MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe, Michaelmas Term 2024

Belayneh, Mr Samuel

Postgraduate Application Form

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Belayneh, Mr Samuel
Course MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe Date submitted
Department Institute of Astronomy Mode of study Full Time
Course start date 01 Oct 2024 (MT 2024) PUF No

Academic History

Sep 2019 - Sep 2021 MSc in Material Physics (Applied 3.97/4.0 ASTU ** (Ethiopia)
Physics) - All or mostly full-time
Sep 2015 - Aug 2019 BSc in Physics (Applied Physics) - 3.98/4.0 ASTU ** (Ethiopia)
All or mostly full-time

Immigration Language

Nationality Ethiopia (1st)

I have taken/booked an approved language test and will
Country of birth Ethiopia
provide the result when it is available.
Currently ordinarily Ethiopia
resident

Visa Required
Visa type I do not currently have a UK visa

Scholarships

Apply for funding Yes

Apply for Cambridge Trust Yes
Apply for Gates Cambridge Yes

* Document not uploaded at the point of submission

** Other university

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Curriculum Vitae

My_CV[Cambridge].pdf

Career Goals
979/1000 chars

Once I finish my master's study at Cambridge, I want to continue my Ph.D. at your institution or any other possible
university. I plan to undertake several research projects in planetary science and participate in seminars as well as
conferences to increase my research skills and refine my knowledge. I also desire to work for some prestigious
institutions like NASA and become one of the most skilled astronomers spearheading several projects that could benefit
mankind as a whole.
After I obtain all the skills and knowledge from my experience abroad, I want to return to my country and work hard to
create the necessary environment for productive research activities in astronomy. I intend to recruit young students,
introduce them to astronomy, and train them so that they will become excellent researchers. With the help of the
Ethiopian government and other scientists like me, I plan to establish a standard research institution for astronomical
activities in Ethiopia.

Additional Information to Support Application

978/1000 chars

Since its establishment in 1209, Cambridge University has been an excellent institution to study physics and other
related fields. As a result, I have always desired to study planetary science at Cambridge University in master's and
Ph.D. levels. I have a high potential to study astrophysics and participate in several researches. Moreover, I have been
an outstanding student during my undergraduate study and have graduated with the highest CGPA from my whole batch
at Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU). Upon completion of my undergraduate study, ASTU offered me a
scholarship to continue my master's study in the following year in recognition of my excellent academic achievements.
After earning my MSc degree, I was hired by the same university as a full-time physics lecturer in November 2021. In
conclusion, I want to emphasize my work experience, ability to study in higher-level education, and potential to contribute
a lot to the advancement of astronomy.

Course Specific Questions

Core - statement of interest Planetary science is one of those fields that has fascinated me since the time
I was an elementary student. The fact that it is a cross-discipline field
including aspects of astronomy, atmospheric science, geology, space
physics, and chemistry makes it a fascinating field for me to build my future
career on. I am very interested in undertaking my Ph.D dissertation on the
discovery of new exoplanets around a wide variety of stars using several
techniques such as NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and
other observatories, microlensing (which uses the effect of gravity from an
exoplanet’s host star to magnify the light from a more distant star when they
line up in the sky) and robotic observatories including the MEarth Project and
the MINiature Exoplanet Radial Velocity Array (MINERVA) to look for planets
in the habitable zones of their host stars and any sign of life on them. Thus, I
am applying for an MPhil in planetary science and life in the universe because
it will enable me to acquire all the necessary knowledge and research skills
that I will need to undergo my Ph.D. and postdoctoral research projects.
Finally, I would like to state that my choice of course pathway for MPhil in
planetary science and life in the universe is astrophysics.
Astronomy - Extra Materials WP ResponseSummary.pdf

Application Information

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Academic Awards

Certificate of recognition Scored the highest CGPA from my entire batch 31 Jul 2019
upon completion of my undergraduate study.
Trophy Scored the highest CGPA from my entire batch 31 Aug 2019
upon graduation with BSc degree.
Gold Medal Scored the highest CGPA from my entire batch 31 Aug 2019
upon graduation with BSc degree.
Certificate of Appreciation For my participation in a research project contest. 30 Sep 2021

Certificate of Participation For actively participating in Ethiopian Space 31 Aug 2019

Science Society

Employment History

Nov 2021 - Academic Lecturer Adama Science and Technology

University (ASTU) (Adama, Ethiopia)

Other Applications Made

No other applications entered

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Belayneh, Mr Samuel

Personal Information
Identifying Information

Full name Belayneh, Mr Samuel Date of birth 07 Apr 1995

Previous name Legal gender Male

Contact

Email samuelbelayneh1987@gmail.com Phone +251968090320 (1st)

Skype address +251935208030 (2nd)
Contact address PO.Box 1888, Adama, oromia, None, Home address Same as contact address
Ethiopia Valid until
Valid until

