Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”, A quote by Zora Neale Hurston, an American Novelist.

Research always fascinated me which led me to take up Master of Engineering after pursuing my Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai. Further, obtaining a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering will help me to achieve my future goals of becoming a distinguished Professor and Researcher in this field.

During my Master’s, I undertook “Project Scheduling using Meta-heuristic Technique” as my thesis topic, under the supervision of Dr. V.S Bilolikar, where I successfully implemented Genetic Algorithm for Single Mode Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (SM-RCPSP)(an NP- Hard Problem). I was successful in developing a complex C++ console application using Microsoft Visual Studio, where I optimized problem sets involving 30, 60 and 90 Jobs with resource constraints by implementing Genetic Algorithm with Elitist Strategy. I studied the output, by varying mutation and crossover probabilities and gauging the average and standard deviations from the available optimal solutions. This augmented my knowledge in the areas of Computer Programming and Optimization. During my thesis and application development phase, I learned various advanced C++ programming concepts such as Standard Template Library (STL), File and Folder Handling, REGEX (Regular Expression), few basics about Template Meta-Programming, are few to be named, which I employed in my C++ code, In addition, I learned about Meta-Heuristic Optimization Techniques such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Simulated Annealing (SA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO).This learning experience gave me an ecstatic feeling of accomplishment. It encourages me to devote myself towards research.

During my Bachelor’s Project, I worked on Designing and Fabrication of “Non – Contact Type Speed Measurement Device” for Mechanical Measurement Lab with three other group members. We designed and simulated the circuit on Proteus Design Software to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of designed device with proposed algorithm. The device consisted of infrared Emitter and Receiver used as sensor unit, whose output was catered to Digital Counter Unit through an Op-Amp (LM 324) set to operate as a non-inverting comparator. The Digital Counter Unit consisted of PIC 16F690 Microcontroller, 16x2 LCD based on Hitachi’s HD 44780LCD Controller/Driver. The PIC 16F690 was programmed to convert the binary representation to rpm, and display it on the LCD screen. The performance of the device was compared against the industrial tachometer and was found to perform with maximum accuracy. We designed and developed the 3D layout and working animation of the device on SOLID WORKS Design Software and fabricated the working model. During the process of design and fabrication, I learned about microcontroller programming, circuit design, and fabrication.

My predilections for Mathematics and Physics led me to choose Mechanical Engineering for my Undergraduate Studies. My fascination towards mathematics burgeoned in Undergraduate Studies with the subjects like Applied Mathematics I, II, III and IV where I learned about Complex Analysis, Vector Calculus, Differential and Integral Calculus, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Matrix Analysis, Probability, and Statistics. It further got boost with subjects like Heat and Mass Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Vibrations, Finite Element Analysis, and during Master's with Subjects Like Engineering Optimization, Advanced Finite Element Analysis, Control Engineering and, Simulation and Modeling.

After completing my Undergraduate Program, I got an opportunity to work as a lecturer for Engineering Mechanics at St. Francis Institute of Technology.Further, I continued to work as part-time Lecturer at Xavier Institute of Engineering while pursuing my Master’s, followed by the full-time job at Shree L.R Tiwari College of Engineering, where I worked as Lecturer for Strength of Materials (Mechanics of Materials). In addition, I have also taught subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Theory of Machines at a Private Institute. Through my teaching, I was able to refine, sharpen and solidify my existing understanding of the core fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering. My attempt to explain difficult things cogently helped me to read and understand the subject in-depth.This, in fact, has strengthened my desire to become a professor of Mechanical Engineering in a university set-up, in which research is not only encouraged but facilitated as well.

During my tenure as an Assistant Professor at St. Francis Institute of Technology, I was a member of an organizing committee for PRAYAS (A Project Exhibition Competition), where I guided various Projects, few of which are Bike Anti-theft System, Tesla Coil, and Wireless Remote Chess. Through the experience of publishing a paper titled “A Genetic Algorithm for Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem”, International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering, Technology, ISSN: 2321- 9653, Volume 4 Issue IX, September 2016, I sharpened my technical writing skills, which to my understanding is crucial for success in PhD program.

To my understanding, just having a good academic record is not enough for success at graduate studies. In addition, patience, maturity, time management skills, life-long learning attitude, acceptance for change, is essential to be a good researcher.In future, I see myself working as a Professor with a dedicated research team and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte presents a splendid opportunity to achieve it. As I am currently a lecturer and I love to be associated with students, I eagerly look forward to working as a teaching and research assistant during the graduation, as I can render my services to the University. I am confident that the competitive environment, the community of innovative minds, eminent faculties and scientists, diverse research groups and cutting-edge technologies will refine my proficiency and channelize the research in pertinent direction.

I am interested working in CORE Lab under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Vermillion on Research Project “Connected and Autonomous Vehicles” as I strongly feel that I will able to learn significantly and contribute to the group. Dr. Praveen Ramaprabhu’s research on Computational Fluid Dynamics and Dr. Harish P. Cherukuri’s research also intrigues me.I aspire to impart valuable endeavors to this distinguished department through my prior research experiences, patience, and dedication.