Dear Selection Committee,
It is with sheer pleasure that I am submitting my application to study Master of Science in Smart Cities and Communities at UPV/EHU − IHU – HWU.
My name is Adnaan Nabbamba, I am 25 years old. I am a Ugandan by nationality, but I have lived the past 5 years in Turkey after being awarded the Turkish Government Scholarship. I came to Turkey in September 2013 and studied the Turkish language for nine months. In September 2014, I started my Bachelor of Science in Geomatics at Erciyes University which I completed with an overall GPA of 3.3/4 ranking 4th in my department.
During bachelor’s degree, I acquired knowledge on spatial data collection techniques, data analysis, database designing, web programming, spatial data simulation and modelling. In my 7th semester, I led a group of 5 classmates to successful research on the integration of remote sensing and GIS. With the help of Kayseri city aerial photos, we performed image processing and classification using different both supervised and unsupervised techniques, data optimizing programming in MATLAB & data mining (using disparate algorithms involved with models like SVM to enable image enhancement and fusion in addition to doing classification accuracy tests). These projects have offered me plenty of experience in programming using various programming languages, software packages and operating systems.
In 2017, I got the opportunity to complete my internship at Basarsoft, the leading supplier of Geographical Information to companies like Google and Yandex in Turkey. Under the supervision of a senior GIS officer, I used MapInfo and ArcGIS to estimate the effects of an earthquake to buildings in Adiyaman city. After my graduation, I started training with Arik cadastre, a land surveying firm. At this place, I frequently handled spatial data from different sources which required analysis before being used or presented to the final users. My job involved extensive use of surveying tools like GPS and drones, plus software applications which included AutoCAD and ArcGIS. My love for technology comes from a long way back in junior high school when I joined the IT Club.
The more I have got to know about their usability, the more I have wanted to learn about IT systems. In recent years, GIS is fulfilling a vital role in monitoring almost all the sustainable development goals for the well-being of our planet. For instance, in Uganda, we are facing many problems like floods, accidents, landslides, poaching, taxation problems & refugee influx. Through analysing and visualising (mapping) cartographic data, all these issues can be resolved or mitigated. A map is a reliable interface between its users (human beings) & big data. It enables us to answer location-related questions, support spatial behaviour, enable spatial problem solving, or simply become aware of our space. There is a substantial need for competent geospatial analysts with expertise in real-time data handling and visualisation in my community. Given a chance, it will be such an honour for me to be part of the meritorious change needed by my country and also act as a representative for this program around the world.
During masters, I would like to acquire knowledge about Computer Networks, Advanced Database Systems, Data Mining & Big Data and Cloud Computing. Additionally, I want to carry out more research on 3D Modelling and Geodatabase Integration. I do believe the SMACCs programme and the courses taught at the consortium’s universities suite my needs and background perfectly. In addition, the program’s structure is hands-on experience something very crucial for the geospatial field. There is no doubt that if I am given a chance, I will adapt to the mobility program easily as I can speak 3 internationally recognised languages.
I like playing football, table tennis, reading and dancing. In quite longer holidays, I fancy travelling and sightseeing. I have done a couple of voluntary work under the DAMLA project (DAMLA means a drop in Turkish). I took part in activities like repairing, painting and cleaning of communal areas and distributing donations from numerous regions to the needy in society. In addition, I am a member of PHRI, an organisation that fights hunger and provides educational materials to students in some parts of Uganda through donations.
In the next five years after graduate degree, I foresee myself working with researchers and practitioners to transform the academic and practising standards in my country. This will enable me to gain further experience for a stimulated efficiency in the geospatial field. Through networking, I would like to link-up foreign organisations with the local markets and organizations in my region. As a result of exposure to cutting-edge technological breakthroughs and participation in advanced projects, I will be prepared for a brilliant long-term career in Uganda and the world at large. Besides, I look forward to presenting papers at seminars and international conferences. I hope to seize any opportunity to develop professionally and personally. I am aware of the perseverance necessary for research work and I know it is not always as exciting as the published results seem to indicate. Nevertheless, I am certain my competence and incentive will see me through the challenge.
Much obliged for the time you have taken to review my application. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours Sincerely,
Adnaan Nabbamba
