Exemplary MS Bioengineering Statement of Purpose
- Robert Edinger
- Jul 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 8

Growing up in Taipei, Taiwan, I come from a family that highly values education, particularly in the physical sciences. This background has led me to pursue my undergraduate degree at the University of XXX in Ann Arbor, where I will graduate in April 2009 with a major in molecular cellular biology and a minor in biomedical engineering. I am eager to join XXXX for graduate studies in bioengineering, drawn by its excellence and the work of Dr. Mooney in tissue engineering. Since childhood, I have been prepared to lead our family’s cosmetic business, which I aim to evolve into a biotech company. I am passionate about this field as I envision transforming our business to also focus on humanitarian efforts, benefiting those with limited resources. I seek your guidance to realize this vision.
Last year, during my mother's six-month treatment for hepatitis C, I took on the challenge of managing our business. Despite attending school in XXX, I successfully increased revenue and upgraded our factory to meet industry standards, all while maintaining my academic performance. This experience reinforced my commitment to combining science with business management. I approached financial reports and conference records with a scientific mindset, which proved effective.
I am deeply committed to tissue engineering, particularly skin tissue, which is why Dr. Mooney's research on biomaterials for various tissue types, including liver and cartilage, captivates me. Liver disease is prevalent in Taiwan, and my mother has suffered from liver damage and degenerative arthritis, undergoing multiple knee surgeries. This personal connection fuels my desire to advance our company in tissue engineering, aiming to save lives and assist those with tissue-related issues. After earning a master's degree, I aspire to pursue a doctorate, focusing on life-saving research. My brother, with an MBA from Japan, will handle the business side, allowing me to lead the scientific and research efforts.
For the past two years, I have conducted independent research and submitted a paper to the Journal of Plant Physiology. I have improved my English skills and remain passionate about scientific research, as demonstrated by my leadership and management of our family business during my mother's illness while being a full-time student. Although some applicants may have higher grades, my unique blend of business and scientific experience distinguishes me.
My greatest societal contribution could be developing a new generation of health and cosmetic products distributed in a humanitarian manner. My dream is to transform my mother's company, leveraging scientific advancements, particularly in restorative plastic surgery. While we currently produce and sell our own brand and work with other cosmetic companies, I aim to innovate with patents, technology, and bioengineered products.
As a well-read and traveled Chinese woman, I look forward to enriching your program's diversity. I have attended national conferences in Europe, including France, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as in Japan and China, gaining insights into both the scientific community and local cultures. My family speaks Japanese, and I am beginning to learn it as well.
During high school, I worked in a research lab at Academia XXX in Taiwan, where I connected with cosmetics research labs, benefiting both our company and the labs. I served as a bridge between business and research, helping our cosmetics company transition into a biotech firm. In small Asian family businesses, we handle everything ourselves due to limited resources, expanding only as we grow.
Pursuing a master's degree in Bioengineering will equip me with the tools to advance our company scientifically, exposing me to diverse research areas relevant to our goals. I aim to gain extensive research lab experience and demonstrate my potential for independent research. Since my sophomore year, I have worked in Dr. ____'s lab. Initially, I struggled with English, reflecting in my early GPA, but I have since improved, earning the Kenneth L. Jones Award in my junior year. My lab experience has elevated my GPA and allowed me to apply my knowledge practically, turning theoretical concepts into tangible experiments. I am currently writing an honors thesis as a final research contribution before graduation. Thank you for considering my application to your program.
Exemplary MS Bioengineering Statement of Purpose






This statement is a deeply impressive and multifaceted account of academic achievement, personal resilience, and visionary ambition. It demonstrates a clear passion for bioengineering, particularly tissue engineering, and ties that passion to both personal experience and professional goals. The applicant’s ability to balance rigorous undergraduate studies with the responsibility of managing a family business during her mother’s illness is a powerful testament to her leadership, maturity, and determination.
The draft also highlights unique strengths that set her apart from other candidates: independent research with a paper under submission, recognition through the Kenneth L. Jones Award, and consistent honors-level academic performance after overcoming initial language challenges. These accomplishments show perseverance and growth, qualities essential for success in graduate study.
Equally compelling…