STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Research depends critically on intensive and effective means of exchanging information, which necessitates some form of networking. Although networking cannot substitute for good research, good research cannot do without networking either. Unfortunately, networking will always be too slow for the applications that depend on it. In networking, I have found both the allure and the challenge, so I have chosen this as my area of specialization.
I am by nature inquisitive, but with a logical and mathematical bent of mind. Having been drawn to computers from an early age, I quickly made the transition from the usual action and adventure games to serious programming while at school itself. One of my early projects was a taxation package that calculated income tax taking into account various possibilities in terms of savings, rebates and deductions. My undergraduate course in Computer Science has opened my eyes to the discipline of structured procedural programming and has taught me to write optimized code rather than something that would get the job done.
Now in my final year of undergraduate study in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Madras, I consider a Masters in Computer Science to be the next logical step towards a research career in networking. My specific areas of interest are Multimedia Networking, Data Communication and Network Protocols.
To augment my knowledge and skills, I have worked at Imagine Technologies Ltd. (Boston), an international data-warehousing firm, and developed an application to automate the writing of Operating Procedures (OPs) [letter enclosed]. I have also developed an online bank transaction package that keeps track of accounts across branches [abstract enclosed]. During the next semester, I have been assigned a group project to implement a network management tool in the college UNIX lab to monitor uptimes of various systems [refer annexure]. Currently, I am working on two research projects- the first, to develop a web browser that supports XML using Java 1.2, and the second, to develop a scheme to transfer voice data over a network.
Right now, I intend to advance my knowledge and study through the MS program at the University of Texas at Dallas, leading up to a Ph.D. While my primary interest centers on academics, I would eventually like to become a software professional. My long-term objective is to develop a system that delivers multimedia traffic seamlessly across a network. To this end, I have begun research at the Supercomputer Education and Research Center (SERC) at the Indian Institute of Science, the premier institute for research in India.
All through my undergraduate life, I have had been hindered by two main factors– lack of adequate facilities to conduct research and lack of technical guidance in my area of specialization. I feel that the University of Texas, Dallas will be the ideal place for me to pursue my graduate studies as the department has advanced facilities in terms of processing capability. I know for a fact (from the Web pages as well as from friends) that the CS department is doing extensive research in networking. Being interested in network protocols and mobile computing, I have been in communication with Prof. Ravi Prakash who has encouraged me to apply and work at University of Texas, Dallas.
I am certain that I will be able to contribute to the ongoing research and fulfill all my research endeavors if I am given a chance to study at the University of Texas, Dallas.