Motivation Letter
Dear Madam or Sir,
This letter is for my application for a position in the Masters of Engineering, multi-machine engineering program. I am a Panamanian professional who graduated two years ago with a major in Mechanical Industrial Engineering. I have developed a great interest in interdisciplinary engineering ventures, technology, economics, as well as data analytics. My long interest in science, particularly in physics and mathematics, laid the ground for my current impetus to pursue postgraduate studies in this field. Even as I studied calculus, algebra, and physics in high school, I kept wondering the knowledge could apply to real-life situations. I had no idea that I was to find answers in my current career path. Equipped with my current knowledge acquired from my bachelor’s degree in industrial and mechanical engineering as well as my professional experience I look forward for an exciting study pursuit should I be given the chance. After my graduation I have developed an even greater interest mainly fueled by the realization of the wonderful applications of the knowledge in my professional line of duty and beyond. Both mechanical and industrial engineering knowledge has proved to be complementary to each other in practical real life applications. Industries as well as ordinary consumers are major beneficiaries of the design and development of several technical systems in use. Other fields where I have witnessed candid applications of mu engineering knowledge include metal working companies, research on simulation and the energy sector. Besides when I was undertaking my internship at Panama Canal my immediate supervisors and the Locks Manager recognized my interest in the field and encouraged me to pursue further studies in mechanical systems, hydraulics and operations. My experience in the real world of engineering has taught me that my knowledge if complemented with improved computing systems will go a long way in making the society a better place to live in. If given the opportunity I look forward to contributing substantially towards improving efficiency, sustainability and safety of mult-machine systems utilized in major ports globally. I also look forward to helping plyers ion the industry overcome challenges related to the ever-growing freight and passenger volumes causing long delays in major ports.
Quality graduate education is never complete until highly motivated students meet with world class professors in a highly stimulating environment. TU Delft provides just the right parameters for a high quality postgraduate educational experience. I has highly motivated staff, well equipped laboratories and an amazing library. The hostels, catering arena and student support services are all world-class and academically stimulating. Although I have learned about TU Delft from many sources the most memorable experience dates back to when exchange students from there came to conduct research at Panama Canal on hydraulics and meteorological operations. The professionalism and competency demonstrated by the staff and students made me to develop interest in the university. Since than my interest has kept growing over the years enabling me to learn many exciting realities about it. If given the opportunity I expect to join this exciting community of motivated students who discus ideas with an open mind and work really hard to achieve results. I also look forward to participating in sporting activities particularly soccer, basketball and tracking. I’ve learnt from the internet that Netherlands is a great country with a rich culture and is taking a leading role in fighting climate change. The country has current complex system intended for flood management and waterway transport with coordinated station for pumping and canal to control the waters. It also has current projects for the future aimed at tackling emissions in industry like E-Refinery led by TU Delft university. Besides, I am highly intrigued to learn about the culture and norms practiced by the Dutch people.
One of the key challenges facing society today is the increasing demand to meet sustainability, efficiency and safety when it comes to complex processes. Since the mult-machine engineering domain of logistics and production which is my area of interest, addresses this challenges I will derive the job my satisfaction by overcoming the challenges. Most Engineering research projects require background knowledge in statistics, financial administration as well as operation research. My background knowledge in this complementary subjects besides my university core knowledge in natural mechanics and machinery are an asset for the advanced courses as well as the research project I will be undertaking. I’ve also learned that the university has world class specialized laboratories such as AGV and DEM labs needed for logistics and operation analysis which are hardly found in other universities. Moreover, my country’s administration is progressively investing more in this areas since it is a regional hub for trade, logistics and transportation. Hopefully, my research project could offer a solution for the constant search for improving these systems to retain its position in the region besides adapting on climate change mitigation initiatives. Therefore the course will contribute to the country’s development agenda as we’ll as its quest to make its contribution in combating climate change. Further, improvements in robotization, computation expertise, connectedness, elevated levels of autonomy, and emerging energy technology are main technologies that support novel innovative design answers for these multi-machine systems. In the course of undertaking track Multi-Machine Engineering one develops skills needed to develop the combined multi-machine systems to overcome future challenges in machine design, maintenance, operation, and interaction. I look forward to grasping the necessary ideas of extensively applicable generic techniques including mechanical analysis, energy and drive system design, finite and discrete element modelling, and mathematical optimization. Other areas I will like to be proficient in are distribution control, extensive vehicle routing, dynamic as well as multi-agent simulation, systems process scrutiny and upgrading. I will also will learn ways of mastering specific tools needed for modelling as well as designing.
