Purdue University Essays

Mindset: Purdue University believes that diversity strengthens the educational experience, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. We strive to be an institution where individuals of all backgrounds, values, and beliefs can interact in an open and positive manner, leaving as better world citizens.

 

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

These are the three basic sciences most commonly found in high school curricula, and for good reason—they provide broad knowledge about matter and the mechanics of the world. They illuminate integrations between science and other academic fields, and seek to ignite students’ passion to learn more about the phenomena that define our existence.

However, lack of funding and the need for stronger adaptive learning techniques to meet neurodiversity needs have strained our ability to increase access to STEM in our schools—especially in marginalized communities. To help close this gap, I founded STEMEncounters (http://stemencounters.com/), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spreading a love of STEM (with a focus on materials science and engineering) and making information accessible to all students without any paywalls.

It was important for me to first understand how people learn. We rely heavily on mobile technology and creative content, and with the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to accommodate our audience and create a seamless learning environment. Therefore, we host interactive events, write blogs, record podcasts (“STEMTalk With STEMEncounters”), and create online courses for anyone, anywhere, to learn and converse.

Diversity is vitally important to me, and I am encouraged that this aligns with Purdue’s philosophy. Anyone can access my nonprofit’s materials that support young people in their journey in STEM. At Purdue, I can grow my impact even more.

 

Notes for this essay:

Describe three experiences and/or activities that have helped develop your passion for a possible career in a STEM field. Use the separate spaces provided below, one for each STEM experience and/or activity. (120 words maximum)

 

Budget cuts and local policy conflicts affecting public schools in America result in many students lacking access to STEM resources. This disproportionately affects marginalized communities that are frequently overlooked in our public school infrastructure.

To help close this gap, I founded STEMEncounters (http://stemencounters.com/), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spreading a love of STEM and making information accessible to everyone, without paywalls.

It is important to understand how people learn. We rely heavily on mobile technology and creative content, and the added pressures of COVID-19 stress the importance of accommodating our audience and creating a seamless learning environment. Therefore, we host interactive events, write blogs, record podcasts (“STEMTalk With STEMEncounters”), and create online courses inviting anyone, anywhere to learn and converse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How will opportunities at Purdue support your interests, both in and out of the classroom? (Respond in 100 words or fewer.)

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is my passion, and Purdue offers the country’s best academic MSE program. Through Materials Engineering, I will learn about microstructure, and nanotechnology while discussing these topics with my fellow peers at Purdue.

I am ecstatic to work with Professor John Blendell on the design of microsture and ferroelectric thin film. And to relieve stress and gain much-needed camaraderie, I hope to join Purdue Club Swimming creating lasting connections.

Purdue’s cutting-edge research, world-class professors, diverse student body, and unrivaled engineering opportunities will best prepare me for a future in MSE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTUAL ESSAY QUESTION: Briefly discuss your reasons for pursuing the major you have selected. (Respond in 100 words or fewer.)

For five years I have delved deep into the fascinating world of materials science and engineering (MSE), igniting an indelible passion for this field that I hope to pursue at Purdue.

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) can change the world, but without growing the number of those who understand and care about the field, the opportunities for revolutionary growth will stagnate. MSE is a subject rarely discussed in high school, but I feel its real-world applications make it an essential component of STEM.

I hope to learn this invaluable field at Purdue and continue researching and spreading it forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below I say “Notes to use for Purdue Third Essay” but they can be used for any essay where you see it can work (DON’T Talk about the Iowa State University Video; I already mentioned that elsewhere)

NOTES TO USE FOR PURDUE THIRD ESSAY:

Why do you want to study your chosen major specifically at Georgia Tech? (300 words maximum)

For five years I have delved deep into the fascinating world of materials science and engineering (MSE), igniting an indelible passion for this field that I hope to pursue at Georgia Tech.

