STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Being a millennial, I have grown up in a time teeming with technology. It thrills me to be part of a generation
which has been raised with personal computers and smartphones. I still remember the day when my father
bought a computer and I couldn't control my excitement to explore it. As I grew, this excitement transformed
into curiosity and I started learning and experimenting with various applications. Intrigued by the tremendous
developments in this field, I chose Computer Science as my undergraduate major.

When I use Siri or Alexa for assistance, Google Maps to check the traffic predictions or see the personalized feed
on Facebook, it amazes me to see how these innovations have evolved technically and still hold a plethora of
scope for advancement. It is this sense of fascination, combined with my desire to dig deeper into the working of
applications and various technologies, which motivates me to pursue an MS in Computer Science.

I have hugely benefited from the extensive undergraduate syllabus at National Institute of Technology
Warangal. The coursework provided a comprehensive exposure to many core areas including Data Structures
and Algorithm, Database Management System, Computer Architecture and Operating System. To broaden my
skills in Data Science, I took the Advanced Data Mining course in my 6th semester. With zeal to learn more, I
joined various online courses. This solidified my interest and exposed me to the enormous potential of Machine
Learning and Data Science.

Various internships and project work helped me in the application of classroom concepts to much more practical
scenarios. One of them being an E-commerce website developed using PHP and MySql and designed using
HTML5 and CSS. This project gave me my first brush with database functionalities and enhanced my skills in
operations relating to databases. With a goal to sharpen my programming skills, I did an internship at Samsung
Research and Development Institute, Bangalore, where I developed a Smart Living Experience Application using
Groovy scripting Language. I used Smart Things IDE in combination with the BigML cloud for applying machine
learning algorithm on the test data. This particular use case was mainly for enhancement of security of smart
homes using Samsung’s Smart Things (Internet of Things). Based on the previously collected data from the smart
sensors, the application will notify the user in case of an unusual activity. These experiences were invaluable for
me since I learned the serviceability and functionality of various real-world applications. After getting hands-on
learning, I, along with two of my batch mates, did a research-oriented project as part of my Final Year Project
Work. The objective was to devise an algorithm to find the ‘Minimum Weighted Secure Dominating Set’. This
not only enhanced my understanding of the application of graphs in real-world but also gave me an insight into
how existing algorithms can be used to solve a new problem. Simultaneously, active participation in various
coding Hackathons like Code. Fun. Do by Microsoft and Hackathon 4.0 by The Lakshya Foundation provided a
fun learning experience outside of the classroom.

During my final year, I cracked the campus interview of Fidelity Investments, Chennai. Here, I am working as a
Software engineer on a project that involves both backend and frontend application development using JAVA
and Backbone.js. As a part of Fidelity wide strategy to move towards full stack role, I got to work on different
aspects of development as well as testing, OAuth implementation and JUnit testing(100% test coverage), to
name a few. The API built from scratch by our team gave me a flavor of DevOps while setting up Jenkins pipeline
for CICD(Continuous Integration Continuous Delivery). I also did a project on Visualization and Prediction of
Traffic on NetBenefits website. This involved visual graphs and a prediction based on a machine learning
algorithm (ARIMA model) developed using R programming language. Currently, I am working on a Proof of
Concept on the feasibility of moving a Backbone.js based application to Angular 6.

As the proverb goes- “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”; hence to diversify my skill set, I actively
engaged in various extra-curricular activities. I was a part of the inter-department dance competition called
‘Zero Gravity’. Organizing events in college’s Cultural and Technical festivals brought forward my leadership
abilities, while also assisting in honing my social skills. My analytical and problem-solving skills helped me secure
the second position in one of the events in the Technical fest. Giving equal importance to my hobby, I became
an executive member of the Photography Club of the college. I was also one of the designers for Allure, a
fashion show during college’s cultural event. This not only helped me in building a strong network but also
nurtured my creativity. At Fidelity, I am a part of my business unit’s event organizing committee and have
successfully hosted various events on large scale. As part of Fidelity Cares initiative, I actively take part in
volunteer work by teaching underprivileged children, going for beach-cleaning drives, running for a marathon
(Pinkathon) for a cause. All these activities have made me understand how this world can be a much better
place when everyone contributes their bit to the society.

While the undergraduate degree has provided me an exposure to the various fields in Computer Science and my
present job at Fidelity has helped me develop a thorough insight into project handling, they haven’t been able to
quench my desire for research. I, therefore, believe that I must return to the academic world for further growth.
My previous experience in Machine Learning and Data Science has only been at the beginner level and thus
requires polishing. I am in no doubt that because of the distinguished faculty and excellent facilities at the
University of Maryland, it will be the most logical extension of my academic pursuits. The research-oriented
curriculum will provide me an opportunity to work with most modern and sophisticated equipment and the
intellectual environment by which I would be able to realize my dreams of exploring and contributing new vistas
in the chosen field.

Coming from a family of teachers, learning comes to me naturally. Being a girl in an orthodox society is not easy
but my family, especially my father, has always considered my education as their utmost priority. Without
hesitation, he sent me 1000 miles away from home to study in one of the best engineering colleges of the
country and also support my dream of going for masters to one of the best universities of the world. For me, a
graduate program is not just about bagging a great job by the end of two years but also about improving myself
on the personal and professional front by meeting people from various cultural backgrounds and working with
them under different scenarios. My fellow students will find in me not just a person who comes from halfway
across the world but also someone who has a great number of experiences and knowledge to share. The
international education will give me the training and the caliber to apply my knowledge back in my native
country, where the software industry is still in its nurturing stage. I am confident that given an opportunity to
undertake graduate studies at your university, I will strive to live up to the high standards set up by the graduate
community. Financial assistance from the university will give me a tremendous morale boost in this long pursuit
to achieve excellence. I eagerly look forward to being a part of an esteemed academic community such as yours.

LAKSHITA NAGPAL