My name is Udit, a researcher at the Shock Tunnel Laboratory at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. I completed a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Bombay in 2012. I find myself fascinated by the fields of Gas Dynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics. I am particularly interested in the areas of derived fuels, combustion analysis and combustion chamber design. It is in this context that I am applying for graduate studies towards a master's/PhD in mechanical engineering at Stanford University. I look forward to imbibing the best, which prompted me to apply to Stanford University, after getting this opportunity with the best in India. During my first year, I joined the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) data acquisition team. *group at IIT. My exposure to research as an undergraduate first came while working for FSAE. My team competed in the FSAE competition in Silverstone, UK in 2009. The FSAE competition brought together student teams from around the world who designed, built, tested and raced formula student cars. I actively participated in the programming and implementation of an ATmega16 microcontroller to transmit the car's engine parameters. This experience imbued me with a spirit of teamwork. In the summer of 2010, I joined the Engineering Research Center of Tata Motors Ltd., Pune, as a research intern. I worked in the ____ team and designed a new hood hinge mechanism for an upcoming car model featuring a new movement path for the hood and a self-locking mechanism. I successfully tested the full-scale design prototype for integration and functionality. This stay gave me a good exposure to the design and manufacturing of sheet metal components, prototype testing and vehicles in...... middle of paper ...... I had a chance to continue research in these areas. I hope to gain a solid foundation in the work offered by Stanford University faculty and contribute to it at the doctoral level. I believe I have the aptitude, exposure and motivation as well as the ability to take on challenges. I have relevant skills and a commitment to making valuable contributions to any research team. After completing my higher education followed by a doctorate, I plan to pursue a career in industrial research or in research establishments in this field. The graduate program structure, excellent facilities, and esteemed faculty at Stanford University would certainly support me in achieving my goals of conducting pioneering research in my areas of interest. Working in Stanford's stimulating and stimulating atmosphere would help me achieve my goals.