* The SOP is meant to a stream of text without sectional headings, but here in the interest of understanding, we are highlighting the various sections.

From the moment I constructed a working go-kart with a salvaged lawnmower engine at the age of 14, I knew mechanical engineering was more than a subject—it was a calling. This instinct was later honed at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where I immersed myself in the rigorous and multifaceted world of mechanical systems. My professional journey at Tata Motors—India’s largest automotive manufacturer—solidified my commitment to building the next generation of sustainable transportation. Now, I am excited to advance this journey through the Master’s in Automotive Engineering program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

At IIT Bombay, my passion for automotive systems translated into tangible learning. I was a core member of the student formula racing team, where I led the suspension and drivetrain design for our national-level prototype. This hands-on experience, coupled with coursework in Thermodynamics, Materials Science, and Vehicle Dynamics, gave me a nuanced understanding of energy transfer and mechanical efficiency. My final year thesis explored regenerative braking systems in hybrid vehicles, using MATLAB simulations to predict torque distribution—an effort that deepened my interest in electric mobility.

Post-graduation, I joined Tata Motors as a Design Engineer, where I worked on optimizing multi-speed transmissions for heavy-duty trucks. My team contributed to a patented gearbox assembly that improved fuel efficiency by 12%, and I was responsible for testing simulations and failure analysis using ANSYS and SolidWorks. Over two years, I transitioned from a junior engineer to leading a sub-team that integrated powertrain architecture with software-based control systems. This professional exposure revealed a critical gap: India’s push toward EVs is hindered by outdated design frameworks and limited innovation in power electronics—areas I am deeply motivated to explore and improve.

What draws me to the University of Michigan is not only the program’s unparalleled reputation but its tight integration with research, industry, and sustainability. The Center for Electric Drive Transportation and the Advanced Powertrain Research Facility particularly excite me. I am eager to work under the guidance of Dr. Anna Stefanopoulou, whose work on battery management and vehicle control strategies aligns perfectly with my interests. I am also enthusiastic about participating in Michigan’s Solar Car Team and the Mobility Transformation Center to experience cross-functional innovation in motion.

In addition to technical mastery, I aim to build leadership and innovation capabilities. I believe Michigan’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning will allow me to bridge my mechanical engineering background with data science, control systems, and sustainable design. Courses like “Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicles” and “Design Optimization” offer exactly the kind of academic rigor I seek.

My long-term goal is to return to India and lead the R&D division of a global automotive firm, specializing in scalable EV platforms for developing economies. In the near term, I hope to work with OEMs like Tesla or Rivian in roles focusing on electric powertrain development and battery systems integration. I envision using my experience to influence policy and standardization in India’s evolving EV sector, making sustainable transportation affordable and accessible.

My long-term goal is to return to India and lead the R&D division of a global automotive firm, specializing in scalable EV platforms for developing economies. In the near term, I hope to work with OEMs like Tesla or Rivian in roles focusing on electric powertrain development and battery systems integration. I envision using my experience to influence policy and standardization in India’s evolving EV sector, making sustainable transportation affordable and accessible.