Nitin Tople

Applicant for PhD program in Chemical Engineering

Statement of Purpose
‘Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and
leave a trail.’ These inspirational words by R.W. Emerson embody the spirit of chemical
engineering as we move into the new era. I am amazed by the sheer versatility of
chemical engineering – a combination of the elegance of the physical sciences, the
rigidity of mathematics and the brute force of experimentation. These qualities of the
subject, coupled with my professional ambition of pursuing a career in research, have
motivated me to apply for graduate studies in chemical engineering.
My inherent analytical approach and an eye for technical details have attracted me
to chemical engineering. Having secured 97.33 % in PCM (Physics, Chemistry and
Mathematics) in my 12th grade exams I gained admission to Mumbai University’s
Institute of Chemical Technology (M.U.I.C.T) formerly known as U.D.C.T, one of
India’s premiere institutes of chemical engineering. The comprehensive undergraduate
program at M.U.I.C.T helped me develop a sound foundation in chemical engineering.
My desire to pursue a Ph.D. degree is motivated by two strong factors: I want intellectual
challenges beyond what I faced during my undergraduate studies and secondly, my long
term goal is to gain employment in an academic field.
My appetite for innovation received an impetus with my participation at a
National Level Technical Festival organized by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),
Bombay in the Chem-e-Car competition. It involved developing a car model that runs
using the energy generated in a chemical reaction. The innovative design of the car which
traveled a distance of 10 feet in 0.68 second earned my group 2 nd place in the
competition. The car was also adjudged the ‘Best Engineered Model’ prize. This
competition gave me valuable experience in practical application of my innovative and
technical abilities as well as in team coordination.
Keen to understand the finer nuances of Chemical Engineering, I worked on
several new topics and performed thorough literature surveys related to my review papers
and seminars. This not only introduced me regularly to cutting-edge research being
published but also further strengthened my fundamentals in the subject. It has made me
dream of blazing a similar trail of my own. With this final goal in mind and in order to
keep pace with the competition in the international arena, I worked on diverse subjects. I
was selected among participants from various countries to present a poster on “Smart and
Self-Mending Polymers” at an Inter-National Chemical Engineers Meet at Nadiad, India.
My paper on “Green Solvents and its applications with Microwave Irradiation” secured
me the 1st prize at an Inter-Collegiate paper presentation competition.
My paper titled “Biohydro Production and Its Application in Fuel Cells” went on
to be published in the renowned magazine Bombay Technologist, Vol. 51-52, 2001-2003.
I also won the third prize at an inter-collegiate event organized by IEEE, The Institute of
Electrical And Electronics Engineers Inc. for the same paper. These events have helped
me inculcate the important qualities of perseverance and hard work and endowed me with
the temperament essential for conducting research.
I worked with Colgate Palmolive India Limited in the last summer to associate
myself with the practical applications of my undergraduate studies. My recommendations
 Nitin Tople
Applicant for PhD program in Chemical Engineering

during the final presentation on “Capacity Optimization of the existing Chiller System”
were not only appreciated but also implemented in the existing system. This was a major
boost to my confidence in my ability to apply theoretical knowledge for optimization of
routine systems.
It has always been my desire to use my knowledge and experience to make a
distinct contribution towards the betterment of environment and the society. I participated
in a soil and water analysis program at Karnala Bird Sanctuary conducted by SPARSH,
the nature club of M.U.I.C.T., to generate public awareness about the environmental
implications of the chemical industry and the damage that can be caused in the absence of
proper regulations. We also submitted a copy of our report to Bombay Natural History
Society (B.N.H.S) in order to initiate a more detailed study.
Backed by my knowledge in chemical engineering and my string of
achievements, I now want to specialize in an area of my interest by pursuing research.
Having performed thorough surveys during my seminars on “Recent Advances in Fischer
Tropsch Synthesis” and “Biohydro Production and its Applications in Fuel Cells”, I have
realized the great potential that is present in the fields of research for alternative fuel
sources. This specifically attracts me to the work done by Prof. Dragomir B. Bukur and
Dr. Philip T. Eubank in their research on conversion of coal and natural gas to liquid
fuels. Prof. Mark T. Holtzapple’s work on conversion of biological materials into useful
fuels and chemicals also sounds equally exciting.
During my academic courses in Chemical Reaction Engineering, I have
developed a natural liking for this subject which is reflected in my higher marks in this
subject. It is my natural inclination for this subject that interests me to the work done by
Prof. Dragomir B. Bukur in Chemical Reaction Engineering and by Prof. Richard M.
Crooks in Catalysis and electrocatalysis. My inherent analytical abilities and problem
solving capabilities interest me in Dr. Juergen Hahn’s work in Process Systems
Engineering & Process Optimization.
My interests in the above fields are based on what I have been exposed to at
M.U.I.C.T. At the same time, I strongly believe that I am equally adept at learning and
adapting myself to any new field and would relish the opportunity of exploring new
vistas in Chemical Engineering.
The competitive environment and the excellent faculty and facilities offered at
Texas A & M University provide an environment conducive to intellectual research.
Being admitted to your renowned university would be a major boost to my career. My
interests are most closely mirrored by the graduate program in Chemical Engineering at
Texas A & M University, and with a doctorate degree from your institution I will surely
be on the road to success and emerge as a first rate researcher.