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ESD Faculty & Teaching Staff

ESD-affiliated Faculty & Staff

ESD PhD Students

ESD Administration & Staff

 
 

Blandine Antoine
Mark S. Avnet
Ryan Boas
Yves Boussemart
David Broniatowski
Michel-Alexandre Cardin
João Castro
Lynette Cheah
Regina Clewlow
Anthony "Tony" Craig
Timothy Cullen
John Q. Dickmann, Jr.
Katherine Dykes
Dietrich Falkenthal
Wen Feng
Travis Franck
Daniel Gillespie
Christopher G. Glazner
Erica Gralla
Rhonda Jordan

Valerie Karplus
David Keith
Woei Ling Leow
Jijun Lin
Daniel Livengood
David Long
Jianxi Luo
Pedzisayi Makumbe
Judith Maro
Douglas M. Matty
James McFarland
Brian Mekdeci
Robert Nicol
Jorge Fradinho Oliveira
David Opolon
Brandon Owens
Bryan Palmintier
Jordan Peck
Roberto Perez-Franco
Shardul Phadnis

Theodore F. Piepenbrock
Lara Pierpoint
Matthew G. Richards
Christopher Roberts
Robert Rudin
Sidharth Rupani
Nidhi Santen
Satwiksai Seshasai
Matthew Silver
Jaemin Song
Daniel Sturtevant
Nandan Sudarsanam
Zoe Szajnfarber
Karen Tapia-Ahumada
Kunal Thaker
Chintan Vaishnav
Robb Wirthlin
Danielle Wood
Yingxia Yang

 

To submit changes or corrections to your bio, please click here.

 
 

Blandine Antoine

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2006 – 2007 • ENPC-L'École nationale des ponts et chaussées, France: Master in Public Action
  • 2004 – 2005 • University of California, Berkeley: Master in Nuclear Engineering
  • 2001 – 2004 • l'Ecole Polytechnique, France: Díplôme d'ingénieur in Mechanics & Physics

Work Experience:

  • 2006 – 2007 • Prométhée
  • 2006 • GE, Nuclear Division, R&D Department
    • Mechanical Engineer: for five months during 2006, worked with the strainer development team
  • Fall 2005 • French Board for Nuclear Safety & Radio-Protection (ASN)
    • Junior Engineer: radioactive waste disposal

Research Description:
Blandine would like to study how agro-energies can be incorporated in future energy mixes and what impacts a global scale development of their use to fuel vehicles, provide electricity or feed 'green chemistry' factories will have on food, water, land, and energy resources, rural development, and world trade conflicts. She hopes that working with MIT's EEPA and CIRED's Imaclim-R models will help her gain some valuable insight on this topical question. She is eager to listen to and discuss any ideas you would like to share on these issues.

Blandine has previously worked in the following areas:

  • 2007 • French Development Agency
    • Study of institutions promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in developing countries
  • 2005 • University of California, Berkeley • Thermohydraulics Lab
    • Corrosion in molten salt heat exchangers
  • 2004 • Institute of Advanced Energy • Kyoto, Japan
    • Characterization of composite ceramics for thermal fusion reactors

Personal Website:
www.promethee-energie.org

Updated September 2007

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Blandine Antoine
Blandine Antoine

email: blandine "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Mark S. Avnet

Academic Background:

  • 2001 • MIT: S.B. in Physics, Minor in Spanish
  • 2005 • The George Washington University: M.A. in Science, Technology, & Public Policy

Work Experience:

  • NASA Headquarters • Washington, DC
    • Program Specialist, Centennial Challenges
  • Rocket Software • Newton, MA
    • Software Developer

Working Thesis Title:
Designing Across Boundaries: The Role of Boundary-Spanning Activity in Multidisciplinary Design Teams

Research Description:
The goal of Mark's research is to model the role of communication across disciplinary boundaries in engineering design teams. Much of this work focuses on one-week conceptual studies of scientific spacecraft. Using a combination of observations and interviews, the research identifies the important issues in the conceptual design process that are typically addressed through a cross-disciplinary approach. From survey data on team interactions, social networks are constructed and used to quantitatively assess the work of boundary spanners, those team members that facilitate interdisciplinary communication. The role of boundary-spanning activity is then related to the technical products of the design sessions.

Updated March 2007

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Mark Avnet
Mark S. Avnet
email: avnet "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Ryan Boas

Academic Background:

  • 1997 • MIT: S.M. in Mechanical Engineering
  • 1995 • Clarkson University: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Work Experience:
Before entering the ESD Doctoral Program, Ryan was employed by Applied Materials (a semiconductor capital equipment company located in Santa Clara, CA) for over six years. He has four years of management experience in product development. Ryan's last role was as the system architect for Applied's Radiance Vantage 300 system, viewed as a benchmark product development program within the company. In this role, he provided systems leadership spanning across engineering, manufacturing, field service, customers and upper management.

Research Description:
Ryan's research focuses on commonality in complex systems. Multi-system development programs offer the potential for commonality in parts, processes and infrastructure in order to reduce overall costs, increase the speed of follow-on system development and reduce development risks. Ryan is investigating two topics within the commonality domain that are often challenges in practice, yet not well-addressed by the academic community. First, the relationship between time separation in product/system variant development and commonality decisions is being explored. Second, "design divergence" or the reduction of commonality across a product/system family with time is being investigated. The end goal of this research is to provide management guidance on commonality decisions, especially those decisions made in the front end of development efforts.

Updated March 2007

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Ryan Boas
Ryan Boas
email: rboas "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Yves Boussemart

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 – 2006 • MIT, Aeronautics & Astronautics: Researcher in the Embedded Systems Lab
  • 2002 – 2003 • McGill: M.Eng. with the Center for Intelligent Machines, Shared Reality Environment Lab
  • 1998 – 1998 • McGill: B.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Work Experience:

Yves' experience in industry, includes time spent at Thales-Saudi Arabia in the Security group and at Infoel S.A. in Paris.

