(My proposal was for Cambridge, but I decided to go to Glasgow instead! :)


Study of Cosmology and Research on the Cosmic Microwave Background

I would like to pursue a M.Phil course in physics at the University of
Cambridge to take advantage of an educational philosophy dissimilar to
that in the United States or in Japan, while learning to work effectively
with people from various educational and social backgrounds.

Cambridge is my choice because it has some of the worlds most active
researchers of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the relic radiation
from the big bang.  I am very interested in the CMB research because it
tells us about the origin of the universe, which is ultimately what I am
most curious about.

In the Michaelmas term, I will build my background for doing research by
undertaking four lecture courses:
	* Gravitational Astrophysics and Cosmology
	* General Relativity
	* Quantum Field Theory
	* Cosmology
Professor Anthony Lasenby of the Cavendish Astrophysics Group agreed that
these courses are sensible choices for me.  During this period of study, I
will make effort to get to know many professors, learn about their
research, and discuss possible projects.  Currently, I am very interested
in learning about the very early universe by studying how the
gravitational waves from the big bang influence the cosmic microwave
background.  Dr. Lasenby and I are discussing what problems in this
research area will be interesting for me to investigate during my 1-year
course.  By the end of the term, I will propose my research plan to the
Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry for approval.
In the Lent term, I will begin my research under supervision of a
professor in the astrophysics group.  I will be also attending lectures on
Advanced Cosmology - Early Universe Cosmology because the topic fascinates
me and will be relevant to my research.  During the Easter term, I will
complete my project and summarize the results into a thesis.

I would love to undertake this study in the United Kingdom because it is
honestly the best opportunity I can realistically imagine for next year in
helping me accomplish my life goals.  First of all, living in such an
international city as Cambridge, working with a diverse group of scholars,
and studying in a new academic environment will further broaden my
international perspective and my educational background.  I will then be
able to pursue a focused PhD program back in the US while maintaining a
wide perspective in life.  When I finish my PhD research, I am going to
apply to become an astronaut through NASA.  The experience I gain in the 
UK of working with people from various backgrounds should enhance my
qualification to work in international space missions.  I have an ambition
to lead an international project of constructing a groundbreaking
observatory on the Moon (for which I am currently working on a proposal).
The UK is very active in space exploration, especially in astronomical
programs; therefore, knowing astronomers in the UK and understanding how
they think will be invaluable.  The same multicultural experience and
understanding will be essential in my lifetime plan of promoting
cooperation among all the space agencies in the world.  The proposed study
in the UK will help me act as a peaceful bridge, not only between the US
and the UK, but also across the globe.

This course of study and research will take one academic year, beginning
October 1.  I plan to leave the US about a month in advance so that I can
travel around Europe to learn what the rest of Europe is like.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------


After much research, I have decided that I would like to pursue an MSc in
astronomy at the University of Glasgow.  Glasgow became my choice because 
only there I can investigate the design for an observatory on the Moon -- 
something I really want to make happen through an international effort, as 
mentioned in my proposal.  A radio observatory on the Moon will give us a 
whole new view of the universe since it will be able to observe at very 
long wavelengths, the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum yet to be
observed in astronomy.  Plus, the farside of the Moon is the only location
free from the noise from Earth.

I will be woking with Dr. Graham Woan, who has written reports on this
subject for the European Space Agency (ESA).  I'm looking forward to
learnnig about the British space program as well as ESA in general.

The Astronomy & Astrophysics Department and I have agreed on an official
start date of August 1st so that I can complete the 1-year program before
my PhD program at UC Berkeley begins in mid-August.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

My autobiography is at:
	http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~yukimoon/Fvitae.txt