SOP Sample for PhD in Genetics and Bio Sciences

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

For me, the research journey has always been truly fascinating as it reveals so many hidden facts otherwise obscured from human perception. As a lecturer, while dealing with students or as a researcher, I have continuously stumbled upon many ‘WHY’s. I realize that, unfortunately, there are very few attempts being made to go to the real facts of the phenomena. There is always a dearth of scientific approaches towards any problem.

Technological advancement is a boon to a researcher that puts light on the details of the already known facts and gives immense joy to the researcher. The journey of a researcher has no end. Before it reaches one destination, many more destinations are already posing a challenge for him. It’s a lifetime job. It’s a way of thinking.

Academic Background:

As a Biology student, I have always been interested in living organisms and what manifests life. I am perpetually fascinated by the basic unit of life that is a cell. The discovery of cells by Robert Hook that appeared as mere compartments to the present-day knowledge up to its molecular level has been an upward journey pushing the horizons of our understanding still further. I am fully convinced that if we correctly understand the working of a cell, its organelles, and its chemistry, then many secrets of the human body and plant will be revealed for the benefit of the entire human race.  What better proof there can be than the noble prize awardees of 2016 in the field of Physiology is Yoshinori Oshumi for his path-breaking work on degradation and recycling of cellular content encompassing its genetic basis and its mechanism!

In December 2013, I completed my Ph.D. in the field of Phytochemistry. The title of my thesis is ‘Chemical Fingerprinting and Antimicrobial Studies on Achyranthes Aspera Linn. from Afghanistan’. I worked on the standardization profiling of a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic activities and commonly used in different formulations in Ayurvedic Medicine. It included pharmacognostic study, physicochemical studies, and HPTLC fingerprinting of root, stem, and leaf using different solvents. The antimicrobial study was also part of my research. 

Currently, I have enrolled myself for a certification course at National Facility Biopharmaceuticals, Dubai, the advanced finishing school sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of UAE. In this lab with state-of-the-art facilities, I am undergoing hands-on training in Molecular Biology, which includes DNA sequencing, Gene Cloning, and Expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes and Bioprocess Technology, delivering fundamental lessons as well as practical training. I did my post-graduation program in Botany with a specialization in Plant Physiology in 1988 from the Institute of Science, Dubai. Not only I secured 1^st class, but it also gave me insight into the chemical basis of a cell.

I took up teaching in a Junior college in Dubai as my profession, in 1985 and for the professional qualification, I also completed a Diploma in Higher Education conducted by FDSC University, with first-class in 1989. I have delivered presentations at international and national conferences and published seven scientific papers in National and International magazines based on my research work. One of my papers that has received ten citations is titled Evaluation of some minerals and trace elements in Achyranthes Aspera Linn. International Journal of Pharma SciencesVol. 3, No. 3 (2013): 229-233. In this paper, the Elemental profile of Achyranthes Aspera Linn. was determined so as to develop a stronger basis for appreciating the curative effects of the plant. Elements were analyzed from root, stem, and leaves by ICPES techniques.

In my 31 years of my professional career, I worked in different capacities at the state level such as an examiner for 15 years, Moderator for 12 years, cross moderator, chief moderator, and at present, I am a member of the Board of Studies representing Seattle County at the state level, in the USA. I have been consistently attending seminars and workshops to keep myself abreast of the current happenings in the field of Biology and modern techniques as well.

My aspirations:

I believe that my existing doctorate work is merely a milestone in my research career, as I want to continue my work further in the field of Genetics and Biotechnology. Biochemical profiling tells us what exists but for its enhancement and modification, genomic analysis is an obvious step. The field of Biology cannot be categorized and the need for the hour is to have an integrated approach.

Today’s scientific world demands interdisciplinary academic pursuits, and I possess the required adaptability and passion to constantly learn. I am comfortable working in the field of genetics, biochemistry, and biotechnology& feel at ease using different techniques such as HPTLC, LC_MS/MS, IR, NMR, MALDI-TOF, and Gel Electrophoresis. I intend to make intelligent use of technology in my research.

At LKJMN, I am particularly drawn towards Prof. Daniel Gallen’s work  Biochemical mechanisms of DNA recombination and single-molecule visualization of protein-DNA interactions, especially, Physical and structural aspects of protein-nucleic acid interactions; Prof. Ken Davies’ work on the understanding of protein function at the atomic level and his focus on therapeutic strategies for proteins of medical interest and Prof. Anastasia Chahal’s work on the genetic and molecular factors that govern the development and evolution of ovules. I also got attracted to the work of Dr. Ping Li, where her focus is on Biosynthesis, accumulation, and function of carotenoids and polyphenols in plants and I share the interests of Dr. Stephy Grey in Genomic, molecular, genetic, and biochemical, dissection of embryogenesis and seed development in plants. However, I would like to get in touch with other faculties as well in order to get a thorough understanding of their research endeavors. Thank you very much for allowing me to express myself.