Yves has also spent three months teaching scuba diving as a PADI instructor in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Research Description:
Yves research focuses on collaborative, time-sensitive targeting. His work will focus on collaboration and distributed decision making as a critical component for network-centric operations like those needed for first-response teams, air traffic control, and military command and control. While retaining high levels of automation, a major issue is to determine what roles or sharing of roles is effective, and how intelligent autonomy may improve or degrade time sensitive team decisions.

Updated August 2006

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Yves Boussemart
Yves Boussemart
email: yves "at" mit.edu


     
 
 

David A. Broniatowski

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2004 – 2006 • MIT: S.M. in Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • 2004 – 2006 • MIT, ESD: S.M. in Technology & Policy (TPP)
  • 2000 – 2004 • MIT: S.B. in Aeronautics & Astronautics
Work Experience:
  • Summer 2006 • Center for Strategic & International Studies
  • Summer 2006 • XPrize Foundation
  • Summer 2005 • NASA Headquarters
  • Summer 2003 • Avidyne Corporation
  • Summer 2002 • Center for Applied Research & Educational Technologies, Clinical & Biomedical Computing Unit • Cambridge, UK
  • Summer 2001 • MIT Man-Vehicle Lab

Research Description:
David's research focuses on health care systems.

Updated June 2007

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David A. Broniatowski
David A. Broniatowski
email: david "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.852.5006

     
 
 

Michel-Alexandre Cardin

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2005 – 2007 • MIT, ESD: SM in Technology & Policy
  • Summer 2003 • International Space University: Summer Program
  • 2001 – 2003 • University of Toronto: Master of Applied Science in Aerospace Science & Engineering
  • 1998 – 2001 • McGill University: Honors B.S. in Physics

Work Experience:

  • Summer 2007 • Far East Organization • Singapore
    • Summer Intern: Historical study of the US REIT market in analyzing the possibility of converting private real estate into REIT
  • 2005 – 2007 • MIT, ESD
    • Research Assistant: Conceptualization and application of novel real options analysis methods for the design of flexible engineering systems
  • Summer 2006 • University of Cambridge, Judge Business School • United Kingdom
    • Summer Intern: Preliminary design and financial analysis of Fusion Island, a hydrogen production facility using nuclear fusion, through use of real options methods
  • 2004 – 2005 • Sunnybrook Research Institute • Canada
    • Research Physicist: Design and development of 3D computer-aided interface for breast cancer surgery
  • Summer 2000 & Summer 2001 • Air Canada
    • Flight Attendant
  • Summer 1999 & City of Montreal, Canada
    • 9-1-1 Call Operator & Dispatcher

Research Description:
Michel-Alexandre's research focuses on the elaboration of a practical methodology for defining flexible design and development strategies for maximizing the expected value of engineering systems. The approach considers that it is generally computationally impractical to explore all the possible ways in which a system might be developed and operated, given the uncertainty surrounding its environment. The approach involves a catalog of representative operating plans built from particular combinations of associated to a possible manifestation of uncertain variables affecting the systems expected value and performance. This provides program managers with more adequate tools to react proactively towards uncertainty and extract additional value from it. The approach allows designers and program managers to remain within established framework, rules, and management constraints. This favors transparent and realistic presentation to senior decision-makers, and efficient application to design and management of flexible engineering systems.

Personal Website:
web.mit.edu/macardin/www/

Updated September 2007

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Michel-Alexandre Cardin
Michel-Alexandre Cardin

email: macardin "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

João Castro

Academic Background:
  • IST-UTL • Portugal: M.Sc. in Engineering Design (thesis pending)
  • FEUP • Portugal: Licenciatura in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Work Experience:
  • Innovation & Knowledge Society, Mission Unit, Portuguese Government • Lisbon, Portugal
    • Project Manager
  • Metro do Porto • Porto, Portugal
    • Design of ticketing system
  • Cisco Systems • San Jose, CA
    • Intern

Research Description:
João's research focuses on Complex Product Development and how different people from different technical domains are able to coordinate their work and understand the larger system in which they are involved. This research aims to help understand how actors within large complex systems perceive their roles and impacts, and how that knowledge can benefit the effort of coordination in complex socio-technical systems of which product development is an example.

Updated September 2007

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João Castro
João Castro

email: joaoc "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Lynette Cheah

Academic Background:
  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 – Present • MIT: S.M. in Mechanical Engineering
  • 2002 • Stanford University: M.Sc. in Management Science & Engineering
  • 2001 • Northwestern University: B.Sc. in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2002 – 2005 • Agency for Science, Technology & Research • Singapore

Research Description:
The objective of Lynette's research is to carry out a life cycle assesment of the energy and material use through the US light-duty vehicle fleet over time, in order to evaluate the potential energy and environmental benefits of vehicle weight reduction.

Updated October 2007

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Lynette Cheah
email: lynette "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Regina Clewlow

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
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Research Description:
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Updated JULY 2008

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Regina Clewlow
Regina Clewlow
email: rclewlow "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Anthony "Tony" Craig

Academic Background:
  • 2006 • MIT, ESD: M.Eng. in Logistics (MLOG)
  • 1996 • Iowa State University; Ames, IA: B.S. in Computer Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2006 • WR Grace • Cambridge, MA
    • Supply Chain Analyst
  • 2002 – 2005 • WMS Gaming • Chicago, IL
    • Technical Lead Engineer
  • 1999 – 2002 • Motorola • Chandler, AZ
    • Software Engineer

Research Description:
Tony's research focuses on supply chain management.

Updated August 2006

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Anthony "Tony" Craig
Anthony "Tony" Craig
email: tcraig "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.501.6058
     
 
 

Timothy Cullen

Academic Background:
  • – •
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Work Experience:
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Research Description:
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Updated JULY 2008

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Timothy Cullen
Timothy Cullen
email: tcullen "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

John Q. Dickmann, Jr.

