Statement of Purpose: Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan Program: Chemical Engineering

Fall 2002 Graduate Application
Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan

Program : Chemical Engineering
Statement of Purpose
This statement defines my interests, long-term goals and objectives in pursuing a

graduate education in Chemical Engineering at UCSB.
During the course of my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, I have

acquired considerable knowledge and expertise in the subject. What is more, I have
delighted in learning, exploring, and experiencing the world of Chemical Engineering.
The course at UDCT was a tantalizing introduction to this world of discovery.
Especially so the Chemical Engineering Laboratory, a beautifully orchestrated, yet
elegantly simple showcase of the fundamental principles; and the Design and
Optimization Projects, which tested the assimilation of four years of instruction in
various subjects. These experiences, along with the six-week industrial training I
underwent at Reliance Industries' large petrochemical complex, made me
consciously aware of my profound interest in and love for Chemical Engineering
Science and Technology.
The course on Industrial and Engineering Chemistry gave me a bird's-eye view of the
technical and economic aspects of large-scale production of selected chemicals.
The greatest lesson learnt from this course was that need-based, specific research
and development is absolutely necessary for improving productivity and boosting
profits in the chemical industry; and this was reinforced during my industrial training.
Fundamental Chemical Engineering research also paves the way for breakthroughs
in allied industries including manufacturing, services and healthcare. This has
inspired me to pursue a career in Research and Development, which will enable me
to make a significant contribution to whatever field I find myself discharging the
diverse functions of a Chemical Engineer in; and thereby, to society.
It was the two-month undergraduate research project I undertook at BARC that

afforded me a microscopic view of research. The project taught me a lot of things,
including various experimental, analytical and data interpretation techniques. I also
got a feel of what doing research feels like on an everyday basis. But above all, I
was exposed to the process of planning research (in which I was then more of an
onlooker than a participant) - which I found fascinating. To study a problem,
conceptualize and develop a theory, use cognitive and intuitive skills to design
experiments to corroborate the theory - and to constructively interpret results, both
positive and negative, seemed extremely attractive.
I have heard a lot about doing a Ph.D., and read a lot about doing a Ph.D. It seems
an extremely demanding task, requiring not only significant intellectual ability on the
part of the researcher, but also monumental commitment. I know I have the skills
required for the job; and I am very eager to take on this challenge. I realize that
completing a Ph.D. is an enormous feat of dedication and self-actualization; and I am
convinced that there can be no more satisfying or fulfilling task.
Further, during my undergraduate studies I have experienced great joy and

satisfaction in being able to successfully explain a concept or idea to a colleague. I
have found that nothing probes, questions and thereby corroborates knowledge as
much as its dissemination. Not infrequently, I have considered a teaching career in
academia; the associated freedom to conduct research relevant to the needs of the
society is especially attractive. To pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is but a
logical step in the road to building such a career.
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I have always had an excellent academic record throughout high school, up to and
including the HSC, the qualifying examination for undergraduate study, in which I
stood 19th among nearly 200,000 in the State. I have performed consistently well in
my undergraduate work at UDCT: I now stand 5 th in a class of 77; and was 3 rd in
Third Year Chemical Engineering, which has a predomination of the basic courses
contributing to the major. A good memory and good head for figures, and the ability
of long and intense concentration has helped me in these accomplishments. In
addition, I am very meticulous and organized in my work, and have the ability to bring
structure and method to the most muddled situations and tasks. I am sure that with
these skills, I will be able to tackle research work efficiently and effectively.
Some of the research areas that I have developed a particular interest for during my
undergraduate studies are:
 Bioengineering: I have always found the adaptation of biological processes to

modern day applications exciting. To this end, fundamental research to unearth
the working of bio-systems in greater detail is required, as well as applied
research to develop such systems for end applications. I find both aspects of this
science attractive. I am especially interested in enzyme biotechnology.
 Catalysis and Reaction Engineering: This is a research area directly linked to

increasing productivity, safety and eco-friendliness in the chemical industry and it
is hence very close to my heart. I find the applicability of catalytic reaction-
separation systems very attractive.
 Advanced Materials: This field has great potential to create and develop new
materials with wide applications that may revolutionize the way we live. I am
hence very interested in Materials Science research.
The University of California, Santa Barbara is fast gaining a reputation as the hotbed
of Chemical Engineering research in the USA. The faculty is excellent; the research
is eclectic and spans almost all applications of Chemical Engineering, with a strong
focus on interdisciplinary programs. I especially like the emphasis on computational
methods in research, and the significant work in Bioengineering and Materials.
I am sure that UCSB is the perfect place to do research well suited to my interests. I
also believe that UCSB is currently very much the 'place to be', with a lively
atmosphere of intellectual excitement that will at all times inspire and instruct me in
my research work. It will be a great pleasure and honor for me to participate in, and
contribute to this fantastic research ethos. I look forward to being part of the UCSB
Chemical Engineering graduate program.
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Statement of Purpose: Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan Program: Chemical Engineering

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Fall 2002 Graduate Application

Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan

This statement defines my interests, long-term goals and objectives in pursuing a

During the course of my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, I have

It was the two-month undergraduate research project I undertook at BARC that

Further, during my undergraduate studies I have experienced great joy and

Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan

 Bioengineering: I have always found the adaptation of biological processes to

 Catalysis and Reaction Engineering: This is a research area directly linked to

Name of Applicant: Badriprasad Ananthanarayanan

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