Dear Visa Officer,

My name is Reza Mehran, and I am applying for the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering at McGill University. As a software engineer with a strong academic background and hands-on experience in both software development and embedded systems, I am excited to take the next step in my academic and professional journey. I believe that McGill University’s rigorous program, outstanding research environment, and global reputation in engineering education make it the perfect place to help me grow into the kind of expert and innovator I aspire to become.

Academic Background

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), where I maintained a GPA of 17.5/20 and consistently ranked in the top 15% of my cohort. My undergraduate education provided me with a solid foundation in algorithms, computer architecture, programming languages, and microprocessors. Courses such as Operating Systems, Data Structures, and Digital Logic Design not only sharpened my technical skills but also sparked my passion for system-level programming and low-level design.

During my third year, I completed a research project under the supervision of Professor Mahmoudi, where we designed a low-power, real-time face detection system on an FPGA. This project introduced me to the world of embedded systems and hardware-software integration, and I became increasingly interested in developing smart, efficient, and scalable solutions that bridge the gap between hardware and software.

Professional Experience

After graduation, I joined a mid-sized technology company in Tehran where I worked as a software engineer for two years. My primary responsibilities included designing APIs, optimizing backend services, and developing automated tools to improve workflow efficiency. However, my strongest professional experience came later, when I transitioned into a role at a startup focused on IoT devices for smart agriculture. Here, I contributed to the development of embedded firmware for sensor nodes and created a cloud-based dashboard for real-time environmental monitoring.

This role challenged me to apply both my theoretical knowledge and practical coding skills under real-world constraints like limited power, memory, and bandwidth. I worked closely with electrical engineers, UX designers, and product managers — experiences that taught me the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, agile methodologies, and iterative problem-solving.

These years of experience have reinforced my desire to delve deeper into computer engineering topics such as embedded systems design, real-time processing, and distributed systems — areas that McGill University’s program covers with academic depth and practical relevance.

Why McGill?

My decision to apply to McGill University is driven by its excellence in research and its commitment to innovation in engineering education. I am particularly interested in the work of Professor Joëlle Pineau in machine learning and robotics, and Professor Brett Hemenway Falk in secure and energy-efficient computing — both of which align with my own research goals.

Moreover, the opportunity to study at an institution located in Montreal — a hub for AI, tech startups, and innovation — presents exciting prospects for internships, collaboration, and career development. I am confident that McGill’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with its well-equipped labs and collaborative research culture, will provide the ideal environment for academic exploration and growth.

Research Interest

I am especially interested in the convergence of embedded systems and artificial intelligence — specifically, how machine learning models can be optimized for edge devices. With the rise of applications like autonomous vehicles, wearable health devices, and smart cities, there is a pressing need to bring AI closer to the data source. My goal is to explore lightweight neural networks, energy-efficient computing architectures, and real-time data analysis frameworks that can operate in embedded environments.

I hope to contribute to ongoing research at McGill related to embedded AI, and if given the opportunity, I would be eager to join a research group focusing on this exciting intersection.

Post-Graduation Plans

Upon completing my master’s degree, I plan to return to Iran and contribute to the development of smart infrastructure and automation systems, particularly in the areas of agriculture and energy management. I believe that applying modern computing solutions in these fields can have a transformative impact in emerging economies. I aim to either join a leading research-based organization or launch my own startup focused on embedded AI solutions tailored to developing regions.

While I understand the appeal of staying in Canada, my long-term goal is to use the knowledge and experience I gain from McGill to address technological gaps and create impact in my home country.

Financial and Personal Commitment

I am financially supported through a combination of personal savings and contributions from my family. I am fully committed to returning to Iran after completing my studies. I do not intend to apply for permanent residency, and I respect the temporary nature of my study permit.

In preparation for this academic transition, I have also completed the IELTS exam with an overall band score of 7.5, and I have taken several online courses on Coursera and edX to ensure that my foundational knowledge is up-to-date.

Final Thoughts

Graduate study is not simply a continuation of undergraduate education for me; it is an intentional and purposeful leap toward specialization and deeper contribution. I am passionate, disciplined, and intellectually curious. I am confident that McGill University will challenge me to become a better engineer, a more responsible researcher, and a more insightful thinker.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I sincerely hope to be given the opportunity to pursue my graduate studies in Canada and to contribute meaningfully to the McGill academic community.

Sincerely,
Reza Mehran