Academic Background:
  • 1981: B.S., Physics, U.S. Naval Academy
  • 1993: M.Eng, Engineering Management, The Catholic University of America
Work Experience:
  • 2003 – Present •  Engineering Systems Division, Lean Aerospace Initiative
    • Ph.D. Student & Research Assistant
  • 2003 • Alidade, Inc.
    • Director, Synthesis and Exploration: Conducted operational analysis of key strategic investment issues centered on Navy force structures.  Development of methods that apply advanced analytic concepts such as real option and network theory to classic and emerging concepts such as dynamic sensor allocation and viability of modularity and utility of high speed for littoral combatants.
  • 1981 – 2002 • United States Navy
    • Active Duty Service: At sea on three nuclear powered submarines with increasing levels of responsibility for the supervision of maintenance and operation of nuclear propulsion, navigation, communication and electronic warfare systems. Shore assignments included instructor duty teaching electrical engineering at Naval Nuclear Power School, policy positions in International and Interagency Affairs for the Oceanographer of the Navy, a fellowship in Strategy and Policy at the Center for Naval Analyses, strategic programming, strategic futures and advanced concept development on the Navy Staff in the Pentagon, then at Navy Warfare Development Command and the Chief of Naval Operations' Strategic Studies Group in Newport, RI.

Working Thesis Title:
Design Rules for Large Scale Engineered Systems: Implications for Enterprise Architectures

Research Description:
John’s research focuses on the necessity of studying the evolution of system and enterprise architectures, "enterprise-technical systems", to enable discovery of underlying forces that drive short and long time scale dynamics of these systems and to learn how enterprise architecture generates, processes and shapes these forces.  We need to understand these dynamics in order to more effectively design future enterprise-technical systems, manage the ones we have, and transform the ones that require improvement. Conducting a longitudinal examination of enterprise architectures in the context of the technical systems used or developed by them should reveal patterns of evolution within the systems (if they exist), across systems and possibly across industries.  Connecting these patterns with awareness of fundamental forces (human and institutional) that generate the dynamics and the structures that constrain and enable them, will help to develop prescriptive knowledge regarding architectural shifts and a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between technical system architectures and enterprise architectures. This knowledge will enable better ex ante design decision making for future (greenfield) large scale enterprises and improved change and transformation efforts for existing (brownfield) enterprises.  Our ultimate goal is to enable architecting of enterprise-technical systems that are better suited to the evolving complexities of their operating environment than most of those we architect today.

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John Q. Dickmann, Jr.
John Q. Dickmann, Jr.

email: jqd "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.253.0308
     
 
 

Katherine Dykes

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • Ohio State University: M.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • Ohio State University: M.S. in Agricultural, Developmental & Environmental Economics
  • University of Pennsylvania: B.S. in Engineering
  • University of Pennsylvania: B.S. in Economics
  • La Universidad de Navarra, Spain: Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (one year)
Work Experience:
  • University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Management Department
    • Research Assistant
  • General Motors
    • Controls Engineer for Hybrid Platforms
  • Green Energy Ohio
    • Wind Program Consultant
Research Description:
Katherine has researched and worked with a variety of applications in sustainable energy and transportation systems from both engineering and economic perspectives. At MIT, she hopes to develop an integrated program to look at the impact of emerging technology on economic systems and policy.

Updated August 2007

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Katherine Dykes
Katherine Dykes
email: dykesk "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Dietrich Falkenthal

Academic Background:

  • MSEE, Stanford
  • MBA Finance, Chapman University
  • BSEE, RPI

Work Experience:
Dietrich has worked at MITRE, Fujitsu Labs Venture Capital, Cisco Systems, and the US Air Force.

Research Description:

  • interoperability of security in heterogeneous IT systems
  • economics of information security
  • collective choice, socio-technical alignment in complex systems

Updated August 2007

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Dietrich Falkenthal
Dietrich Falkenthal

email: dlf "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Wen Feng

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2007 • MIT: S.M. in Technology & Policy
  • 2007 • MIT: S.M. in Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • 2003 • Tsinghua University: M.S. with Honors in Thermal Engineering
  • 2000 • Shanghai Jiao Tong University: B.S. in Refrigeration & Cryogenics Engineering, Minor in Automation

Work Experience:

  • 2006 – Present • MIT System Architecture Group • Cambridge, MA
    • Research Assistant
  • 2004 – 2006 • MIT Laboratory for Energy and the Environment • Cambridge, MA
    • Kabcenell Future Energy Fellow
  • 2003 – 2004 • China National Petroleum Corporation • Beijing, China
    • Energy Analyst
  • 2000 – 2003 • National Key Laboratory for Clean Combustion of Coal • Beijing, China
    • Research Assistant
  • 2000 • SJTU Institute of Refrigeration & Cryogenics • Shanghai, China
    • Research Assistant

Research Description:
Wen's current research focuses on how to model and manage the stakeholder value network, as well as how to integrate stakeholder analysis into the design and selection of architectures for complex engineering systems. His research interests and experience also include broad technology, management and policy issues in energy, environmental and transportation areas.

Updated September 2007

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Wen Feng
Wen Feng

email: wfeng "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Travis Franck

Academic Background:
  • 2005 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • MIT: S.M. in Technology & Policy (TPP) / Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • Iowa State University: B.S. in Environmental Science / Computer Science / Environment Studies
Work Experience:
  • Joint Program on the Science & Policy of Global Change
    • Ph.D. Candidate and Research Assistant
  • Apple Computer
    • Software Engineer
  • Adobe Systems
    • Software Engineer

Research Description:
Travis's primary research involves uncertainty analysis of climate change policies. Additionally, he will focus on the dynamics of the climate change system.

