Grad School Part 2 - MIT
On the 17th, Darius and I left for MIT. Once we got there and navigated the T (their metro) to the hotel, we set out to explore MIT's campus. What did we realize? It's ugly! It is right on the Charles River, which is nice, but it's more industrial and gloomy than one might hope. I don't mean to say it's depressing just to look at, but there is room for improvement. We checked out the recreation center, which is no GT sac/crc/whatever, but it definitely was nice. After gawking at the gymnasts for a while (yeah men's team without shirts), we meandered through the dorm areas of campus and along the river. After an excellent St. Patty's dinner (where we were rebels and had wine (and Darius had the best white wine I've ever tasted, but we can't remember the name - it was German though), not beer), we scalded ourselves in the 104 degree hot tub (I think instead of cleaning it they just turn the temperature waaaay up).The next day was the official day of poster sessions, tours, meetings with professors, etc. At the poster session I talked with a few professors, and there is a lot of interesting research that bridges what is being done at Tech and at Colorado. They are building small satellites but also focusing on space systems design and optimization (which is more where I want to work). There is one professor, Dr. de Weck, that is a perfect match with my interests. We had a meeting in the afternoon, and he told me that he really does want to work with me, but he's afraid he might have too many students already. I feel pretty good that if he does take someone, I would have that chance, because he allowed only me to schedule a meeting with him that entire day.
But anyways, I was funded through Draper Labs, so I had to take a tour of their facility. They have some pretty interesting research and projects, but it would be in controls and orbital mechanics, which is interesting, but I don't think I want to do my Master's work in that. Don't get me wrong; I am honored to have received the fellowship from Draper, but my fingers are crossed that I get a national fellowship and can work with a different group.
Department Score: 9
School/Boston Score: 6
Overall Score: 8
posted by Biff @ 10:39 PM
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