Statement of Purpose
Two summers ago, I was accepted to the Undergraduate Research Program in Astrophysics offered by the Center for Network Resources and Training (CNRT) site at South Carolina State University and the University of Arizona. I had the opportunity to do an internship at the National Optical and Astronomies Observatory (NOAO), located in Tucson, Arizona. There I was match to two mentors, Dr. Kenneth Mighell and Mr. Roy Tucker, of the NOAO Headquarters. I had the opportunity to do an internship at the National Optical and Astronomies Observatory (NOAO), located in Tucson, Arizona. The summer program, Undergraduate Research Program in Astrophysics, was located at the University of Arizona. There I was match to two mentors, Dr. Kenneth Mighell and Mr. Roy Tucker, of the NOAO Headquarters. With the aid of my mentors and teammates, we complete a summer research, An Amateur Search for Near-Earth Asteroids. The detection of near-Earth asteroids has recently become a prominent topic in the field of astronomy. There is a strong emphasis on this topic and it mainly comes from the evidence that has lead to the extinction of the dinosaurs and the large crater (Meteor Crater) located in Arizona. Based on this evidence, many research groups are now involved in the search for any asteroids that may pose such a threat to life on the Earth. This topic has been researched for several years and has led to the vast observations by both astronomers and amateurs. The main focus of this summer research project was to do a study on the detection of near earth asteroids. The team learned how to use two image analysis software packages, Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) and PinPoint Astrometric Engine 3.0. The observational data that was used came from unique drift scan charged coupled device (CCD) imagers attached to three 35-centimeter telescopes at Mr. Roy Tucker’s observatory, Goodricke-Pigott Observatory, located in Tucson, Arizona. Many nights of observational data were analyzed to find any near-Earth asteroids with the aid of both IRAF and PinPoint. Another aspect of this research project was to become familiar with IRAF and PinPoint. The team learned how these applications worked and the advantages and disadvantages for each one. Another application from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel was also used. With this application, programs were written to serve as a backup system for detecting the asteroids. The team also learned additional observational skills at the 2.1-meter telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory during the month of July 2001.Working with this project helped me to become more comfortable with the field of Physics.
Since the fall of 1999,
I have participated as a student researcher the Office of Naval Research Program.
This program is designed to aid students who wish to pursue a degree in Computer
Science, Mathematics, Technology and Physics. In spring of 2001 I completed
a research project, Tunneling of Matter Wave through Delta Function Type Barrier,
under the Physics Research Team. I was matched to a mentor, Dr. Latif Choudhury,
in the Department of Physical Sciences. We had to set up an equation of motion
of a mass according to Newton's second law of motion and using Schordinger's
equation. We then had to develop a Mathematica program to plot the solution
to this equation. Since being in this program, I had the privilege to attend
several conferences. I attended the 1999 LISA (Large Installation System
Administration) Conference. This conference was held at the Washington Convention
Center in Seattle, Washington. In September of 2000, I went to the MUSPIN
Conference held in Atlanta,
These experiences have convinced me to pursue the highest degree in Physics. I would like to continue my goal, if I am given a chance to become part of several research programs; in the fall and summer that will aid me in receiving a bachelor's degree in Physics. By gaining a master's degree in Astrophysics, I will attain the proper skills to perform the job of an astrophysicist. Finally, after receiving a Ph.D., I would like to do research in the field of Astrophysics and conduct research projects that will assist in the growing field of astronomy.