Updated September 2005

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Travis Franck
Travis Franck
email: travler "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Daniel Gillespie

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 1997 • University of Colorado at Boulder: MS in Aerospace Engineering
  • 1990 • United States Air Force Academy: BS in Aeronautical Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 1990 – Present • U.S. Air Force
    • 16 years of active duty service
  • 2003 – 2006 • United States Air Force Academy, CO
    • Assistant Professor of Military Strategic Studies: Additional work in curriculum development, international programs, department executive officer, and T-41 flying operations.
  • 2001 – 2003 • MacDill AFB, FL (and various deployed locations)
    • KC-135 Pilot: Additional work in squadron leadership positions.
  • 1998 – 2001 • Ramstein AB, Germany
    • C-21 Pilot: Additional work in aircrew scheduling, flight safety, and aircrew leadership.
  • 1994 – 1998 • Fairchild AFB, WA (and various deployed locations)
    • KC-135 Pilot: Additional work in aircrew training and scheduling.
  • 1991 – 1994 • Eglin AFB, FL, Aero Systems Division
    • Weapons Development Engineer

Research Description:
Dan’s research is with the Lean Aerospace Initiative.

Updated June 2006

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Daniel Gillespie
Daniel Gillespie
email: dgilles "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Christopher G. Glazner

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Christopher G. Glazner
Christopher G. Glazner

email: glazner "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Erica Gralla

Academic Background:
  • September 2006 • MIT: S.M. in Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • June 2004 • Princeton University: B.S.E. in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Work Experience:
  • Summers 1999 – 2003 • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    • Systems Engineering Intern, Mission and Systems Architecture Section

Research Description:
Erica's research focuses on the application of systems methods to problems in the area of humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Updated August 2006

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Erica Gralla
Erica Gralla
email: egralla "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.258.6872
   
 
 

Rhonda Jordan

Academic Background:

  • May 2005 • Columbia University • New York, NY: M.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • May 2004 • Columbia University • New York, NY: B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Work Experience:

  • 2004 – 2005 • Columbia University, Lightware Research Laboratory
    • Graduate Research Assistant: Explored the advantages of DPSK modulation format over 00K within lightwave communication systems.
  • Summer 2003 • Goldman Sachs & Co., Private Wealth Management Division
    • Financial Analyst
  • Summer 2002 & Summer 2001 • BAE Systems
    • Information Technology Intern: Supporting the Federal Aviation Administration in database development

Research Description:
Rhonda's research interests include disaster preparedness and response as well as applying systems methods to problems/issues in developing countries.

Updated September 2007

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Rhonda Jordan
Rhonda Jordan

email: rjordan "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Valerie Karplus

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
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Research Description:
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Updated JULY 2008

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Valerie Karplus
Valerie Karplus
email: vkarplus "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

David Keith

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
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Research Description:
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Updated JULY 2008

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David Keith
David Keith
email: dkeith "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Woei Ling Leow

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2007 • University of Massachusetts, Amherst: M.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • 2002 • National University of Singapore: B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering

Work Experience:

  • Various research engineer and research assistant positions in corporate and military laboratories
  • Honeywell Design for Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Research Description:
Woei Ling's research focuses on demand side management and congestion pricing for electrical energy.

Updated September 2007

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Woei Ling Leow
email: leowl "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Jijun Lin

Academic Background:

  • January 2004 - May 2005 • University of Wisconsin – Madison: Ph.D. study in Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • January 2004 • Stanford University: M.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • July 2002 • Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering

Work Experience:

  • January 2004 - May 2005 • University of Wisconsin – Madison
    • Research Assistant working on NIST ATP-funded Stream-of-Variation Analysis (SOVA) of Multistage Manufacturing Systems project
  • Summer 2003 • Stanford Career Development Center
    • Information Technology Assistant: developed and maintained online information inquiring systems.
  • April 2003 - September 2003 • Aerospace Robotics Laboratory • Stanford, CA
    • Independent Researcher working on Randomized Motion Planning for Multi-Robots
  • January 2002 - July 2002 • Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics • Beijing, China
    • Undergraduate Research Assistant working on Internet-based Manufacturing Information Management System.
  • Summer 2001 • Shenyang Aircraft Corporation • Shenyang, China
    • Summer Internship working on manufacturing processes improvement of aircraft manufacturing plant.

Research Description:
Jijun is interested in enterprise architecting and complex systems modeling, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Updated September 2005

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Jijun Lin
Jijun Lin
email: jijunlin "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.253.0308
   
 
 

Daniel Livengood

Academic Background:
  • May 2005 • Washington University in St. Louis: M.S. & B.S. in Systems Science & Engineering
Work Experience:
  • Summers 2004 & 2005 • Lincoln Laboratory
    • Summer Intern
  • 2003 • Washington University, Center for Optimization & Semantic Control
    • Research Assistant

Research Description:
Dan’s research focus is on demand response programs for the energy grid, as a part of the Sustainable Energy Systems group in the MIT/Portugal program.

Updated March 2007

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Daniel Livengood
Daniel Livengood
email: dlivengo "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

David Long

Academic Background:

  • 1997 • California State University, Northridge: M.S. in Engineering
  • 1988 • North Dakota State University: B.S. in Industrial Engineering & Management

Work Experience:

  • US Air Force Officer:
    • Acquisition Project Manager, Aircraft Systems
    • Flight Test, Aircraft Maintenance (depot and flight line)

Research Description:
David's research is focused on rapid product development for the Lean Aerospace Initiative.

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David Long
David Long
email: dave13 "at" mit.edu
phone: 781.259.8669
   
 
 

Jianxi Luo

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2006 • MIT, ESD: S.M. in Technology & Policy (TPP)
  • Tsinghua University • Beijing, China • M.S. & B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Research Description:
Jianxi's research interests include network analysis, system architecture, supply networks, etc.. He also researches broad issues of economics, policy, and technology & management in the automotive industry.

