LoM_05102023

Motivation letter
Dear admission committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the MSc program in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable
Development (MESD) as part of the esteemed Erasmus Mundus program. I believe that my academic
background and passion for addressing environmental challenges make me a strong candidate for this
scholarship opportunity.
Growing up in a remote rural part of Tigray region, Ethiopia, I witnessed the prevailing belief that
illnesses were divine punishment for sins. However, my perspective underwent a transformative shift
upon attending Kellamino Special High School (KSHS). Renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum,
KSHS also placed notable emphasis on fostering community engagement, particularly during our summer
breaks. As part of a dedicated team, we focused on combating waterborne diseases through source
identification, infrastructure assessment, and stakeholder engagement, challenging the notion that
illnesses were solely manifestations of divine wrath. Through our concerted efforts, we realized that
taking proactive actions could cure and prevent these diseases. The tangible improvements we achieved
reinforced my unwavering dedication to addressing public health issues in underserved areas.
Motivated by the desire to contribute further on this track, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biological and
Chemical Engineering at Mekelle University, Ethiopia where I acquired a broad understanding of
chemical engineering principles, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, separation process, and
mass transport. Throughout my study, I further realized the multifaceted nature of environmental
pollution, particularly in relation to water contamination. My awareness expanded notably during my
internship at Sheba Leather Factory, where I was confronted within adequate waste management
practices. Drawing upon my knowledge and the expertise of my department, we successfully
implemented vermicomposting as a sustainable waste management technique, producing fertilizers that
benefited local farmers.
With the goal of contributing my fair share to creating a sustainable environment, I opted to advance my
academic path by enrolling in a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, specializing in Environmental
Engineering at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. In my studies, I completed courses such as Advanced
Water and Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Management Tools, and Research Methods and
Experimental Design. These courses significantly enhanced my understanding of environmental
preservation and conservation. For my Master's thesis, I conducted research on the potential of brewery
spent grain, a by-product of the brewing industry, for bio-product generation. This research, titled
"Ferulic Acid Production from Brewery Spent Grains: An Agro-industrial Waste," has been published in
the LWT journal, highlighting my dedication to research, expertise in data analysis, and contribution to
the field of environmental engineering. This experience underscores my commitment to innovative
research and meaningful contributions to science.
Currently, I am part of a Mekelle University’s team assessing the extent of damage incurred by the
drinking water facilities in Tigray as a result of the war that has engulfed the region for the past two years.
Our assessment revealed extensive destruction of almost every infrastructure. During our efforts to
provide recommendations to the government for the reconstruction process, the idea of making it more
cost-effective and environmentally friendly was proposed. It was at this point that I became captivated by
membrane technology. Recognizing the need for high expertise in this field, I made the decision to pursue
a second master's degree in MESD to actively contribute to these rebuilding efforts. In the long term, my
aspiration is to establish a consultancy firm in the country to provide guidance to industries on utilizing
membrane technologies for water and wastewater treatment.
My journey thus far has shaped me into an individual committed to sustainable development and
environmental protection. My next plan is to deepen my knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge
technologies that address water management and water treatment and create a positive global impact.
Ultimately, my aspiration is to blossom into a seasoned consultant specializing in environmental
sustainability, with a particular focus on harnessing the transformative power of membrane technology
for cutting-edge separation techniques. I am confident that the Erasmus Mundus MSc program in MESD
will equip me with the necessary tools, guidance, and international exposure to turn this vision into
reality. I firmly believe that this MSc program is the pinnacle of academic excellence and the ideal
platform to propel my academic and professional journey towards realizing my career aspirations of
creating a sustainable environment for humankind. The program's interdisciplinary approach and
international exposure provide a unique opportunity for me to specialize in membrane engineering, thus
better equipped to contribute to the global water crisis. Collaborating with esteemed researchers from
diverse backgrounds will foster an environment of excellence and innovation, providing me with
invaluable insights and perspectives that will shape my future contributions.
With an unwavering motivation, strong work ethic, and interpersonal skills, I am confident that I will be a
dedicated learner and a valuable contributor within the MESD program. I thrive in team environments,
eagerly embracing opportunities to learn from others while actively sharing my knowledge and
experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the MSc in
MESD program and making a lasting impact in the realms of water research management and drinking
water treatment.
Yours sincerely,
Hagos Kalu Sibhatu

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Motivation letter

Dear admission committee,

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