UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES | Meet our Alums
Jessica Karnis '06
5-year SB/SM program in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy
Cost Estimator, ESC/FMC
I am the Cost Chief for the Space Command and Control and Surveillance Division at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Our primary program is Space Fence, a ground-based radar system that tracks, identifies, and measures objects in low-earth orbit to determine if they pose a threat to GPS satellites or the International Space Station. My job is to model how changes in defense space technology will impact program costs.
Prior to coming to Hanscom AFB, I led a team of operations research analysts at the Joint Forces Command in Dahlgren, Virginia. In that position I used statistics to analyze temporal and spatial trends in insurgent violence in Iraq and Afghanistan. I deployed to support the Multi-National Corps Iraq in Baghdad and ISAF/NATO Headquarters in Kabul to directly advise military leadership. During my time at MIT, I completed the 5-year SB/SM program in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Since defense policy decisions are commonly based on qualitative analysis, the quantitative skills I learned as an undergraduate allow me to make a unique and important contribution to the decision-making process.
UNDERGRADUATE QUICKLINKS
FOR INFORMATION
Tobie Weiner
Undergraduate Administrator
617-253-3649
iguanatw@mit.edu
Scott Schnyer
Undergraduate Administrator's Assistant
617-258-5883
sschnyer@mit.edu
Undergraduate Office
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