Updated September 2006

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Jianxi Luo
Jianxi Luo

email: luo "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Pedzisayi Makumbe

Academic Background:

  • 2005 – Present • MIT: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 • MIT: S.M. in Engineering Systems
  • 2002 • Colby College: B.A. with double major in Physics and Economics.
  • 2001 • Oxford University, UK: junior year abroad focusing in Physics

Work Experience:

  • Summer 2007 • Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI
    • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Engineering Intern
  • September 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD
    • Globally Distributed Product Development Research Assistant
  • September 2005 – September 2006 • Pratt & Whitney • Hartford CT
    • Commercial Engines Development Researcher
  • September 2004 – September 2005 • NASA (in the MIT/Draper at MIT)
    • Mars Mission Enterprise Design Research Assistant
Research Description:
Pedzi’s research focuses on globally distributed product development. Many companies talk about the general benefits of globally distributed product development in terms of cost, schedule, and performance or engineering-centered metrics such as engineering changes, rework, etc.? What role does product/engineering complexity play in this effectiveness of globally distributed product development? Grounded in the medical equipment and automobile industries, Pedzi's work focuses on answering these questions.

Updated August 2007

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Pedzisayi Makumbe
Pedzisayi Makumbe
email: pmakumbe "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Judith Maro

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
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Research Description:
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Updated JULY 2008

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Judith Maro
Judith Maro
email: jmaro "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Douglas M. Matty

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 1997 – 1999 • Naval Postgraduate School: M.S. Applied Mathematics & Operations Research
  • 1986 – 1990 • United States Military Academy: B.S. in Computer Engineering

Work Experience:

  • 2004 – 2007 • US Army • Pentagon • Washington, DC
    • Senior Analyst for Secretary of the Army
    • Army Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
  • 2002 – 2004 • US Army • Fort Bliss, TX
    • Senior Operations Analyst, Operational Test Command
  • 1999 – 2002 • United States Military Academy • West Point, NY
    • Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences
  • 1990 – 1997 • US Army • Various duty stations
    • US Army Officer, positions including:
      • Platoon Leader
      • Assistant Operations Officer
      • Battery Commander
      • Brigade Adjutant

Research Description:
LTC Matty's research allows for modeling and analysis of complex military and security challenges and policy. This work is sponsored by the Army's top leadership.

Updated September 2007

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Douglas M. Matty
Douglas M. Matty

email: dmatty "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

James McFarland

Academic Background:

  • B.S. Chemical Engineering, Washington University

Work Experience:
Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati, OH (1995-2000). Paper Product Development Organization. I worked on upstream research in printing development as well as a new product launch in Mexico.

Working Thesis Title:
The Governing Dynamics of Technology Diffusion in the Electric Power Sector: The Case of Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies

Research Description:
A multitude of energy-economy models incorporating carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies demonstrate significant levels of adoption of the technology under policies that stabilize CO2 concentrations by the end of the century. The rates at which these technologies diffuse have a significant impact on the costs of reducing emissions. However, these models place ad hoc limits on the rate of penetration of CCS technologies to portray "realistic" rates of adoption.

My research examines how technology characteristics, regulatory policy, and industry and business dynamics govern the adoption rates of carbon capture and storage technologies in the electric power sector. The results of this analysis have implications for the endogenous representation of technology diffusion in energy-economy models and for technology policies that seek to accelerate the adoption of low carbon emitting technologies in the electric power sector.

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James McFarland
James McFarland

email: jrm1 "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.253.3901
   
 
 

Brian Mekdeci

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2002 – 2005 • University of Waterloo: M.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering
  • 1997 – 2002 • University of Waterloo: B.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering

Work Experience:

  • 2005 – 2007 • CDL Systems Ltd. • Calgary, Canada
    • Systems Engineer

Research Description:
Brian is interested in researching how automation and intelligent decision support systems can improve the control and coordination of multiple unmanned vehicles.

Personal Website:
www.mekdeci.com

Updated August 2007

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Brian Mekdeci
Brian Mekdeci
email: mekdeci "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Robert Nicol

Academic Background:
  • MIT: M.S. in Management
  • MIT: M.S. in Chemical Engineering
  • University of Houston: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Work Experience:
  • Broad Institute (formerly Whitehead/MIT Center for Genome Research)
    • Director, Sequencing Operations: Responsible for operations, technology development, supply chain, and support groups in an ultrahigh throughput DNA sequencing facility
  • 1993 - 1999 • Fluor Corp.
    • Project Manager: Overall technical, budget, and contract responsibility for various $50-$100M petrochemical projects
    • Project Engineer: Responsible for all engineering design for major petrochemical projects including chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, and construction

Research Description:
Robert's research is directed towards applying ESD methods to healthcare with an emphasis on biotech research and development.

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Robert Nicol
Robert Nicol
email: rnicol "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Jorge Fradinho Oliveira

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2004 – 2005 • MIT, ESD: M.Eng. in Logistics (MLOG)
  • 1999 – 2000 • London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE): M.Sc. in Analysis, Design, & Management of Information Systems
  • 1996 – 1999 • University College London (UCL): B.Sc. in Computer Science with Electronic Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT Lean Advancement Initiative • Cambridge, MA
    • Research & Teaching Assistant
  • Summer 2007 • Oliver Wyman • Dubai, UAE
    • Summer Associate
  • 2005 – 2006 • Mercer Management Consulting • Madrid & Lisbon
    • Associate, Strategy & Operations
  • 2000 – 2004 • Alfamicro • EU
    • Consultant, IT & Business Process Reengineering
  • 1996 – 1999 • OmegaMedia • London, UK
    • System Architect

Research Description:
Jorge's research focuses on high performing hospital enterprise architectures.

