The Statement of Purpose (3,000 character limit, including spaces) should strongly convey your purpose for applying to the selected graduate program and specify:
your passion for, and knowledge of, your intended plan of study using the language of the field;
your intended program, area of study, research interest(s), and desired advisor (if applicable);
the experience you can bring to the department, including any professional and/or presentation experience;
the skills that will help you succeed, such as research, leadership, or publication experience.
TAIWO, OMOBOLAJI OMOKOREDE
omobolajiotaiwo@gmail.com
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Chemistry has gained prominence over the years, it has evolved from using Classical methods of analysis to Modern methods of instrumental analysis, which were time-consuming and were limited by errors both determinate and indeterminate. Newer instrumental techniques have undoubtably increased improvement in sensitivity leading to trace analysis at precipitate or even femto- mole levels and accuracy of result. As a child, the world around me constantly captivated me and inspired questions, and I found delight in having my questions answered. My interest in chemistry, Analytical and Environmental chemistry to be specific, became cemented when I was in my final class in senior secondary school. I was opportune to be part of the students selected on an excursion to a government research center. There, we were shown a variety of Analytical instrument, how they operate and how this aspect of chemistry has helped revolutionize the world of chemistry and help improved the management of our environment. I became specially intrigued even as an undergraduate student in the area of spectrochemical analysis. It is with this spirit and passion for unveiling secrets our universe holds with the power of science that I submit an application for Graduate Study in the Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University.
A large majority of my post-secondary education was tailored towards gaining more knowledge in application of Analytical chemistry in environmental studies, this prompted me to take restricted electives in Analytical/Environmental chemistry, including my undergraduate research. I monitored the aggregation behavior of methyl red (MR) (azo dye), (which are one of the most recalcitrant textile/ dye industry effluents polluting receiving water bodies.) In the presence of some inorganic salt using available Analytical instrument such as Conductivity meter, Uv-visible spectrometer, infrared spectrometer, under the supervision of my very supportive and brilliant supervisor, Dr Olasunkanmi Lukeman of the Department of Chemistry Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the optimum conditions favoring critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of MR, which if cost effect, one of its application can be in the recovery of the dye from solutions (especially textile industry effluent major pollutant of water bodies). At the end of the study, we discovered and I learnt, the presence of inorganic salt lowered the CAC of MR and the reaction was thermodynamically favorable. Working with Him shed more light on the vast application of analytical chemistry and its relationship with other fields in chemistry and also volunteering to tutor students in the lower levels and assisting my colleagues with their academic challenges further helped me understand the versatile application of Analytical chemistry but application in Environmental chemistry stood out for me. Although, my research experience as an undergraduate was not extensive but has been sufficient to persuade me that the pursuit of a higher degree that involves substantial research is most suitable path for someone with my skills and characteristics. My special interest is to research ways of developing novel Analytical methods for purification of industrial effluents, especially those containing dye residue and related chemicals. I am really excited at the many possible avenues that this research might take. I have found the work deeply fascinating and absorbing and can think of no area of work that could appeal more. Having also observed related techniques in the workplace has allowed me to appreciate the link between theoretical knowledge and its application in the industry.
As a laboratory intern at SHEDA Science and Technology Complex Abuja (SHESTCO) under its Chemistry Advance Laboratory, I work with staffs and research post doctorial students in handling biological samples including blood, plasma, serum, urine, and tissues. I have rapidly learned new lab techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE), Phytochemical Analysis; preparation of paper chromatograph templates in preparation of extraction mixture for column chromatography. My energy and passion for my work are matched by my patience and attention to detail. I assisted in calibrating vu-visible spectrometer and extrapolating concentration of phosphorus in water and soil samples, I could not be happier in my chosen field and I look forward to a long and prosperous lifetime giving my all to Analytical/Environmental Chemistry and was most thankful for the experience of monitoring lab chemicals and maintaining instruments in accordance with safety regulations, concentration of heavy metal such as lead using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Currently, I am volunteering as a regulatory intern at the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), under its Food Regulation Directorate; Pre-packaged water unit by assisting in ensuring compliance with Government set regulations. My work place experiences have also shown me the standards of accuracy and precision expected and their importance, especially at NAFDAC laboratory where water is being tested and so Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations have to be followed. I have been able to apply some principles from A-level study, such as accuracy in using pipettes, burettes and volumetrics. At this juncture of my life, I have come to realize that the undergraduate curriculum, even though rigorous, provides limited scope for specialization. Much of the integration of advanced technologies and instrumentations takes place in the graduate program. Hence, I would like to state emphatically that significant independent research is my ultimate goal. I feel that graduate study at the Michigan State University is the best type of further education, because of the flexibility incorporated in its learning systems, its infrastructure, the intense interaction with the industry, and exposure to the latest technology. I have familiarized myself with the works of Professor Gary J. Blanchard a specialist in synthesis and spectroscopy of interfaces, and I believe working under his supervision will be the right choice for my career in becoming an Analytical Chemist.
I want to devote my lifetime to research in analytical chemistry - Environmental, most especially. Thus, on completing my PHD, I see myself setting up a research firm where I can devote myself to cutting-edge research for developing novel cost-effective methods for industrial purification of effluent polluted by dyes and related chemicals. It is my sincere hope to make special contributions to the development of water purification at reduced costs, especially for people in my country, for most water tested and reported tends to have a high pH. and increase access to portable water in my country. I also hope to build a distinguished career in teaching, bringing forth new light that sheds light on mysteries and points forward in new directions, the quest to make the world a better place to live for all. I look forward to being able to do so during the program and beyond it.
