I grew up in a low-income family in Malaysia and attended schools that were inadequately staffed and equipped by western standards. However, I applied myself with exceptional determination and diligence to enable me to pursue undergraduate studies. I was ranked first in my class and was awarded a distinction in the Malaysian Unified Examination Certificate. Consequently, many career paths were open to me. Still, my love of science, coupled with doing something useful with my life, fired an interest in multidisciplinary studies, including pharmacy. I was delighted to gain entrance to the International Medical University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and graduated in 2013. I now hope to advance my career by earning my Master's Degree in Biology in the USA. My first choice is XXXX University because of the sheer excellence of your program and the vast intellectual and professional resources of the surrounding area.
In the face of inadequate educational provision, the success achieved at school was gained only because I possessed high degrees of natural curiosity, diligence, and determination. All of these characteristics are called for in successful research. I am aware that successful research calls for other uncommon features, such as the ability to set clear goals and approach problems with originality and creativity, and I believe that I have demonstrated such traits in my academic and professional careers to date. During my undergraduate studies, I completed an honors capstone project introducing me to a multi-disciplinary problem-solving approach. The project involved aspects of Biochemistry, Biomaterial Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Molecular Biology, Physics, and Basic Computer Programming and Engineering in analyzing the data. This project also gave me lab protocols for cell growth, transfection, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, and fluorescence. I believe this will assist me in the transition into Oral Biology Sciences and will enable me to apply these experiences to future research.
My undergraduate research experience inspired a passion for research which I am keen to pursue as a career. My supervisor was a highly experienced and devoted researcher, Dr. XXXX, who taught me much about how effective research is initiated and conducted.
Since graduating, I have sought exposure to research and related fields such as quality control and management, validation, compliance, and review that would provide a basis for future research work. I believe that my direct research experience and my professional background will enable me to ‘add value to the program from an early stage and help me, ultimately, to become a first-class researcher in a field in which I am passionate. My professional experience has also provided many opportunities to hone the concise and accurate written and verbal communication and recording skills essential for a good researcher.
I am especially intrigued by the bone remodeling research, particularly the study of heparin sulfate complexes in Dr. XXXX’s lab in the Oral Biology Department. However, I am also willing to explore different areas by applying the fruits of my background in pharmacy, biology, chemistry, and computer science. If my application is accepted, I will seek to significantly broaden my skills and create a professional network for the future. I would also like to publish my work to allow a wide field of interpretation by other scientists and to open up potential research opportunities that may have been overlooked. Furthermore, I would like to make an original and significant contribution to the research lab and the Department of Oral Biology by performing quality research. Upon graduation, I would like to be involved in academia while continuing to conduct research and nurturing future research generations.
As an undergraduate at an international school, I worked and socialized with people of many social and ethnic backgrounds. I am outgoing and volunteered to work as an ‘ambassador’ to assist foreign students, which was interesting, instructive, and enjoyable. This contact also improved my language skills. Malay is my native language, and I am proficient in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I have traveled extensively in East Asia.
I look forward to extending my knowledge of other cultures and sharing knowledge of my rich heritage during the program.
The interdisciplinary graduate program at XXXX is an excellent ‘fit’ for my purposes. I know that the program provides excellent research facilities, a prestigious faculty, and stable funding, and several courses and electives coincide with my particular interests. I know that the program provides a highly challenging but supportive academic environment where I can thrive. I promise the reader that I shall apply myself with exceptional diligence and enthusiasm to ‘add value’ to the program and to enable me to achieve my goals.
To summarize: I believe that I possess, and have demonstrated, the characteristics of an excellent researcher; I have professional experience that is highly relevant to successful research; my background in pharmacy will enable me to provide original insights. However, my main recommendation is a genuinely passionate desire to undertake research in a field of such importance for so many and to assist in improving the lives of many and, indeed, in saving lives.
