STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Being a millennial, I have grown up in a time teeming with technology. It thrills me to be part of a generation
which has been raised with personal computers and smartphones. I still remember the day when my father
bought a computer and I couldn't control my excitement to explore it. As I grew, this excitement transformed
into curiosity and I started learning and experimenting with various applications. Intrigued by the tremendous
developments in this field, I chose Computer Science as my undergraduate major.

When I use Siri or Alexa for assistance, Google Maps to check the traffic predictions or see the personalized feed
on Facebook, it amazes me to see how these innovations have evolved technically and still hold a plethora of
scope for advancement. It is this sense of fascination, combined with my desire to dig deeper into the working of
applications and various technologies, which motivates me to pursue an MS in Computer Science.

I have hugely benefited from the extensive undergraduate syllabus at National Institute of Technology
Warangal, one of the best universities to pursue Bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering in India. The
coursework provided a comprehensive exposure to many core areas including Data Structures and Algorithm,
Database Management System, Computer Architecture, Operating System and Computer Network. To broaden
my skills in Data Science, I took the Advanced Data Mining course in my 6th semester. With zeal to learn more, I
joined various online courses. This solidified my interest and exposed me to the enormous potential of this
developing field. As the depth of studying about computers increased, it helped me widen my background in
various concepts and laid a strong foundation for my career in Computer Science.

Various internships and project work helped me in the application of classroom concepts to much more practical
scenarios. One of them being an E-commerce website developed using PHP and MySql and designed using HTML
and CSS. This project gave me my first brush with database functionalities and enhanced my skills in operations
relating to databases. With a goal to sharpen my programming skills, I did an internship at Samsung Research
and Development Institute, Bangalore, where I developed a Smart Living Experience Application using Groovy
programming Language. I used Smart Things IDE in combination with the BigML cloud for applying machine
learning algorithm on the test data. This particular use case was mainly for enhancement of security of smart
homes using Samsung’s Smart Things (Internet of Things). Based on the previously collected data from the smart
sensors, the application will notify the user in case of an unusual activity. These experiences were invaluable for
me since I learned the serviceability and functionality of various real-world applications. After getting hands-on
learning, I, along with two of my batch mates, did a research-oriented project as part of my Final Year Project
Work. The objective was to devise an algorithm to find the ‘Minimum Weighted Secure Dominating Set’. This
not only enhanced my understanding of the application of graphs but also gave me an insight into how existing
algorithms can be used to solve a new problem. Simultaneously, active participation in various coding
Hackathons like Code. Fun. Do by Microsoft and Hackathon 4.0 by The Lakshya Foundation provided a fun
learning experience outside of the classroom.

During my final year, I cracked the campus interview for Fidelity Investments, Chennai. Here, I am working as a
Software engineer on a project that involves both backend and frontend application development using JAVA
and Backbone.js. As a part of Fidelity wide strategy to move towards full stack role, I got to work on different
aspects of development as well as testing, OAuth implementation and JUnit testing(100% test coverage), to
name a few. The API built from scratch by our team gave me a flavor of DevOps while setting up Jenkins
pipeline for CICD(Continuous Integration Continuous Delivery). I also did a project on Visualization and
Prediction of Traffic on NetBenefits website. This involved visual graphs and a prediction based on a machine
learning algorithm (ARIMA model) developed using R programming language. Currently, I am working on a Proof
of Concept on the feasibility of moving a Backbone.js based application to Angular 6.

As the proverb goes- “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy”; hence to diversify my skill set, I actively
engaged in various extra-curricular activities. I was a part of the inter-department dance competition called
‘Zero Gravity’. Organizing events in college’s Cultural and Technical festivals brought forward my leadership
abilities, while also assisting in honing my social skills. My analytical and problem-solving skills helped me secure
the second position in one of the events in the Technical fest. Giving equal importance to my hobby, I became
an executive member of the Photography Club of the college. I was also one of the designers for Allure, a
fashion show during college’s cultural event. This not only helped me in building a strong network but also
nurtured my creativity. At Fidelity, I am a part of my business unit’s event organizing committee and have
successfully hosted various events on large scale. As part of Fidelity Cares, I actively take part in volunteer work
by teaching underprivileged children, going for beach-cleaning drives, running for a marathon (Pinkathon) for a
cause. All these activities have made me understand how this world can be a much better place when everyone
contributes their bit to the society.

While my present job at Fidelity has helped me develop a thorough insight into project handling, the industry
environment that I am currently in cannot quench my desire for research. I, therefore, believe that I must return
to the academic world for further growth. My previous experience in Machine Learning and Data Science has
only been at the beginner level and thus requires polishing.I am in no doubt that because of the distinguished
faculty and excellent facilities at your University of Texas, Dallas, graduate study in the Erik Jonsson School of
Engineering & Computer Science will be the most logical extension of my academic pursuits and a major step
towards achieving my objectives. The research-oriented curriculum will provide me an opportunity to work with
most modern and sophisticated equipment and the intellectual environment by which I would be able to realize
my dreams of exploring and contributing new vistas in the chosen field.

I have a dream to work in a top technology firm, where I would get a chance to work with one of the best
software enthusiasts and hone my technical skills. The international education will give me the training and the
caliber to apply my knowledge back in my native country, where the software industry is still in its nurturing
stage. The only thing that could bridge the gap between my skills and my dream is the practical-oriented
program at UTD. I am confident that given an opportunity to undertake graduate studies at your university, I will
strive to live up to the high standards set up by your graduate community Financial assistance from THE
University will give me a tremendous morale boost in this long pursuit to achieve excellence. I eagerly look
forward to being a part of an esteemed academic community such as yours.

LAKSHITA NAGPAL