Statement of Purpose

In this essay, I outlined my academic accomplishments and my area of interest. Also

discussed are my career objectives and the motivation to seek the research position in
Photocatalysis available at School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore.
The BSc curriculum in Chemistry, Zoology & Botany at Government Science
College, University of Punjab Lahore, introduced me to a wide gamut of subjects, both in
and outside the field. Various courses like Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry and the
concepts of biochemical phenomena from the courses of Zoology & Botany have
provided me with a strong footing in the theoretical concepts of Chemistry & Biology.
Then an MSc Degree in Chemistry from Pakistans best university Quaid-I-Azam,
allowed me to develop deeper into the chemical sciences. There, I specialized in Physical
Chemistry. The subjects of Quantum Chemistry, Nuclear & Radiation Chemistry,
Molecular Spectroscopy, Photochemistry, and Surface Chemistry allowed me see the
phenomena at molecular and atomic level. The course of Computer-Aided Numerical
Analysis bestowed me the essential understanding of numerical modeling and data
analysis. I also gained knowledge of surface and colloidal science and water chemistry. I
studied advanced material characterization and analytical techniques. Rigorous lab
courses equipped me to carry out high quality research. There, I learned about the
importance of emerging science-nanoscience.
After MSc, I worked as a Research Associate in College of Electrical &
Mechanical Engineering. There I assisted the Project Director in the selection &
characterization of compatible materials for the development of an electronic system. I
taught Chemistry to the college students at the undergraduate level. I also worked on the
electroplating of electronic modules and circuits. While developing the electroplating
system I came across with environmental management of electroplating waste.
An innate interest for environment and some readings on the plight of
environmental management practices in Pakistan persuaded me to take admission in MS
in Environmental Engineering program at National University of Sciences & Technology
(NUST), Pakistan. I selected NUST because it is ranked in top 400 universities in the
world and its program in environmental engineering is the best in the country.
The courses of Environmental Chemistry & Microbiology, Modeling of
Environmental Systems, Physico-chemical Processes in Environment, Air & Noise
Pollution, Industrial & Hazardous Waste Management, Wastewater Treatment & Design
and Environmental Management gave me a broader vision into the environmental issues
& their solutions. While offering both depth and breadth across this field, these courses
put into perspective the importance and relevance of Chemical Sciences and the
application of its fundamentals to environment related problems. I came to realize that
how nanoscience can play a vital role in achieving sustainable water treatment solutions.
Therefore, I decided to take my MS research in this arena I have been awarded
Presidents Gold Medal and declared Best Graduate in Environmental Engineering.

The topic of my MS research was about the synthesis of TiO 2-based

nanomaterials. I synthesized pure and iron-doped TiO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel process.
The novelty in this research was the immobilization of TiO 2 nanoparticles on sand. I used
XRD, XRF, and SEM techniques for the characterization of nanomaterials. I used these
nanomaterials to remove arsenic from drinking water by exploiting their photocatalytic
and adsorption potential. I develop indirect approaches to determine the red shift and
point of zero charge of TiO 2 nanomaterials. To see the effects of different environmental
conditions on arsenic adsorption, I used five systems, viz., arsenate in Air-Light
condition, and arsenite in Air-Light, Air-Sunlight, Air-Dark and Nitrogen-Dark
conditions. I took this research because of the gravity of arsenic contamination in
worldwide drinking water. So far, one of my papers has been accepted by an international
journal. The other paper on kinetic modeling is in line for publication.
Presently, I am serving as Lab Demonstrator in National University of Sciences
and Technology. I am managing the advance analytical Lab which houses instruments
such as XRF, LIBS, TOC Analyzer, FIA and GC. I am also teaching lab courses to MS
Students. In parallel, I am also guiding research students in the design of experiments.
Currently, I am evaluating the UV and non-UV based anti-bacterial potential of
pure and iron doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The main aim of this research is to extend
absorption spectrum of titania from UV region to visible region through doping and codoping, and their immobilization on low cost support such as sand.
I wish to pursue a career in environmental photocatalysis and experience the
excitement and satisfaction of being at the forefront of this vast expanding field. After
reading the advertisement, it seems to me that this is an appropriate position, one that I
have been looking and waiting for. I am confident that I will match the high standards set
by your group.