PERSONAL STATEMENT

A Chinese graduate student of composite materials, I would like to pursue Ph. D. studies in a program in which I can do advanced inter-disciplinary research that is built upon my expertise in both chemical engineering and composite materials. I find that your program is one of the few where such research is possible.

I am due to complete my Master's studies next year at the Beijing Institute of Light Industry, a well-respected higher-learning institution that has served as a major cradle of engineering talents for light industries in this country. Majoring in structural mechanics of composites, I have focused my studies on honeycomb sandwich and its applications for civilian purposes. Although I did not take many of the traditional undergraduate courses in this field, my graduate studies have proceeded well. Building on my extensive working experience with all kinds of materials, I have completed a host of projects, as listed in the Appendix, that are not only technologically advanced but also commercially profitable. My research has been highly commended by the school.

To accomplish what I have accomplished, I have had to be more intelligent and overcome more difficulties than most of my classmates, for I did not get to receive a regular undergraduate education. Although I performed strongly in the 1988 National University Entrance Examinations and met the requirements for university acceptance, I did not craft a good enough strategy in applying to the universities. As a result, my application fell through cracks, leaving me only the opportunity to study in a two-year college program, not to be discouraged by this mishap, I studied with diligence and creativity, and succeeded in firmly grounding myself in the studies of material propensities and structures. When I completed that program, I was as capable as most graduates from the honors program in handling practical material problems from the angle of chemistry.

Upon graduation in 1990,I first took up the job of an assistant engineer in a biochemistry pharmaceutical manufacturer, where I was in charge of the development and analysis of several lines of products. I was given the responsibility for VD Calcium Tablet in the first two weeks, as I demonstrated that I was able to do independent research, particularly in terms of quantitative analysis and microbiology inspection, from five raw materials to semi-made and finished products. As my talents showed up, I took charge of the production and inspection of more and more products. Towards the end of 1991, I was awarded the honor of Excellent Employee in the factory of almost two thousand people in recognition of my contribution to its business.

Armed with the ability to quickly grasp the essence of new things, I made even more contribution to my second employer, a Joint-Venture Company of cosmetics. In this company, In the first two months after I was hired, I established, with reference to both the ISO and national standards,. The company's standards of packaging materials for 35 different products from corrugated box to paper lid, from glass bottle to plastic cover. During the first half year, I turned myself from just a user of cosmetics to quality engineer of cosmetic actively engaged in R. & D. Three new products (Elysee Vitamin E Cream, Elysee Tonique and Elysee Lipbalm) I helped to develop were recognized as Provincial Scientific Achievements, for which I was conferred three certificates of Honor. I believe that when one embarks on a new career, he should be quick in accepting changes even though he must still stick to his old principles.

In these six years of working experience, I greatly improved myself in terms of technological expertise. I made chemical and microbiological examinations of different drugs skillfully and independently, successfully developed several new types of cosmetics, some of which merited the designation of Provincial Scientific Achievements. But more importantly, I learned to ask more sophisticated questions and then answer them.

The years of being an engineer has taught me how to be a person. I learned to be both a team leader and a team player. Working in conjunction with others, I have always held onto the principle of being honest, modest and helpful to others, whether I was just a technician, an engineer or even the assistant to the general manager. I enjoy working with other people. I have been well liked by my colleagues. At the farewell parties for me, some of my friends were so reluctant to say goodbye to me that they would burst into tears.

While working for the Chinese factory, I was once "borrowed" by a college to teach there as an adjunct instructor for half a year. During those months, I often worked late to check students' work and prepare for the next day's classes. I believe that this teaching experience will serve me well should you be able to offer me the position of a teaching assistant.

At the graduate school, I have met new challenges the old way. I first acquired a profound understanding of the basic concepts and theories of mechanics (theoretical and material ones), and then applied the fundamentals to my major: composites. As you can see from the from the transcripts of academic record, this approach paid off. My first academic article Honeycomb Sandwich Composite will be published in the second edition of the Journal of Beijing Institute of Light Industry of 1998. Now I am writing my Master's Degree thesis, in which I shall compare the mechanical properties of corrugated cores and honeycomb cores, analyze the outstanding characters of the latter, establish the standards of civil-use honeycomb fiberboard, and consider the marketing future of honeycomb fiberboard.

I am confident that the combination of my extensive working experience and my solid academic training has adequately prepared me for advanced studies in my chosen field of specialty in your distinguished program. To undertake such studies, I have learned English well, so well that I was appointed first the English secretary to the factory's director and then the assistant to the joint-venture's general manager. In these positions, I dealt with international visitors and handled English documents. Such English proficiency should prove a great advantage to me once I am enrolled in your program.

Although I am now focusing my academic interests on composite materials, you may find that I may be more suitable for other majors. If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you could advise me accordingly.

The following is a list of the research work I have undertaken under the guidance of my advisor (mostly in the area of industrial applications of composites): (從略)