While in high school, I was always fascinated by stories and anecdotes related to scientists and researchers, regarding how they made key discoveries. I found it very appealing that hard work and determination when applied behind an idea or a thought can have very far reaching consequences. It slowly dawned on me that this is what I want to aim for in my professional life.
 During my undergraduate studies I worked on robotics projects which aimed at competing in international competitions. First, I worked on an autonomous ground vehicle and as technical leader of this team I was responsible for designing the sensor subsystem and its interfacing with the software. I also worked with image processing techniques for using a stereo camera for obstacle detection and avoidance. Later, I worked on an unmanned underwater vehicle and here I was responsible for implementing the control algorithms which meant controlling the actuators for accurate motion on all three axis using PID. These projects taught me that doing good research is not easy but with a creative and hard working attitude, one can be successful. Also on these projects I worked with a team of 8-10 peers, who were working on other areas, and have developed a good  understanding of team dynamics.
 In the final year of college I tried to broaden my knowledge base and deliberately decided to submit a final year thesis which was not related to robotics. So I worked on clustering algorithms and how they can be optimized using highly parallel architectures like Nvidia GPUs.
I also had a strong desire to work with open source software and was thrilled on being selected as a Google Summer of Code 2010 intern for Beagleboard.org. I worked on developing a kernel and userspace linux driver for Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with the beagleboard. This project has improved my understanding of operating systems fundamentals, kernel concepts and code compiling/release practices manifold. I also collaborated with my classmates and published a research paper in the field of image processing. This has further strengthened my interest in research.
 Simultaneously I was also growing intellectually, reading lots of books, watching movies and listening to a variety of music. I was deeply affected when I heard 'Dark Side of the Moon' by the Pink Floyd. It was a very free flowing and honest expression of ideas and it was inspiring yet not preaching in any way. This triggered an urge to grow creatively and I started learning music. After two years I am continually growing musically and I strive for the same free flowing and honest expression in my music.
 While at Georgia Tech I aim to strengthen my understanding of cognitive aspects of music technology and the synthesis of and analysis of music using computers. I want to focus on conducting research towards developing novel musical interfaces and ways of enhancing musical learning/expression using technology.
 With my research background, knowledge of computer science and music fundamentals I believe I have the right skill set for pursuing a Masters in Music Technology.