It began with a YouTube video from an Iowa State University professor that auto-played after another video on ionic bonds in chemistry. He discussed how MSE is the foundation of our engineering world. He posited that every building, mechanism, and product is a result of materials science. Even artificial intelligence is being used to identify material properties for robot arms and even buildings.

Beyond starting my nonprofit STEMEncounters, which hosts an MSE-focused podcast and a blog, I have recently self-published my book: “The Composed World: A Journey Through Materials Science and Engineering.” The book covers the basics in MSE and the research I have done in the field at Columbia University and NYU, transcriptions of “STEMTalk With STEMEncounters” episodes, blog posts about MSE, and interviews with leading experts in the field.

Georgia Tech is the perfect place to expand my passion for MSE. First, I will continue building a solid academic foundation with courses like “Nanomaterials & Structures” and “Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties.” Beyond the classroom, I hope to engage in research with Professor Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena, investigating semiconductor electrodynamics at the nanoscale for the improvement of solar cells. In particular, we could research how crystalline nanostructure could be a viable material for improving light-emitting diodes. Finalizing the project, we could publish our results in the Elsevier Materials Science and Engineering Journal to expand the conversation on renewable energy technology in MSE research.

Georgia Tech’s cutting-edge research opportunities, access to world-class professors, amazing classes, and a deeply engaged, diverse student body makes it the perfect place to explore the fascinating world of materials science and engineering.

NOTES FOR PURDUE THIRD ESSAY:

Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you. (100 words or less)

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is my passion, and MIT offers the country’s best academic MSE program. Through Course 3, I will learn about microstructure, and nanotechnology while taking core classes in biomaterials, ceramics, and electronics.

The Materials Project Laboratory capstone will hone my expertise in design and materials processing and provide critical skills in teamwork and communication. I will join the UROP research program, working with Professor Geoffrey Beach to improve magnetic thin-film nanocomposites for better data storage.

MIT’s cutting-edge research, world-class professors, diverse student body, and unrivaled engineering opportunities will best prepare me for a future in MSE.

 

NOTES FOR PURDUE THIRD ESSAY:

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) can change the world, but without growing the number of those who understand and care about the field, the opportunities for revolutionary growth will stagnate. MSE is a subject rarely discussed in high school, but I feel its real-world applications make it an essential component of STEM.

 

 

 

 

NOTES FOR PURDUE THIRD ESSAY:

For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words maximum)

 

I am driven by an unwavering passion for materials science and engineering (MSE), which I hope to pursue at Columbia Engineering.

Beyond founding my nonprofit STEMEncounters, which hosts an MSE-focused podcast and blog, I started Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), which has 75 members, at my school. I recently self-published “The Composed World: A Journey Through Materials Science and Engineering”—a book aimed at sparking interest in MSE for middle and high school students. I am currently doing college-level research in NYU’s Structural DNA Nanotechnology Laboratory. And this summer, I participated in Columbia’s “Introduction to Materials Science and Nanotechnology” Summer High School Program, deepening my knowledge.

At Columbia Engineering, classes like “Theory of Crystalline Materials” and “Processing of Metals and Semiconductors” will solidify my academic foundation. Beyond the classroom, I hope to engage in research with Professor Katayun Barmak, focusing on rare-earth free permanent magnet materials, investigating their electronic and magnetic applications. I also hope to start a “Society of MSE” club to create a network of students and faculty to explore this field.

Columbia Engineering’s research opportunities, world-class professors, fascinating classes, and engaged, diverse student body make it the perfect place to pursue MSE.

OTHER NOTES:

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) can change the world, but without growing the number of those who understand and care about the field, the opportunities for revolutionary growth will stagnate. MSE is a subject rarely discussed in high school, but I feel its real-world applications make it an essential component of STEM.

I bring attention to this underrepresented field through my various research, academic, and extracurricular work. First, it is about introducing people unfamiliar with MSE to the field and connecting with them on an emotional and intellectual level, which I try to do through my nonprofit, STEMEncounters.