I always believe in the phrase: “the earth does not belong to us, we
belong to earth”. It is thus our duty to protect this planet. Biotechnology is
the field that has touched our life in all aspects like food, health and
animal.  I want to be an element of
innovation in this field and beget a better tomorrow for everyone. To do this,
I need to equip myself with integral knowledge which a fellowship program like
yours can provide. I envisage this fellowship as the right stepping stone to accomplish
my career goals. 

The field of Biotechnology has constantly captivated me
from my adolescence. From the times of my school, I have dependably been
boggled by science so much that it reflected on my grades. I had a remarkable scholastic record
all through my school life
.I always stood among the meritorious students in my class. I secured 9 CGPA in
my 10th grade and stood school second in my 12th grade
with 92.6%.

 

My
steady inclination to learn, explore and an appetite to be part of the fast
growing advancements in the science have been instrumental in sparkling an
interest in me for an undergraduate study in biotechnology.My
undergraduate program not only provided a strong and comprehensive background
but also offered good lab programs which acted as a catalyst to my desire of
assimilating the maximum from the coursework. The
curriculum touched several aspects of Biotechnology with
special emphasis on Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell   Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering,
Immunology, Environmental Biotechnology,Bioprocess engineering,   Plant Biotechnology
and some chemical engineering concepts. My
professors were highly appreciative of my performance both in academics and in
the practical field and I have continued being the department topper from my 1st
semester till now and this has got me scholarships.

 

My first internship at CSIR-NEERI has
introduced me to environmental microbiology and molecular methods to study
microbial processes with reference to toxic metal remediation. This
steered my interest in research and also helped me to streamline my field of
interest towards Environmental biotechnology particularly: Bioremediation,Industrial waste
management, Microbial Genomics and Metagenomics.  During my research internship, I worked on
“Genomic Analysis of Mercury Resistant
Environmental Bacteria for Identification of Genes Encoding Organomercurial
Lyases” for a period of 6 months. This experience was enriching, as it allowed me to
view directly all the theory learned in my classes in a practical manner. From
the internship, I have gotten a sight on how meticulously lab works along with
the anxiety of anticipation and pure exhilaration of a positive result. This
experience further enhanced my zeal to be a part of a laboratory where cutting
edge research is performed.

 

To further nourish my research interest in
Environmental Biotechnology, I joined Biomolecules and Biocatalysis lab, SRM
Institute of Science and Technology(formerly named as SRM University) and started
working on “Biodegradation of bottom tank oil sludge from
petroleum oil refining industry using Biosurfactant and biocatalysts”(from
august 2017 till present). It was at that particular moment when the
theoretical knowledge gained helped me to identify problems and provide
innovate solution.This has indeed enhanced my problem solving skills and I am
now adept to plan, design and perform experiments that suit my research.

 

For a holistic educational experience, I believe
that going beyond the precincts of classroom are as important as core academic
excellence. As an outcome of my research at CSIR-NEERI, I have presented two papers in “International conference
on environment, genes, health & diseases-2017”, India. I have also
submitted an abstract for national symposium on
“emerging environmental challenges:an engineering approach” which is to be held
on 16th February 2018 at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, India. Out of my
desire to explore more I Completed a
course in “prospects in pharmaceutical industry” which made me aware of the
problems faced by pharmaceutical industry to dispose waste.

 

I have penned down few ideas based on
my past experience in research

A. Extraction of Rare sugar producing enzymes from
isolates of confectionary waste products.

B. Metagenomic analysis of cyanobacterial community
from cyanobacterial blooms.

C. Recovery of metals from e -waste or low
grade ores by bioleaching.      

 

I believe these ideas are feasible and would help
in exploring novel community of microbes for bioremediation of wastes and
recovery of useful products

I have an ardent curiosity for probing deep into
Environmental Microbiology, and this has motivated me to apply for this
program. My ultimate aim is to utilize my knowledge in a productive manner and
apply biological aspects for the development of environment. To realize these
dreams I need to broaden my horizons, receive both training and guidance. I
believe that I will receive just this through such a fellowship program where working
under a researcher’s guidance would aid in moulding myself into a better
researcher and in making significant contributions to the scientific community. I
strongly believe that this international exposure will aid me in understanding
the real scenario in the defined field. Doing An intensive and focused study
pertaining to my field of interest will succour me greatly in acquiring an
in-depth knowledge and keep me tuned in with the latest developments. To be
proficient and competitive in this field. I would require such a fellowship
which will set me apart and will aid me specially in pursuing my research in
forthcoming years of study. After this fellowship I believe I would always look
forward for the betterment and bringing up new successful solutions for the
problems and effects faced in this field thus leading to its betterment and
development.

I am aware that the universities in US offer a great scope for intellectual and
academic development. For this reason I sincerely hope that by associating with
your Universities, I will be able to learn and explore new techniques under the
tutelage of experts in this field which will help me reach my career goals. I
hope that this statement of purpose will merit me a fellowship.