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Nancy Huang
Statement of Purpose
I first learned of the various aspects and opportunities available in the Department of Nuclear
and Radiological Engineering through my undergraduate adviser in the Department of Physics,
Dr. Selman Hershfield. As a pre-medicine student in my undergraduate studies, the prospect of
combining my physical science background with a field of study with influences ranging from
medical applications to radiation detection to real-world applications of quantum physics—my
favorite subject in the physics department—was enticing, to say the least. The discipline’s
versatility allows for countless means by which to become involved in research projects with farreaching impacts into the very foundations of society: energy and medicine.
Modern Physics was my first physics core class. One of the main objectives was to introduce the
subject of quantum physics. The novelty of the quantum world was intriguing, and I eagerly
looked forward to further studies in the area. I was finally able to take Quantum Mechanics
during my senior year; the topics were inspiring. I learned and solved problems relating to the
Schrödinger equation, particle probability distributions, harmonic oscillators, angular momentum
and wave packet functions, among others. The fact that I could firmly grasp the elusive concepts
and theories of the quantum realm thrilled me. The ability to view the world through the
quantum looking glass is beyond fascinating, but pales in comparison to the ability to apply my
quantum knowledge to practical applications. Nuclear engineering offers exactly this
opportunity.
While volunteering at the V.A. Hospital, Shands at AGH and the Boca Raton Community
Hospital, I became interested the complex equipment employed in the diagnosis and treatment of
cancer. The research involved in the development of these machines is a vital component of the
medical industry. Ironically, exposure to radiation can have severely adverse effects on organic
material, yet if used correctly, it can save countless lives. With improved radiation detection
methods, the instances of over-exposure to radiation can be greatly reduced. Similarly, with
improved radiation delivery machines, the success rate of radiation therapy can be greatly
increased. The ability to help so many people in a single area of research is reason alone to
engage in this field of study. With that in mind, I look forward to supplementing my nuclear
engineering courses with electives geared toward medical and radiation detection applications.
The impact of nuclear engineering research on society is more than just medical advancements.
Developments and improvements in energy delivery produce extensive results as well. Despite
conservationists’ efforts, natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Research into
alternative and efficient energy sources, nuclear power for example, can save tremendous
amounts of money for future generations. Being able to contribute to nuclear energy research
would be an exciting opportunity to make advancements with long-lasting impact.
My degree in physics will compliment and facilitate my nuclear engineering graduate work, and
I look forward to applying my theoretical physics background to research projects at the
University of Florida that will affect our everyday lives.