Personal Statement

　　My career goal is to ultimately become a qualified environmental engineer who works across academia and industry. By conducting studies in the laboratory and taking on real-world obstacles in the industry, I hope I will both advance world’s research on environmental topics and advise non-government organizations on conforming to regulations to prevent mishaps as well as implementing waste treatment systems. Finally I hope my work will increase society’s awareness on local and worldwide environment issues, such as destructive acid rains or_ global warming.

　　I believe the most ideal way to accomplish my career goal is to first pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, where I will develop more in-depth knowledge and understanding on environmental challenges we are facing nowadays, the most accurate scientific interpretation of how those challenges become present, and the most advanced remedying techniques.

　　After completing my master’s program, I would like to continue my education and obtain a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering since issues in this field are so complicated that different problems constantly occur and even attempts to solve problems may cause new troubles. I also believe engaging in advanced research will better train myself for future career. I am mostly interested in the treatment and control of hazardous substance and solid waste. My other research interests include remediation of contaminated soils and sediments, phytoremediation, and bioremediation.

　　My research interests stem from the two projects I participated during the second and third year in my undergraduate studies. The first project is the study of the stabilization of bottom sediment polluted by Cr and Pb in Xiang River. My task is to analyze the forms of metals and determine their amounts in sediment samples, by which I developed the skills of total amount analysis and understanding of the testing procedures of leaching toxicity. The second project is the study of the effects of exogenous Cd on the red soil urease, which was complicated and difficult and I only took charge of preparing agents for professors and analyzing data. Nevertheless, I still improved abilities of processing and analyzing data. In addition I also carried out my own experimental project, which aims at detecting the environmental effects of the solar battery, to participate in the nationwide Challenge Cup competition. In the paper, I investigated the economic benefits brought forward by solar batteries and how they will positively influence our environment.

　　I believe that Purdue University is the best place for me to further my advanced degrees. I am especially attracted to the research conducted at Purdue, namely the influence of organic compounds on the transportation of heavy metal in soils research by Professors Schwab, Zhu, Banks. I am confident that joining such research group consisted of expert faculty will best build upon my undergraduate experience and extend my research abilities. Besides, I am interested in learning more on phytoremediation and bioremediation, the strength of Purdue, which is another reason why Purdue is my dream school.

（编辑：anne）