Updated June 2008

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Jorge Fradinho Oliveira
Jorge Fradinho Oliveira
email: jorgefo "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

David Opolon

Academic Background:
  • 2005 – Present • MIT ESD, Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 2002 – 2005 • Ecole des Mines de Paris, France, B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Science and Executive Engineering, concentration in Industrial Economics
Work Experience:
  • Spring 2005, The Boston Consulting Group, Paris
    • Visiting Associate
  • Summer 2004, JP Morgan, London
    • Summer Analyst, Mergers & Acquisitions (Telecom, Media and Technology)
  • Fall 2004, MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics
    • Visiting Research Student

Research Area:
Supply Chain Management, Healthcare

Research Description:
David's research focuses on finding strategies, policies and technologies to improve the efficiency of the healthcare supply chain, while offering an improved service to care providers and patients.

Updated March 2007

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David Opolon
David Opolon
email: opolon "at" mit.edu

   
 
 

Brandon Owens

Academic Background:

  • 2005 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 • Stanford University: M.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • 2003 • Purdue University: B.S. in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering

Work Experience:

  • August 2005 – present • Complex Systems Research Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    • Research Assistant
  • October 2003 - August 2005 • W.W. Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University
    • Research Assistant, Gravity Probe B Project
  • January 2002 - August 2002 • Department of Environmental Systems, United Space Alliance, Johnson Space Center
    • Co-op Student
  • January 2001 - June 2001 • Department of Cargo Operations & Flight Control, United Space Alliance, Johnson Space Center
    • Co-op Student
Research Description:

In his time at MIT, Brandon has worked on a System Dynamics modeling project for NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, a hazard analysis for a proposed NASA JPL spacecraft mission to Europa, and the development of hazard controllability concepts in the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) framework created by his advisor, Professor Nancy Leveson. His research interests include:

  • systems engineering
  • System Dynamics
  • spacecraft design
  • spacecraft mission planning
  • complex system hazard assessment
  • complex system operations
  • technology & policy
  • control theory
  • and human factors.

Updated March 2007

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Brandon Owens
Brandon Owens
email: owensbd "at" mit.edu
phone: 317.752.2074
   
 
 

Bryan Palmintier

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Bryan Palmintier
Bryan Palmintier
email: EMAIL "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Jordan Peck

Academic Background:
  • – •
  • – •
Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Jordan Peck
Jordan Peck
email: jspeck "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Roberto Perez-Franco

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems with a focus on Supply Chain Management
  • 2003 – 2004 • MIT, ESD: M.Eng. in Logistics (MLOG)
  • 1995 – 2001 • Panama Technological University: B.S. in Electromechanical Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2005 – 2006 • Garner Panama Corp.
    • Operations & Logistics Manager
  • 2004 – 2005 • Panama Canal Authority
    • Multidisciplinary Engineer
  • 2004 • Carnes de Cocle, SA
    • Assistant Operations Manager
  • 2000 – 2003 • Bahia Las Minas Corp.
    • Contracts Manager

Research Description:
Roberto's research focuses on strategic planning for long term decisions and its application to supply chain management, by means of scenario thinking, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.

Personal Website:
English version: http://www.rp-f.com/english.php

Spanish version: http://alum.mit.edu/www/rpf/

Updated February 2007

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Roberto Perez-Franco
Roberto Perez-Franco
email: roberto "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.577.5796
   
 
 

Shardul Phadnis

Academic Background:
  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2007 • MIT, ESD: M.Eng. in Logistics (MLOG)
  • 2002 • Ohio State University: M.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • 1997 • University of Mumbai: B.E. in Production Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2004 – 2006 • idX • Baltimore, MD
    • Director of Continuous Improvement
  • 2002 – 2004 • idX • Baltimore, MD
    • Supervisor of Lean Promotion Office
  • 1997 – 1999 • Reliance Industries • India
    • Assistant Manager of Utilities Projects
Research Description:
Shardul's research focuses on the design of structure and operating policies of supply chain systems.

Personal Website:
web.mit.edu/shardul

Updated August 2007

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Shardul Phadnis Shardul Phadnis
email: shardul "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Theodore F. Piepenbrock

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • Present • University of Oxford, Saïd Business School: Visiting Scholar
  • MIT, Leaders for Manufacturing Program (LFM): M. B.A. with the Sloan School & S.M. in Civil & Environmental Engineering
    • Leaders for Manufacturing Fellow
    • Lean Aerospace Initiative RA
  • University of California at Berkeley: M.Eng. in Structural Engineering, Mechanics & Materials
    • NSF SBIR Fellow
  • Santa Clara University: B.S. in Engineering
    • da Vinci Scholar
Work Experience:
  • Present • University of Oxford Executive Education
    • Lecturer
  • Present • The Boeing Company • Seattle, WA
    • Strategy Consultant
  • McKinsey & Company • London, UK
    • Consultant
  • Ove Arup & Partners • London, UK
    • Director

Working Thesis Title:
Toward a Theory of the Evolution of Business Ecosystems: Enterprise Architectural Forms, Structural Dynamics, Competitive Outcomes and Industrial Co-Evolution

Research Description:
Ted's research aims to contribute to a fundamental debate in the field of strategic management regarding the source of long-term firm performance – namely, does it reside within the firm, or in the firm’s environment? The answer is hypothesized to lie neither exclusively within the firm, nor in its environment, but in how the firm interacts with its environment – i.e. in the architecture of the firm’s extended enterprise.

Using concepts from the emerging field of engineering systems taken from the intellectual domains of systems architecture and system dynamics, a framework is developed which traces the co-evolution of firms and their environments using their most abstract system properties of: environment, form, function, structure and behavior. The framework, which is rooted in the intellectual traditions of contingency and configuration theories, posits the evolution of "dominant designs" in enterprise architectures throughout an industry’s life-cycle, which oscillate deterministically and chaotically between integral and modular states.

