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Statement of Purpose

“Chikungunya”-1.25 million cases reported in India (October), “Avian Influenza” –in Egypt –(October), “Yellow fever”- in Cote d’Ivoire –(October)------------ There has been an avalanche of outbreaks of serious infectious diseases in different parts of the world. Whether an age-old disease or a new emerging disease the global threat and financial burden it imposes is far from man’s intervention and estimation. The situation is highly critical and deliberately seeks a new dimension of thought and application to handle the situation effectively. In addition to understanding the physiology and epidemiology of the pathogen the new challenges invites a profound knowledge of the molecular basis of the diseases to provide potential strategies for intervention and prevention. Thanks to Dr. Werner Arber, Daniel Nathans and Hamilton Smith for the discovery of restriction endonucleases, which lead to the development of the rDNA technology. Their contribution has become the pillar for molecular dissection studies, which covers a spectrum of areas like Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Vaccine design. Having a strong breadth of knowledge in Molecular Biology I would like to apply my knowledge to design novel strategies for prevention and treatment of Infectious diseases. To realize my ultimate dream and goal my immediate step is to pursue graduate studies in your renowned institute, which will eventually mould me as a research professional with social responsibility.

Determined to pursue and excel as a research scholar in the stream of Life Sciences I opted for a Bachelor’s program in Biochemistry in a Government college with merit scholarship. Having gained a strong knowledge in Biochemistry I immediately realized the benefits of pursuing my master’s degree in a University campus. The gamut of opportunities and a rich environment of the Chennai University undoubtedly persuaded and motivated me. Amidst a very competitive group I was selected for a couple of other courses too like Biotechnology, Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. But I was keen on choosing Molecular Biology as my major after discussing the future prospects of my career with the student coordinator. I am very glad for making the right decision for my future and myself.

During my post-graduation studies, I was strongly encouraged and motivated. The healthy competitive and rich environment prepared my mind for new challenges and developed skills to tackle difficult situations. I became well versed in rDNA techniques and its applications. The personal rapport with the PHD scholars in the University department has been a great boon urging me for graduate studies. I associated closely with one of the PhD scholars who was working in ‘Cloning and Characterization of X gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis’’. His research topic fascinated and persuaded me to opt for graduate study in Infectious diseases and Immunology. It was at this juncture my research interest became focused. The interrelationship between Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Biology became evident to me. Looking forward to expand my knowledge I worked with him during weekends and summer vacation. With a fair knowledge in Molecular techniques and its applications my interest fro TB research blossomed to passion. This raised many pertinent questions within me. Whether X gene is immunogenic? Could it be a potential candidate for vaccine design? This thirst for knowledge has driven me to opt for PHD in Infectious diseases.

I am very fortunate to work on an Immunology project for my dissertation. In spite of a short tenure, the knowledge and experience I accumulated is overwhelming. I worked in Rubella vaccination project, which is a government-funded project. I analyzed a small number of 120 samples for the serological profile of Rubella IgG by ELISA. The experience gained as a Laboratory technician in X hospital helped me in efficient sample collection and storage. A diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and extra experience in hospitals eased my initial phase of the dissertation work and made my field experience really cherishing and memorable. I also learnt how a single data generated could be explicitedly represented in different forms yielding valuable results. I also interacted with the kids and educated the parents about the project and its outcomes. This gave me a sense of social responsibility to care for the community and this spark furthered me to pursue my Doctoral study in Infectious diseases and Immunology. Through this study I clearly understood that “Prevention is better than cure” and “Awareness” is more important than basic research. This is because basic research fails adversely where implementation loses priority. This holds good for any potential Infectious disease. The increased incidence of MDR pathogens and reemergence of age-old diseases only demands us to strengthen the disease surveillance systems and design and implement novel strategies to combat the disease effectively.

My UG and PG studies equipped and polished many skills in me. I developed a teaching attitude and helped my peers in Immunology and Metabolism papers. This is when I realized my potential to teach and improved subsequently by leading a set of students aiding them in their assignments and course work. We often learnt by interacting with each other sharing knowledge. I have been a source of unceasing motivation to my peer groups to participate in various competitions and represented our college and won a unique identity for our college and our self. These endeavors seeded and nurtured both leadership and team spirit in me.

Currently working in a corporate environment, I have efficiently utilized the opportunities for enhancing my soft skills. The job has fostered and groomed me as a confident, competent individual and inculcated professionalism in me. It made me proficient in documentation and further strengthened my communication and presentation skills.

When I surfed through the web I came to know Dr.--------------------- is actively involved in TB research. The Institute with its rich environment and erudite persons will definitely support my passion and goal of pursuing my doctoral studies. The interdisciplinary curriculum including Lab tours, Lab rotations, retreat, National & International seminars, intensive practical sessions, motivation for project proposals/grant applications, seminars by and for young scientist are the attractive features of the University which intensified my idea of pursuing research in your esteemed institute. I am interested in learning many new techniques such as Micro-arrays, Flow cytometry, TUNEL and looking forward for a global career in your reputed Institute.

I am really convinced that the rich environment of the University, my potential and perseverance will strongly prepare me to excel in all my future endeavors. I firmly believe my graduate studied at your esteemed University will shape me as a research professional with social responsibility.

Please review CV for other value adding courses and Merits & Awards information.