This blog post examines why interest and vision for cutting-edge research fields like nanomaterials are considered crucial when writing the academic plan for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. It also outlines how to specifically present your motivation for choosing this major, your research plan, and your goal to contribute to future technological development.
Reasons for Pursuing the Major
During high school, my older brother gifted me several books on physics. These were foundational introductory texts like ‘Introduction to Modern Physics’ and ‘Interesting Stories of Physics’. After reading them, I developed a strong fascination with physics and concluded, ‘Physics is what I want to do.’
After physics—the study of uncovering the fundamental principles of things—became my life’s goal, I never seriously considered other fields. After enrolling in the Physics Department at ○○ University, I participated diligently in classes and resolved to continue studying physics. However, I suddenly developed a desire for a more practical field of study than physics. Moreover, since I had already embarked on the path of a scientist, I disliked the idea of a conventional career and yearned to accomplish something truly remarkable. This led me to choose your university’s Department of New Materials Engineering, where I believed I could produce original, groundbreaking research results.
Primary Research Interests and Research Plan
I happened to attend a lecture by a professor, and on my way home afterward, I couldn’t stop thinking about the tangled, spaghetti-like nanowires. Nano materials were a field I had no interest in during my undergraduate years, yet the scene of him presenting plans to create various electronic devices using seemingly useless nano materials wouldn’t leave my mind. That’s why I decided I wanted to continue research focused on creating nano devices.
Nanorods can be utilized not only in light-emitting devices but also in electronic devices, bio/gas/chemical sensors, and more. Despite their small size, nanodevices have a large surface area and exhibit quantum effects well. By leveraging these unique properties of nanomaterials, they can be applied in numerous fields. While everyone keeps talking about “nano, nano,” there don’t seem to be many nano products that ordinary people can actually use. That’s why I want to pursue research creating nanodevices for products that can be widely used in everyday life.
I believe great research often emerges from unexpected events. Just as Fleming didn’t discard the blue mold that flew in through his lab window and instead created penicillin, I think semiconductor nanorods created by chance could also lead to diverse innovative products.
Plans After Doctoral Studies
I aspire to become a world-leading scholar in the field of nanomaterials. To achieve this dream, I first plan to enroll in your graduate school, conduct diligent research, earn my Ph.D. in the United States, and ideally continue research activities at a university.
Many Korean scholars are at the forefront of various scientific fields worldwide. Like them, I want to stand at the forefront of nanotechnology and new materials engineering, developing technologies that enrich human life.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
Engineers require an infinite spirit of challenge and a competitive mindset that demands constant vigilance. I possess the youthful drive to pursue my dreams, the boldness to embrace failure without fear, and unwavering diligence. I have consistently demonstrated the capability and potential to deliver my best effort and highest performance wherever I have been. The finished products created by engineers reflect their spirit and ideas.
Creativity and artistry are among the most cherished values in my life and serve as a medium for expressing my true self. However, I do not unconditionally assert that my values are correct simply because they differ from others. What I learned during my time as a researcher is the importance of teamwork.
Working on projects with multiple people made me truly appreciate the importance of teamwork. I also realized that achieving good results in any research requires consistent and focused experimentation. Therefore, I always strive to solve problems and reach consensus through horizontal dialogue and the exchange of opinions.