The research builds grounded theory based on an ongoing five-year, multi-level, multi-method longitudinal field-based case study of the enterprises of Boeing and Airbus, the global duopoly in the commercial airplane industry. The theory is further tested and generalized across a theoretical sample of firms in manufacturing and service sectors, with nonlinear dynamic simulation models developed to capture the governing dynamics of long-term firm performance. The developed framework is grounded empirically, analytically as well as theoretically by synthesizing a broad literature of enquiry ranging from economics to organizational theory.

Updated August 2006

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Theodore F. Piepenbrock
Theodore F. Piepenbrock
email: tfp "at" mit.edu

phone: (+44) 1865.798.112 (Oxford, UK)

phone: 206.766.2503 (Seattle, WA)
   
 
 

Lara Pierpoint

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 – 2007 • MIT: S.M. student in Technology & Policy and Nuclear Engineering
  • 2004 • University of California, Los Angeles: B.S. in Physics

Work Experience:

  • Summer 2006 • Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy & National Nuclear Security Administration
    • Summer Intern
  • June 2004 – January, 2005 • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Division of Nuclear Physics
    • Science Laboratory Intern

Research Description:
Lara's research focuses on the connection between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. She is interested in examining the potential global nuclear "renaissance," and working to mitigate the expansion of nuclear weapons capabilities that could ensue. She hopes to use system dynamics and social research tools to find the best strategies for strengthening the nonproliferation regime, and will look at various technological and institutional solutions (such as an internationally-controlled nuclear fuel bank).

Updated September 2007

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Lara Pierpoint
Lara Pierpoint

email: lpier "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Matthew G. Richards

Academic Background:
  • 2006 • MIT: SM in Aerospace Engineering
  • 2006 • MIT: SM in Technology & Policy
  • 2004 • MIT: SB in Aerospace Engineering
  • 2002 - 2003 • Cambridge-MIT Institute, United Kingdom
Work Experience:
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Working Thesis Title:
Systems Architecting for Lifecycle Survivability

Research Area:
Systems Engineering Advancement Research Initiative

Research Description:
The primary goal of Matt's research is to develop and test a systems architecting methodology for the development of highly survivable engineering systems. Traditionally specified as a requirement in military systems, survivability is an increasingly important attribute of all systems which must be robust to environments characterized by frequent disturbances. While disturbances may originate from a wide range of man-made and natural hostile environments, a universal challenge confronting system architects is the specification, development, procurement, operation, and maintenance of systems with critical survivability requirements.

His research will answer the following two questions.

  1. How can survivability be quantified and used as a decision metric in exploring tradespaces during conceptual design of aerospace systems?
  2. How can acquisition of aerospace systems with critical survivability requirements be improved?

Personal Website:
http://web.mit.edu/mgr/www/

Updated March 2007

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Matthew G. Richards
Matthew G. Richards
email: mgr "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.324.4551

   
 
 

Christopher Roberts

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2004 • George Washington University: Graduate certificate in Computer Security & Information Assurance
  • 2001 – 2003 • MIT, ESD: S.M. in Technology & Policy
  • 1998 – 2001 • EPF-Ecole d'Ingénieurs: Díplôme d'ingénieur in Aerospace
  • 1996 – 2001 • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: B.S. in Engineering Physics

Work Experience:

  • 2003 – 2007 • Booz Allen Hamilton

Research Description:
Chris's research addresses the integration of Enterprise Architecture and Systems Engineering.

Updated September 2007

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Christopher Roberts
Christopher Roberts

email: cjr "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Robert Rudin

Academic Background:

  • 2007 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. student in Technology, Management, & Policy
  • 2005 – 2007 • MIT, ESD: S.M. in Technology & Policy
  • 1996 – 2001 • University of Rochester: B.S. in Electrical Engineering
    • additional year spent studying philosophy, literature, & history in the UK

Work Experience:

  • Philips Medical Systems
    • Software Engineer
  • Datacube, Inc.
    • Applications Engineer

Research Description:
Bob looks at health information from technology, organization management, and policy perspectives. He studies the value of exchanging health information between institutions and how this exchange can happen more effectively than today's methods of fax, paper, and phone. He hopes that his research will help integrate the healthcare system so that healthcare services can be better coordinated and so that quality can be measured more accurately and improved.

Updated September 2007

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Robert Rudin
Robert Rudin

email: bobrudin "at" mit.edu

     
 
 

Sidharth Rupani

Academic Background:
  • 2005 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace & Design Concentrations
Work Experience:
  • Summer 2006 • Robert Bosch GmbH, Gasoline Systems & Hybrid Technologies Division • Stuttgart, Germany
    • Product development process assessment and improvement
  • Summer 2005 • Duke University, Department of Mechanical Engineering & Material Sciences
    • Research Associate, Aeroelasticity
  • Summer 2003 • DEKA Research & Development Corp.
    • Intern / REU Assistant
Research Description:
Sid's research involves studying how to design and evolve high-performance Product Development processes. The fundamental question is 'What is the right level of process commonality across an enterprise, and how can it be managed?' The project involves studying and developing process architectures to make the tradeoff between process standardization and diversity. The research is framed using a platform approach, where a process platform might be an enterprise-wide standard PD process, which can be tailored into derivative processes to meet localized requirements or product needs. The goal is to design these platform and derivative process architectures to yield the efficiency and learning benefits of standardized processes while being adaptable to different needs sets for projects and business units within the enterprise.

