My interest in chemical engineering has been conceived through keen curiosity for

understanding and applying the principles of Chemistry and Mathematics to real-life

challenges. The field of chemical engineering is an academically stimulating discipline which
also seeks to provide the answers to the present modern industrial problems and challenges.
The chemical industry has proven instrumental in satisfying the increasing demands of global
economies. In satisfying this demand the chemical industry has relied on various catalytic
technologies which have proven to be helpful, thus making catalysis, a fundamental process in
the chemical industry. Catalysis, I believe is the ingredient needed to facilitate the
manufacturing potential of the chemical industry.

In respond to meet the accelerating demand of the chemical industry for specific chemical
transformations, I aim to assist in evaluating and improving catalyst performance by
understanding the kinetics and nature of catalytic processes using computational and
highthroughput screening processes to make concrete innovations to better chemical processes.
More specifically, I want to research into the conceptual interpretation and understanding of
heterogeneous catalysis reactions and identity in the molecular level to improve catalyst
reactivity and selectivity.

As part of my undergraduate in Petrochemical engineering, I took modules in Catalysis,

Adsorption Separation Process Technology and Process Control and Simulation which
stimulated my interest in research in Catalytic reactions. Through various academic
presentations, I have been able to sharpen my presentation skills. These academic presentations
taught me how to accept constructive critique from both my peers and professionals, which has
helped shape me into a better student. My passion for research and excellence helped me to be
chosen as a final year project group leader. As a leader, I have learnt time management skills
and meeting deadlines which are essential in coping with the academic rigour of this program.
My group worked on Plant design for the Production of Nitric Acid from ammonia, water and
oxygen and my passion for catalysis grown when I solely worked on the design of the catalytic
reactor (which was the most important equipment in the entire plant) for the project. My project
work had also offered me the opportunity to experience the pressures of research work and how
to accomplish a task with little or no supervision, an experience that has proven to be
worthwhile since I was not just graded with distinction but also made me appreciate the need
for thorough dedication, resilience and the importance of teamwork in the research
environment.

Due largely to my academic excellence and research skills, I was retained by the Chemical
Engineering Department, KNUST as a Teaching and Research Assistant during the mandatory
one year national service period which by far has given me the invaluable opportunity to be
exposed to a wide range of research in catalytic conversions, biomass conversion, essential oil
production, reactor modelling and material characterization of which some of the researches
are pending to be published in the school’s journal next year. This has also helped me gain
workable knowledge on how to complete detailed write-ups, analyse scientific data using
statistical packages such as Matlab, Minitab, Aspen Hysis, etc. My current research experience
together with the various courses, internships and research experiences gained during my
undergraduate studies has sufficiently prepared me for graduate studies as they allowed me to
build more confidence in the delivery and presentation of my research outputs to my peers and
supervisors, improved my ability to analyze data, improved my academic writing skills as well
as my ability to manage time effectively. I have also gained a better appreciation of working in
a research team. I believe these skills are essential for successful graduate studies.

A review of the Louisiana State University’s Chemical Engineering Department website

shows, not only a Faculty with an unparalleled reputation for excellence and dedication to
student learning, but also, a Department with strong curricula and amazing learning
opportunities. The works of Professors Brent Shanks and Luke Roling, for instance, offer great
insight to Catalysis and reaction engineering and the opportunity to learn from all the scholars
at the Chemical Engineering Department is one that I dream of. It would thus, be a dream come
true to secure admission and be offered both Teaching and Research Assistantship at Louisiana
State University. The platform that the Assistantships would offer me to work closely with
faculty members and gain valuable research and teaching experiences at the tertiary level is
one that I relish. As a potential graduate student, I would very much challenge myself and
become involved in the global research community. I believe that, by having the opportunity
to study at the Louisiana State University, I will be able to learn among both my supervisors
and peers who have passion, dedication and strong believe regarding their areas of research.

This course content of the PhD in Chemical Engineering program run by Louisiana State
University is a truly unique one. Its blend of comprehensive theoretical knowledge and
practical research experience is one which will fully equip me with the requisite skills to be an
excellent researcher. The peculiar translational research approach of the program encourages
students to rightly apply knowledge obtained from bench side research to be translated into the
scientific community, a characteristic which I find very important since research must go a long
way to solve the day-to-day problems of the modern chemical industry.

Upon completion of the program, I will contribute my quota through implementing systems
and processes that yield the best possible output in terms of efficiency in delivery. With the
increasing globalised operations of multinational companies, more and more young talents are
needed in the chemical engineering industry and I hope to inspire and be a motivation to other
young people who would want to take up careers in this sector. Ten years from now, I foresee
being a fully-fledged research and teaching professional, training the next generation of
Chemical Engineers. I am fully prepared for the task ahead in pursuit of graduate education
and pledge to maintain very high standards at Louisiana State University.

In conclusion, I would like to obtain a Doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering with my

ultimate career destination being that of a University Professor. Thank you for considering my
application for a Doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University.

NAME OF APPLICANT: ANTHONY NANA PREMPEH AGYEMANG