After Studying Physics at Technical University Dresden in Germany and Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya for a total of four years I decided to finish my studies with a Masters degree in the Netherlands. In the programme `Physical Sciences' offered jointly by the Universiteit van Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam I found what I had been looking for.

I have an interest in experimental physics with a strong link to theoretical and computational physics. The field of light-matter interaction for me is one of the most fascinating and promising areas in contemporary physics, and well suited for experimental as well as theoretical investigation. It allows for the most precise measurements and is a field of physics where the theory best matches the experiment. Therefore it is ideal to pursue my wish of a close connection between experiment and theory.

I already started my studies in this programme in the academic year 2006/2007 . This means that in 2007/2008 I will be primarily conducting research for my master's thesis which I will write in the group of Ben van Linden van den Heuvell. However I will probably visit a few courses of special interest to me along the way.

Several groups involved in this programme are currently active in research areas interesting to me. Two tracks within the programme are particularly suited for me, the track `Quantum Atom Optics' and the track `Computational Physics and Chemsitry'. Since these tracks have a different focus it will be possible for me to look beyond my own nose into areas not directly connected to my thesis and still gain a very deep insight into the areas of physics directly connected to my thesis through specialized lectures. Already in the past six months I could experience some compulsory lectures which were not tailored to my track but for students from all tracks in the programme, which still gave me new insights for my particular research area from a different perspective. Other lectures were specifically designed for my area of interest and already gave me a very deep insight into the field. These courses will become even more important during the next semester.

The programme puts a lot of emphasis on actual research work. Not only are most courses closely oriented along the research actually done in a specific group, there is also the possibility to do short projects in different groups. This allows me to gain important practical experience as well as get to know different groups and their areas of interest very well. The actual thesis work is scheduled for a whole year thus allowing a very deep involvement in the group and very substantial research to be conducted during that time. I do wish to pursue a career in research which makes this research focus particularly beneficial for me.

I am convinced the programme offered at UvA and VU suits my interests in physics very well. I would be very happy if you could decide in favour of my application.