Name: Shaikh Faisal Aezazuddin

Applying for: Ph.D in Chemical Engineering

Statement of Purpose

‘ The only thing that is constant in this world is change itself ’

These words embody the spirit of Chemical Engineering- a constantly evolving field,
keeping pace with the demands of society and at the forefront of research and
technological innovation. The diversity of Chemical Engineering is simply amazing- a
perfect combination of the gracefulness of the physical sciences, the rigidity of
mathematics and the powerful force of experimentation.

I was born and brought up in a family where education is given the highest priority- a
family with a background in academia. The nobility of the teaching was inculcated in
me right in my innocent ages. As I grew up to be a mature adult, my inclination
towards research and academia swelled into a firm resolution. As I moved through my
years of education, I realized the wonderful field of chemical engineering that lay
behind all that we needed in our lives, and I resolved that this was to be my field for
all higher studies. Having secured a high rank in the engineering merit list (amongst
nearly 200,000 students) at my 12th standard exams, I entered the portals of the
University of Mumbai, Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), India’s
premiere institute of chemical engineering. At this juncture, I had a fair idea about
chemical engineering. The following three and half years spent at UDCT have only
served to reinforce my love for the subject. I have enjoyed the various interesting
challenging courses and laboratory classes immensely and the various facets of
Chemical Engineering have reinforced my commitment to further my studies in this
field.

Research captivates me especially because it involves a spirit of invention and

innovation, and most prominently the freedom to think independently and contribute
to knowledge, and the freedom to come up with an idea and the ability and
resourcefulness to make it work. I have talked personally to many professors and tried
to find out their views regarding research. Their responses were unanimous and
heartening and propelled my desire to take up research. Thus, I had I strong desire to
engage in research at some stage of my undergraduate career, to have a first hand
experience of the effort that goes into research. This desire was fulfilled when Dr. A.
J. Shaikh of the Central Institute of Research on Cotton Technology-(CIRCOT),
Mumbai, invited me, along with a classmate, for a research project, in the summer of
2000. I worked under Dr. A. J. Shaikh (Principal Scientist & Head, By-products
utilization section, CIRCOT, Mumbai) on ‘testing of alternative sources of pulp for
the paper and pulp industry’. This intellectually stimulating period has made me
even more determined to pursue graduate studies and to make research a career goal.
My research experience has served to orient me towards the temperament required for
research- that of sincerity, patience and perseverance.

My industrial training at ‘Reliance Industries Limited’, the largest private sector

company in India, gave me tremendous exposure to the norms and work-culture in the
industry. As a trainee in the company, I could marshal my thoughts as regards the
courses I studied at my college and could put them to practice. Also, the interaction
with engineers and R & D employees gave me invaluable information about the
industry and research techniques employed.
Name: Shaikh Faisal Aezazuddin
Applying for: Ph.D in Chemical Engineering

My Research interests, at this point, are quite diverse, as I have been exposed to
many facets of chemical engineering during my undergraduate course. Some of these
research interests arise out of my own inquisitive bent of mind and keenness to
broaden my horizons beyond the stipulated coursework. I have done this by making a
habit of perusing recent publications in chemical engineering. My research interests
lie primarily in membrane science, polymer science, nanotechnology,
bioengineering, and separation science. I must state clearly that though these are
some fields that I am interested in, they are based to a large extent on what I have
been exposed to so far at UDCT. I am equally adept at learning and adapting myself
to any new field and I would relish the opportunity of exploring new vistas in
chemical engineering.

I was guided and taught exceptionally well by the distinguished faculty in UDCT. Our
Director, Prof. J. B. Joshi, taught me multi-phase reactors, a challenging field for
research and Prof. V. G. Pangarkar engaged me in a course on Chemical
Engineering Thermodynamics. These interactions left me with an analytical mind and
the ability to understand complex flow or thermodynamic equations, which were
actually simple, but within an outer façade of complexity. Close interactions with the
distinguished team of technologists at UDCT and my undergraduate research at
CIRCOT have given me a priceless insight into the machinery of research.

I am aware that pursuing research demands a long-term commitment, sincerity, and

teamwork. Since it is a big investment with regard to time, I would prefer to live at a
peaceful location conducive to research. Thus CU Boulder, along with its
distinguished and award winning faculty, is the perfect place for research work,
especially with the pristine and peaceful environs of Boulder conducive to research
work, perfectly complementing this premier institute. I am confident that with my
abilities and a ‘never-say-die’ attitude, I will be able to surmount any challenge
posed to me. I sincerely hope that my technical and academic resourcefulness qualify
me as a suitable candidate for graduate study at your prestigious institution. It is my
resolve that through pure hard work and persistence I will make a fitting contribution
to the current research at CU Boulder.

Faisal A. Shaikh,
UDCT, India.