Dependants

Partner WILL NOT bring partner Child WILL NOT bring children

Disability

Disability No

Further information

Adjustment for Interview

Adjustment required No
Details

College Preferences Current Membership

College No College preference College Not College member

Visa Requirement

Visa type I do not currently have a UK visa

Study Visas

Applicant previously HAS NOT STUDIED in the UK

Visa not entered

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Funding Application

Cambridge Trust

Williams Papworth Studentship

You have applied for Williams Papworth Studentship

Gates Cambridge Scholarships (Overseas)

Apply for Gates Cambridge Yes

US citizen No
Research proposal

Personal Statement 2934/3000 chars

I am applying for the Gates Cambridge scholarship because it will allow me to study planetary science at one of the most
prestigious universities in the world. It will enable me to fulfill my dream of becoming an astronomer, which has been my
ultimate life goal since childhood. With its modern planetary science facilities and elite research staff, Cambridge is an
ideal institution to pave the road to my future career. I am very fascinated by exoplanets and their potential to harbor life.
Therefore, completing my MPhil in planetary science and life in the universe at Cambridge would give me the theoretical
knowledge and research skills I need to pursue my doctoral and postdoctoral studies on exoplanets and their bio-
signatures under the supervision of experienced researchers like Professor Ian R. Parry and professor Wyn Evans. I am
an enthusiastic young man who graduated from Adama Science and Technology University (Ethiopia) on August 08,
2019, with great distinction (Major GPA of 4.0 and CGPA of 3.98) with a BSc degree in Applied Physics. The university
awarded me a gold medal and a trophy for my exceptional academic achievements. I earned my MSc in material physics
at the same university and graduated with a CGPA of 3.97. After completing my graduate studies, the university hired me
as a full-time lecturer, and since then, I have been working there for almost two years. While I was an undergraduate
student, I actively participated in the Ethiopian Space Science Club. As a member, I attended many conferences and
meetings that increased my skills and knowledge in astronomy. These opportunities have enabled me to broaden my
insight into astronomy and increased my desire to pursue it as my future career. My friendly and sociable nature has
enabled me to work with my colleagues cooperatively and harmoniously at the institution where I work. I also have
excellent leadership qualities, which I gained through my participation as the leader of different department-level
committees for the last two years. I am capable of organizing and leading people to the attainment of a common goal. My
strong desire to change the lives of others is another quality of mine that makes me an ideal candidate for this
scholarship. I would love to underscore that I am very committed to the betterment of my fellow Ethiopians and Africans
by sharing the knowledge and experience I obtained through my study in the UK. I plan to return to Ethiopia, my
homeland, to help in the effort of developing astronomy. I want to recruit young students and train them in astronomy to
pave the way for their future careers. I wish to spearhead the effort in the blossoming of facilities and infrastructures
needed for research activities in astronomy. In conclusion, my academic achievement, leadership qualities, and
commitment to changing the lives of my fellow Africans make me the best candidate for this scholarship.

Harding Scholarship

You have not applied for any funding in this section

Mastercard Foundation

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MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe, Michaelmas Term 2024
Belayneh, Mr Samuel

Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to apply for these awards.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

You have applied for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Provide a two-page document Mastercard_scholarship SOP 1.pdf

explaining your career history, how
the Mastercard Foundation
scholarship will contribute to your
trajectory, and how you hope to
contribute to the scholarship goal of
sustainable futures in Africa.

UKRI

You have not applied for any funding in this section

Department Funding

You have not applied for any funding in this section

College Funding

Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to apply for these awards.

Girton Joyce Biddle Scholarship

You have applied for Girton Joyce Biddle Scholarship

The Quantedge – Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship

You have applied for The Quantedge – Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship

Your Funding

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Belayneh, Mr Samuel

Funding Sources

No funding sources entered

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Belayneh, Mr Samuel

Not circulated to department

The information in this section will not be circulated to departments.

Protected

Ethnicity Black - African or African British Sexual Orientation Heterosexual or straight

Religion/Belief Christian

Secondary Education

2nd Education No Care Leaver

Postcode at 17 Caring Responsibilities
Free Meals Parents HE
School Type

Passport

Passport number EP6037367

Start/Expiry date 10 Dec 2019 / 08 Dec 2024

Declaration

The information you have provided forms the legal basis of your application to the University of Cambridge. We reserve
the right to refuse admission in the event of any misrepresentation by you. Submission of an application does not imply
an offer of admission.

• The University of Cambridge, the Cambridge Colleges, the Gates Cambridge Trust and the Cambridge
Commonwealth, European and International Trust (and their collaborators) will use your personal information for the
purpose of processing your applications for admission and funding and deciding whether to offer you a place for the
course you have applied for. For further information on the use of your personal information during the application
process, please see How we use your personal information (for applicants).
• I certify that all the information given in this application is complete and accurate. I also understand that if I have
given false or misleading information, the University of Cambridge will not admit me as a Postgraduate student and may
take legal action against me.
• I certify that I am the original and sole author of all work submitted as part of this application, except where clearly
indicated otherwise.
• I understand that if my application is unsuccessful, the papers relating to it will be destroyed and cannot be returned.

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