Geophysics is, to me, the combination of two great interests – a love of nature and a longterm fascination with Physics. Since childhood I have loved hiking and camping, as I
grew up I was thrilled to realize that I have the ability to understand nature in its purest
and deepest way – by studying its physics. In high-school I combined both interests by
majoring in physics and volunteering as a guide in the Society for the Protection of
Nature in Israel.
After learning further, I realized that physics cannot be studied in depth without a strong
foundation in mathematics and computers. I therefore chose a unique combination of
undergraduate majors – Geophysics and Computer Science. I found the two disciplines to
support each other, and willingly overcame the bureaucratic difficulties caused by being
the only student in my class to major in this combination of sciences. I believe that a
strong computational approach is the key to some of the next progresses in earth sciences.
My computer experience did not end with my undergraduate studies. Two years ago I
began working as a software engineer in the R&D department of XXXXXXX, a
telecommunication company. I have since greatly improved my analytical and
programming skills. A major part of my job is understanding a complex computer
system, analyzing large existing software and designing new features and modules to be
added to existing systems. All the recent projects in which I was involved included
research work. For example, understanding algorithms and mathematical theory involved
in network traffic analysis, finding solutions for its drawbacks, and finally implementing
it efficiently. I believe these abilities and experiences will help me in any research I
choose to conduct.
My main motive for undertaking graduate studies is the desire to achieve a better
understanding of the processes that shape the Earth in both global and regional scales.
After reading several studies in a variety of geophysical subjects, both as part of my
studies and after graduation, the area that attracts me most is geodynamics, and especially
the dynamics of the Earth’s mantle. In my opinion, by understanding the dynamics of the
mantle beneath the crust, and the relations between the mantle and the crust, we will have
a more complete picture of the mechanisms of plate tectonics, and thus of all major
crustal phenomena. What affect do mantle dynamics have on crustal features and
processes? What are the dynamics of thermal plumes? How does the flow in the mantle
evolve over time? Which model gives the best approximation of mantle behavior? These
are a few examples of the subjects I encountered in my readings, and which I would like
to address in my Ph.D. Thesis. Related topics, that attract me as well, are the tectonics of
plate boundaries, such as subduction zones and collision boundaries.
It is clear that my research interests described above coincide with the current research
projects conducted in your department and with research agendas of several faculty
members, including Prof. Hodges, Prof. Royden, Prof. Hilst and Prof. Hager. The worldclass laboratories and computing resources as well as the diversity of problems addresses
by researchers add to my motivation to study in your department.
I see the completion of a PhD as a first step towards my final goal – becoming a
researcher of geophysics. I plan to work in academia, and to integrate research and
teaching. In my reach experience in instructing I have learnt that sharing my knowledge
and expertise with others very satisfying. Teaching, even in exact sciences, is not just
transferring of knowledge, but also bequeathing ideas and beliefs. I therefore find it very
appealing and important.
By focusing my PhD research on global aspects of geophysics, I expect to practice
methods and techniques that will enable me to take part in research of problems of many
scales, and to be able to contribute to international research projects. I also hope to be
able to take part in the study of geophysical issues in my home-country, Israel. Due to its
sensitive tectonic location, dominated by the affects of an ancient folding system and by
the younger dead-sea transform, Israel faces a variety of geophysical challenges. Being
able to contribute to their study would be very gratifying.
Being a good researcher requires, in my opinion, several personal characteristics beside
the obvious cognitive abilities. A researcher, and a scientist in particular, needs to be very
thorough and accurate, has to be creative, and must, most of all, be ready to work hard
and to tolerate frustrations. I consider myself to have all of the above qualities.
Accurate and thorough work is very important in my current jobs, where delicate
communication application and protocols are handled. My senior year as an
undergraduate demonstrates my strong will to work hard in order to achieve my goals. I
managed to finish my studies in schedule even though I worked 25 hours a week in my
current job. The burden was very high, but worthwhile. I could support myself
financially, and my school projects even improved, as a result of my experiences at work.
An ability to tolerate frustration is necessary in pursuing my major hobby in the last ten
years – artistic horse riding, or Dressage. Dressage is one of the most frustrating sports,
as progress is very slow, and it might take very long to achieve accomplishments. My
artistic hobbies, model building and sculpting, have allowed my to express my
originality, while my creativity is revealed in original instruction methods and innovative
solutions to problems at work.
Two crucial characteristics of a researcher are the ability to be part of a team, and the
ability to lead a team. Since almost no research today is done individually, these traits are
indispensable and symbiotic. I think of myself as both a good team member and a
talented leader. The most significant development of both these skills was during my
military service. I spent most of my 21-months long compulsory service as a troop leader
in a women’s basic training camp. Taking women from many different backgrounds and
within three weeks bringing them to a common level of discipline and military abilities
takes a great amount of leadership. In addition, in such a stresses environment, one must
be a team player and consider all the other team members needs as well as the common
goals.
I believe that studying at Massachusetts Institute of Technology will give me a great
opportunity to forward my intellectual and professional abilities, in a challenging yet
inspiring environment. It will also enable me to fulfill my objective of studying the
Earth’s dynamics towards becoming a researcher of geophysics.