Personal statement for major in Chemistry

My four-year research experience since the completion of my undergraduate program in 1997 has helped me to develop from a Bachelor in Engineering to a Master in Science. My research activities cover a wide range of fields including analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, organic catalysis, environmental science, instrumental analysis, nano-analytical chemistry, and biological analytical chemistry. I am proud to say that I have accomplished achievements in almost every of those fields. Based on my research findings, I have published a dozen research papers. In particular, I have received patents from the Patent Office of China for two major research results "The Preparation Method of a Solid Acid Catalyst with High Selectivity and Activity for Esterification" and "A New Reaction Technology and the Equipment for Gas Phase Esterification". Both of them have significant value in industrial application.

　　Nevertheless, I am acutely aware that, in the research fields I am interested in, there are still so many difficult subjects and challenges awaiting for solution. In physical chemistry, China is relatively backward in the fields of catalyst development, catalyst inactivation, reaction dynamics, reaction mechanism, geochemical reaction mechanism, environmental-chemical reaction mechanism. In analytical chemistry, China lags relatively behind its Western counterparts in areas such as instrumental analysis and theoretical analytical chemistry. Basically, China relies on import for large-scale analytical instruments. By contrast, the United States has many world-leading academic specialists and encourages interdisciplinary programs. It will accord me a stimulating and liberal academic environment, apart from the sophisticated research facilities. Rice University is my top priority in applying for a Ph.D. program and I choose to specialize in physical chemistry or in analytical chemistry.

　　At Rice University, I plan to learn broader-based foundational theories in my chosen fields. With my solid interdisciplinary knowledge and my ability for the quick assimilation of new knowledge, I intend to secure for myself a RA status to directly start my laboratory research under the guidance of my future advisor. I can also work as TA so that I can study while teaching and conducting my internship. I can apply, test and consolidate the theoretical knowledge that I acquire in the process of internship and degree program. Finally, through theoretical study and scientific research, I would endeavor to produce a well-written dissertation in which I hope to achieve some breakthroughs on both the theoretical and the research level.

　　After obtaining my Ph.D. degree, I intend to enter one of the top research institutes to delve deeper into some challenging subjects and to achieve some research fruits. After accumulating certain research experience at an actual research institute, I plan to return to China to work as a professor at a leading Chinese university, a position which will enable me to train many more academic professionals in physical or analytical chemistry. At the same time, I will also dedicate myself to turning my laboratory research results into yet more patents and inventions, which can further be developed into products with pragmatic applications.

　　During my studies in the United States, I will attempt at some detailed observations of its capital market, the most mature of its kind in the world, to acquire some necessary knowledge in company management and capital operation. For ultimately my career objective is to establish my own company to manufacture my own products, especially those environmentally-friendly chemical products, based on my patents and inventions.