research-oriented faculty of your department will make my graduate study at your university a fruitful endeavor. The fact that Bradley University stands unique with its infrastructure, faculty and resources, motivates me to be a part of it. Concluding I reaffirm my faith in transferring my discipline of study in the branch of Mechanical Engineering and serve my motherland with the technical expertise gained by studying in the US. I can assure you that given a chance I shall strive to live up to the expectations. I would be glad if given a scholarship or providing financial aid in addition to easing the financial burden on me. I am convinced that my study at your department would be meaningful and a rewarding experience. I look to forward to have a long and profitable association with your esteemed university. Thank you for your time and for considering my request. I am looking forward to hearing back from you positively regarding my application.

(Mr. Shafiq Ahmed Shahbaz)