The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (formerly the Instrumentation Laboratory) separated from MIT in 1973 to become an independent not-for-profit research and educational organization.
Mechanisms exist to permit the continuation of joint research activities and to allow the laboratory to continue its unique contributions to the Institute's educational program. Opportunities are available in the Course 6-A program, Space Grant, other programs, and for part-time employment. Research assistantships, denoted as Draper fellows, for SM and PhD candidates are described in the Graduate Education Manual. Copies are available from the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education, Room 3-138, 617-253-4860, and from department graduate offices.
The laboratory's pioneering work in instrumentation has led to the development of highly precise sensors and ultra-reliable systems on which the world depends for safe and accurate guidance, navigation, and control. Much of Draper's current research involves measurement, analysis, simulation, and control of complex dynamic systems, such as in robotics and autonomous vehicles. Draper is also applying its core competencies to a wide spectrum of applications, such as information systems, biomedical engineering, and commercial space systems.
A number of MIT faculty members maintain a close association with the laboratory, and thesis research opportunities exist that fulfill the residency requirement for an MIT degree in all phases of systems engineering, including basic theory, material sciences, mathematical analysis, computer studies, component design and evaluation (mechanical, electrical, and optical), and system synthesis. Students are in direct daily contact with the professional staff of engineers and scientists of the laboratory, and thus learn to appreciate the economic and human as well as the technical aspects of a system. Undergraduate and graduate students also may be employed by the laboratory and work directly on a project.
Adjacent to the main campus, Draper Laboratory is located at 555 Tech Square, Cambridge, MA 02139-3582. Information may be obtained by contacting Linda Fuhrman, 617-258-3259, or sending an email to ed@draper.com.