Statement of Purpose
My dream is to be a chemist and an entrepreneur in the field of organic chemistry or the
pharmaceutical industry. The idea of becoming a scientist has always been fascinating to me; I
graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, in China. I realized that chemical
products, processes, and applications make our life easier in many ways by improving and
enhancing the functionality of countless products we use every day. It is, therefore, my belief
that a Master of Science in Chemistry will not only lead me to a rewarding career opportunity
but also fulfill and satisfy my true passion.
Studying Chemical Engineering and Technology for my college major gave me the chance to
enjoy numerous research and lab activities, from formulations of hypothesis, gathering and
processing experimental data to analyzing and writing results. Over the four years of college
study, I have confirmed that what I want is to devote my career in this field. From my
understandings gained from previous academic and laboratory experiences, I have developed my
interest in certain areas of chemistry which I want to focus during my graduate studies. I want to
further investigate and explore chemical products and applications related to pharmaceuticals.
Specifically, I want to focus my research on Organic Synthesis and Medicine Producing. My
grandparents both passed away in the summer of 2014, and they were all diagnosed with cancer.
Even though nobody can stop death, seeing them suffering from diseases was still painful and
torturous, but at least I hope they could die peacefully. Therefore, I want to enhance my skills
with the contemporary techniques of characterization of fine chemicals and daily-use chemicals
to bring hope to people who suffer.
As to preparation to this intellectual quest, my undergraduate study in Chemical Engineering and
Technology at Shunhua Energy Institute of Liaoning Shihua University, a research-oriented
institution for energy, oil processing and production, chemical analysis and processing, etc. I
believe I gained solid research skills necessary for more complex academic and research
endeavors. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I sought every opportunity to gain practical Shen 2
and research exposure to further enhance my academic skills and understanding of the various
chemistry development. Therefore, I started to embark on the research field when I was in the
sophomore year and was very grateful to be accepted as a research assistant of Prof. Jian Shen in
the Oil Refining Laboratory.
I was involved in the project Study on the HDS Performance of CoMo/SBA-15-γ-Al2O3
Catalyst. Although my job seemed easy, in comparison to what other graduate students did, there
have been challenges along the process such as discrepancies in the number of materials and
inaccurate readings and that I had to repeat some experiments. This initial research experience
has given the basic skills and knowledge in conducting research, and most of all, it increased my
desire to participate in more research projects. Meanwhile, during few months working with
other teammates as the only undergraduate student, I have learned how to work with people who
have higher positions and more experience than me. Through these research projects, I had the
chance to partake in the study called Esterification Catalyzed by Mesoporous Sieve K2O/SBA-
15, which has been published in Chemical Industry and Engineering, Chinese Core Journals in
2011. At some stage in my college, I have also participated some non-scholastic undertakings
which improved my interactive and social skills.
After my first unsuccessful attempt pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering at the
University of Massachusetts—Lowell, I lost my motivation to keep my passion. I went back to
China to spend the summer, but I happened to have my saddest time because both my
grandparents passed away due to illness. They had no idea that I dropped out because I was not
able to finish the program and I didn’t know how to study efficiently in a completely different
study environment. I knew it would be a big disappointment if I told them. Fortunately, my
girlfriend (now my wife) kept encouraging me not to lose any hope. So, I challenged myself to
chase another dream which I had never thought I would do—Fashion Business. Finally, after two
years, I graduated with an Associate Degree in Science in Fashion Merchandising, with an
almost 3.8 GPA, from Middlesex Community College. During my study there, I became very
connected with professors and staff and involved in many events and activities. I also obtained a
level 3 certificate in English tutoring. Applying for graduate school once again is the deal I made
with myself--I will be successful this time and I won’t let a failure break me down! Shen 3
Indeed, to attain a degree in chemistry will require an in-depth laboratory experience offered by a
globally competitive university. I believe that North Dakota State University’s Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry cutting-edge research and areas in analytical chemistry,
biochemistry, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical
chemistry, and molecular biology, guided by excellent professors will help me acquire in-depth
theoretical foundation and research skills to explore the new facets of chemistry. I am very happy
that there are professors doing research on medicinal chemistry. The advanced lab facilities and
anticipated future interaction with equally talented students will provide the change to exchange
my skills and widen research knowledge while enhancing my interpersonal skills. This
experience would allow me to move ahead with my career goals to become a chemist in a
pharmaceutical company.
With these significant and rich experiences, I have in both academic and professional aspects, I
have also acquired a deeper understanding and appreciation of my chosen profession. I am very
confident that I am ready and prepared to embark on my new intellectual quest in your
university. I highly anticipate that you can positively consider my qualifications and personal
aspirations and give me the opportunity to attend your esteemed program thereby leading
towards the fulfillment of my goals to become a chemist soon.