Graduate studies are mostly about ones contribution to new knowledge in an innovative manner. I expect my hypothetical thesis to stand out on the basis of its innovativeness because it is on autonomous guided vehicles (AGV) during operations in the port container terminals. It is likely to stand out because it contributes towards the ongoing trend on automation, safety enhancement and quickening of port operations. Specifically I am interested in working on management systems including comparison of routing techniques and the integration of technology in the movement as well as fixing of unanticipated problems or issues that arise. Alongside I also could like to learn about development of a roadmap for the implementation the same systems in a port that am unfamiliar with. My quest for to strengthen and widen my abilities in developing improved and more efficient coding essential for today’s engineers, I have enrolled on online tracking of data and python working on projects ( computer science). I also could like to take advantage of my previous experience in in laboratory work concerning probabilistic principles on vehicles to strengthen my project work. Alternatively, I also intendto pursue a research project on design improvement, equipment maintenance or good or people handling mechanisms where FEM for structures, material interaction and wear or operation and maintenance optimization can be applied. I will also be glad to explore current opportunities for research that can fortify and add value to my experience as well as capabilities to make myself more fruitful. AM open to possibilities of my project work being conducted in conjunction with industry partners or as part of ongoing projects. My hypothesis will be that this the changes will enhance operational efficiency, safety and sustainability. The hypothesis will then be tested in the course of my project and dissertation writing at TU Delft and the appropriate linked industry. My hope is that the findings of my project will be used to improve the performance of major ports globally. My motivation in these topics is the strong emphasis on mult-machines in overcoming current and anticipated challenges in industry with both scientific, applied, and practical knowledge. The program will also enhance my abilities in assessing analytical models, comprehensive as well as authenticated simulation models including on-site trials. The program will enhance my ability to anticipate challenges in current ventures in the industry and work out possible solutions in advance.
For my bachelor’s studies I was accepted to do an internship at Panama Canal Authority where my main project was aimed at analyzing the failures associated with the marine fender systems fixed in chambers’ walls as well as areas between gates of the Cocolí lock complex of the expanded canal project. Project also focused on complementing my undergraduate skills on searching new information on vessel configurations, procedures of transit on the new locks and mechanical features of fenders. As I undertook the project I studied and documented types of failures as well as damages existing on the fenders in the field. I also described various stresses to which the fender models installed in addition to explaining, and mimicking the unexpected torsion force that caused much of the damage. Further I identified and described the responsible factors and circumstances connected with the causes of damages in the various types of fenders. I also developed suggestions and designs of arrangements for various purposes in view of the chambers internal walls restrictions, decreasing severe failure, and permitting partial restricted movement abilities to remove torsion stress due to the features of the vessel berthing procedure occasionally occurring. I worked in a team comprising of civil and multidisciplinary engineers, sailors and personnel in charge of g maintenance. The research conducted informed different combinations of approaches that produced insights on the cause and type of the problem, by considering all the parts involved. After working on several side tasks what I found most challenging was performing a salinity interruption analysis of the first year of operation. Here e I processed and assessed a large amount of data of salinity amounts from sensors on the locks and operation processes. I produced pertinent information that illuminated important trends for informing future decisions on the type of flushes to apply on the locks, their effects on the use of water saving washbasins and the need of investment in substitutes such as a saltwater damping pit at the lake’s inlet.
I am confident that the knowledge and abilities acquired from my professional experience, university education, and extracurricular undertakings would make me a treasured addition to the Masters of mechanical engineering, multi-machines offered at TU Delft University.
I sincerely thank you in advance for granting my application its due consideration.
Regards.