Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

Statement of Purpose
Digital circuit design and embedded system application first came into my life when I
became a member of the Technology Society of Electrical Engineering School at
Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). Being a club member, I was in charge of
illuminations and lighting for all the activities we held. I can light up the LEDs in
whatever the way I wanted by encoding. Although choosing component parts,
designing and making the circuit board took me a lot of time and research, it gave me
a sense of accomplishment when I successfully designed the circuits that connect the
MCU (Micro Controller Unit), sensors and other chips together, realizing the function
I wanted to have. Thanks to the experience, I started to take a profound interest in
MCUs and embedded systems.
At the IPEMC-ECCE Asia Conference hosted by HIT, I fortunately got an
opportunity to listen to a speech delivered by Prof. Robert D. Lorenz from USA. In a
follow-up seminar when Prof. Lorenz discussed system-on-chip sensorless control of
PMSM with his German counterpart Prof. Ralph Kennel, I was amazed at their
insightful ideas and rich knowledge. My interest was intrigued in designing embedded
systems and encoding (or coding?) to implement complex controls. I was inspired to
become a highly competitive engineer in this field. Thereby, studying for a masters
degree(or Master of Science) in Electrical and Computer Engineering has become the
best option.
In order to achieve my goal, Ive kept working hard. As one of the top three
universities in electrical engineering, HIT has not only equipped me with the basic
knowledge in digital electronics and programming language, but also provided me
with a better understanding of MCUs and embedded systems. By studying the course
Intelligent Equipment Design for DSP, I learned the architecture of DSP
TMS320F2812 and its function to process digital signal and I also became proficient
in CCS (Code Composer Studio). In the course of study, I tried to innovate. For
example, in the curriculum design, instead of designing a speed regulation program of
a DC motor, I designed an automatic speed control system. My solid knowledge and
applying the knowledge in a creative way was highly commented by my professor. By
taking this class, I learned that embedded systems can be widely used ranging from
microwave, car to airplane and a mechanical arm. The course helped me realize that
microprocessors are needed to implement controls on electrical engines, and the
speedy computation and more complex controls can only be achieved by developing
more advanced hardware processor and embedded systems. While surfing through
school websites, I found that your university, Georgia Institute of Technology offers
courses like Advanced Computer Architecture and DSP Software Systems Design that
can provide me with the knowledge of both hardware and software. Therefore,
Georgia Institute of Technology is no doubt my first choice.
My operating system-related study and project experience in the PEED (Power
Electronics and Electrical Drive) lab improved my ability in both self-study and
problem solving. One of our projects is to develop a real-time monitoring system for
Lishen Submersive Pump Company Ltd that can display the data in the oil well,

Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

including temperature and pressure. I was in charge of customizing Windows CE for

our embedded system. With the operating system, I used EVC++ (Embedded Visual
C++) to program interface display on the 9-inch TFT screen, driven by ARM9
AT91SAM9261. However, as C language was the only computer language I learned
in class, so I learned EVC++ utterly through reading relevant books in the library and
searching for software program examples, video lectures on the internet. In the
process I became more confident because whatever problems I encounter, I am sure
that I will solve it. And this learning experience also prepared me for my future
graduate study.
My overseas experience on the Denver Center of Cultural Exchange program helped
me with my practical applications and improved my overall ability. During last
summer vacation, I did a four-week internship in the electrical department of a
company, Sierra Detention System in Brighton, Colorado. In the internship, we also
partook in leadership and entrepreneurial training and lectures. Very soon I adapted
myself to the working environment in the company and joined the operations team to
built PLC panels. I also employed cx-programmer to create logic for Omron PLCs
and practiced configuring the PLCs and connected them with computers. With
working experience as an electrical engineer, my ability in applying my knowledge
enhanced. Well, in the lectures I attended, Kent Mcsparran(partner in charge of
EKS&Hs consulting service), Andy Limes(Principal at SDR Ventures) and other
successful businessmen shared their life stories and management experience with us,
which enabled me to learn about the unique qualities any entrepreneurs and business
leaders possess that helped them succeed, such as creativity and teamwork.
This program broadened my vision. Working with experienced engineers not only
improved my ability to apply my knowledge to practice, but also let me know that
team work is vital to high work efficiency. At meanwhile, I came to realize that much
more factors are involved in real work than just textbooks. All these will have positive
impacts on me in my future study and work.
Real-time and embedded systems are expected to be more complex in order to adapt
to new environment, while developing high performance processors and more
sophisticated computer systems is becoming increasingly important. I choose your
university, Georgia Institute of Technology as the computer systems and software
faculty is well known for its expertise and leadership in software systems areas such
as networks, embedded systems. Moreover, Professor Hamblens current research in
embedded systems and computer architecture attracts me a lot due to my field of
study and my practical experience. My courses, projects and internship have enriched
my knowledge of and aroused my great interest in embedded systems. Joining in the
department as a Masters student can provide me with the state-of-the-art knowledge
to develop both hardware and software, and can also help me realize my dream of
becoming a qualified professional in this field. Most importantly, my dedication and
passion for embedded systems will inspire me to work harder and achieve more. On

Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

my graduate program, I will design embedded systems which will help improve our
life and make contributions to our society.

Statement of Purpose
The applicant must clearly indicate the reasons for wishing to study in this program at
Georgia Tech as opposed to some other program or university. The biography should
describe the applicant's academic background, training and experience and should
mention honors, memberships, and extracurricular activities. Special areas of
research or interest should be discussed. Please be concise and specific in your
response. Your space is limited to 4000 characters.

Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

Brazil is the eighth richest nation in the world, and yet it has one of the most miserable
populations. The apparent contradiction is explained by the huge socio-economic gap that
separates the lower and higher classes. The riches of my country are in the hands of very few, and
the vast majority of the population is effectively denied the basics of everyday life education,
health, and food. Hunger and disease occasionally make the news, but at the heart of the problem
is education, because it is the lack of education of the population that allows the gap to exist.
I was raised believing in the value and the power of education. My mother was the first person in
the family to go to college, and out of eight siblings, only she and one sister have finished school
and earned degrees. She eventually became a pediatrician, and today she is a respected
professional and member of the community. She is divorced and has had some difficulty in
supporting my sister and me by herself, but she has always considered education a top priority.
She has repeatedly told me that education is one of the most important things in life and that it is
the one thing she can give me that can never be taken away. I have learned, from her example and
from society, the importance of education. I recognize the social ramifications of the state of the
public education system in my country, and I have formed my political views and philosophy of
life around the value of education.
The school system in Brazil is poor and inefficient, and I did not have many academic
opportunities there. When my curiosity and learning desire led me towards Physics, my family and
I decided that I should have the chance to receive a good education in the field, and that the best
way would be to come to the United States. Coming to the United States meant having to
overcome many hardships, by me and by my family. The main obstacle was the financial situation:
although we are a middle class family in Brazil, in American standards we are in the low-middle
class range. The college exchange program that I participated in for my first year at Clark allows
students to enroll in an American university (from a pre-defined set) for a fee corresponding to the
tuition. That was a very high price to pay, but we managed to save the money with a few
sacrifices.
Leaving my family and friends behind to pursue an uncertain career in Physics was not easy, but I
was determined to do whatever necessary to accomplish my goals. Thus, I created plans that
would allow me to study physics and followed them successfully. First, I came to the United
States through a High School Exchange Program for my senior year with the intention of
mastering the language. Then, I returned the next year as an exchange student for one year at
Clark University. I subsequently earned a scholarship at Clark, and I was able to finish my
undergraduate studies in America.
During my first year in the United States I had to deal not only with learning a new language but
also the cultural shock. Having to live immersed in a new language, in a place where people
simply think differently and have different familial and social customs than the ones I am used to
was certainly a challenge. But despite the initial difficulties to adapt, I was not afraid to take on
more challenges. I did not take the easy classes that exchange students usually take when they

Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

come to the US; instead, I took the classes that I thought would be important, against the
recommendation of counselors, such as AP Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, American History and
advanced English classes. I was confident in my academic competence, and showed it to
everyone. I earned praises from all my teachers and host family, who were impressed with my
ability to adapt and not let challenges stop me. The exchange program selected me as their Model
Student, and encouraged me to continue studying in the United States.
During my first year in college I worked hard and earned recognition for it. I received the Logic
Award from the Philosophy Department for my excellent performance in Logic classes, and I
received the Roy S. Andersen Award from the Physics Department for my performance in the intro
physics classes. I joined a research group while still a freshman, with the intent of becoming
familiar with the lab work, and became a research assistant during my first summer in the U.S. I
impressed the physics faculty with my academic performance and drive to work, and they
supported me in obtaining a University scholarship that would allow me to stay at Clark until I
finished my studies. Clarks financial aid has been essential, especially after the devaluation of the
Brazilian currency that occurred a couple of years ago, thus making even more difficult for my
family to support me.
My hunger for knowledge also led me to become active in the Clark community. Thanks to the
Liberal Studies Program, I came into contact with philosophy, and became a double major in
Physics and Philosophy. I joined the Philosophy Club and soon became its president. As the
president of the Philosophy Club I organized lectures and forums on academic and current topics,
such as evolution, the nature of the mind, how the development of biochemistry affect our
philosophical and religious beliefs, and so forth. The lectures and forums involved Clark faculty
and guest speakers, and they were open to all students and to the Worcester community. My
objective was to involve the entire Clark community in the discussion of topics that I believed to
be important for the intellectual formation of an individual. I also wanted to give the opportunity
to the neighboring community to participate in such intellectual events, which are not common in
the area.
Clark University is located in the Main South area of Worcester, an economically deprived
neighborhood in an already economically deprived city. In opening the events promoted by the
Philosophy Club to the community, I was subscribing to the philosophy promoted by the
University of reaching out and helping the social advancement of the neighboring population.
Clark has in recent years maintained a close partnership with the surrounding community, and that
partnership has influenced and inspired my own ambitions. The university has taken it upon itself,
along with area businesses, the state of Massachusetts, and the city of Worcester, to form the
University Park Partnership, which aims at creating a real sense of neighborhood in the
surrounding area. Clark University has truly dedicated itself, both financially and in spirit, to the
renewal of this urban area. One of the most impressive projects has been the University Park
Campus School. Clark had, for some time, offered free tuition to any students who had attended
high school in Main South and had gained admission to Clark University. Very quickly it became
apparent that the students in Main South were not receiving the kind of education necessary to
enter a university of Clarks caliber. Clark University, in partnership with the community, built the

Chunxiao Mu, Fall 2013, MSc ECE

Georgia Institute of Technology

University Park Campus School, a 7th-12th grade school that works in close alliance with Clarks
students, faculty, and resources.
The program recognizes that education is a fundamental step in the improvement of a society, and
its philosophy matches my views on the problem of education and social disadvantage that the
majority of the population face, in the United States and in Brazil. I hope that once I have the
means I will be able to participate in this type of program, contributing myself to improvement of
society through academics and also through social works. If I end up at an institution that does not
have such programs, my experience in seeing what is possible will lead me to help to create
something similar in another institution or lead me to reach out on my own to the community.
Many people had to sacrifice for me to receive the education I have had. I have persevered not
only for my family, and for the sacrifices they have made, but to satisfy my own intense curiosity
with Physics. Everyone should have the opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to
experience unfortunately, not everyone does. To complete my mission, both for myself and for
my family, I must earn a PhD. I have been working towards this since high school, and my family
has encouraged and supported me this far, despite financial struggles. Completing my PhD and
using that knowledge to better the community at large would make my family proud, but more
than that it would fulfill my own ambitions.