Updated March 2007

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Sidharth Rupani
Sidharth Rupani
email: sidrup "at" mit.edu
phone: 508.436.0770
   
 
 

Nidhi Santen

Academic Background:
  • – •
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Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Nidhi Santen
Nidhi Santen
email: nrsanten "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Satwiksai Seshasai

Academic Background:
  • 2006 – Present • MIT, ESD: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • 2005 • MIT, ESD: S.M. in Technology & Policy (TPP)
  • 2002 • MIT: M.Eng. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
  • 2001 • MIT: S.B. in Computer Science & Engineering
    • Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences concentration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
Work Experience:
  • 2002 – 2006 • International Business Machines (IBM) Corp.
    • Advisory Software Engineer and Development Manager, Team Collaboration
  • U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecom and Info Agency
    • Policy Development and Analysis Intern
  • 2001 – 2002 • MIT Sloan Productivity from Information Technology Initiative
    • Research Team Lead
  • 2001 • U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe Center
    • Research Assistant
  • 2000 • EMC Corporation
    • Software Development Intern
  • MIT Media Laboratory
    • Research Assistant
  • 1998 • Prophet 21, Inc.
    • Software Development Intern

Research Description:
Satwik's research focuses on the strategic, technical, organizational and economic impact of new technologies and organizational models which foster global collaboration. His first Masters focused on the technical side: building technology to share knowledge between globally distributed stakeholders. His second Masters focused on virtual global teams, and specific data analyses on socio-technical aspects of these teams. His doctoral work will build on both these efforts to develop a framework for how the system of global work can adapt to emerging trends such as Web 2.0 collaboration software and the services-based economy.

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Satwiksai Seshasai
Satwiksai Seshasai

email: satwik "at" mit.edu
     
 
 

Matthew Silver

Academic Background:
  • 2005 – MIT, SM in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • 2005 – MIT, SM in Technology and Policy
  • 2001 – Williams College, BA in Astrophysics and Art History
Work Experience:
  • 2006-2007: IntAct Labs LLC
    • Co-Founder and CEO
  • 2003-2006: MIT Space Systems Lab
    • Staff Research Scientist & Research Assistant
  • 2002-2003: Canadian Space Agency, Systems Engineer
    • Advanced Test Project
  • 1997-2001: Jiminy Peak Ski Area
    • National Ski Patroller (winters)

Internships:

  • Summer 2004: NASA Headquarters, Office of the Space Architect
  • Spring 2002: European Space Agency, Washington Office
    • Policy Liaison

Research Description:
Matt’s research interests include the design and management of complex technical systems, with a focus on the need to incorporate technical and economic change into the design process. He has a complimentary interest in distributed product development and the impact of standardization on innovation.

Updated October 2007

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Matthew Silver
email: mrsilver "at" mit.edu
   
 
 

Jaemin Song

Academic Background:
  • MIT: Ph.D. Student in Engineering Systems
  • MIT: M.S. in Technology & Policy
  • Seoul National University: M.S. in Civil, Urban & Geosystem
  • Seoul National University: B.S. in Civil, Urban & Geosystem
Work Experience:
  • Joint Program on the Science & Policy of Global Change, MIT
    • Research Assistant
  • Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea
    • Environment Analyst
  • Water Treatment Lab, Seoul National University
    • Research Assistant

Research Description:
Jaemin's research focuses on developing new international regimes that will encourage the participation of developing countries in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Jaemin Song
email: jmsong "at" mit.edu
phone: 339.203.0569
   
 
 

Daniel Sturtevant

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
  • – •
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Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Daniel Sturtevant
Daniel Sturtevant
email: dsturtev "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Nandan Sudarsanam

Academic Background:
  • May 2005 • Oklahoma State University: M.S. in Industrial Engineering & Management
  • May 2003 • SASTRA University: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering
Work Experience:
  • 2003 – 2005 • Center for Computer Integrated Manufacturing Enterprises (CCIME), Oklahoma State University
    • Research Assistant

Research Description:
Nandan's research concerns the use of designed experiments to study and improve engineering systems. In many industrial settings the resources available for experimentation are limited, and attaining high levels of statistical confidence becomes impractical. Nandan’s research aims to develop adaptive and speculative strategies for experimentation that perform comparably to the more resource extensive structured approaches.

Updated August 2006

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Nandan Sudarsanam
Nandan Sudarsanam

email: nandan "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.314.3229
   
 
 

Zoe Szajnfarber

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Zoe Szajnfarber
Zoe Szajnfarber
email: zszajnfa "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Karen Tapia-Ahumada

Academic Background:
  • 2005 • MIT • Cambridge, MA: S.M. in Technology & Policy
  • 1998 • Catholic University of Chile • Santiago, Chile: M.S. & B.S. in Civil Industrial Engineering
Work Experience:
  • November 2003 – Present • MIT • Cambridge, MA
    • Research Assistant, Laboratory for Energy and the Environment
  • 1999 – 2001 • Electrical utility company • Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • Commercial Analyst, Commercial & Planning Division
  • 1997 • Catholic University of Chile • Santiago, Chile
    • Research Assistant, Electric Power Group

Research Description:
Karen's research involves the incorporation of Distributed Generation, particularly Combined Heat and Power systems, into the distribution networks.

Updated August 2006

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Karen Tapia-Ahumada
Karen Tapia-Ahumada
email: katapia "at" mit.edu
phone: 781.209.8302
   
 
 

Kunal Thaker

Academic Background:
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Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Kunal Thaker
Kunal Thaker
email: thakerkh "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Chintan Vaishnav

Academic Background:

  • MIT: S.M. in TPP
  • Colorado State University: M.S. in Electrical Engineering
  • Bangalore University, India: B.S. in Electronics & Communications Engineering

Work Experience:

  • September 2003 - Present • Communications Futures Program, MIT
    • Research Assistant
  • Avaya Labs • Denver, CO
    • Member of Technical Staff
  • Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies • Denver, CO
    • Member of Technical Staff
  • Asea Brown Boveries (ABB) • Bangalore, India

Research Description:
Chintan’s research relates to the dynamics of technology, industry structure, regulatory policy and consumer preference in the communications sector. In a highly abstracted conceptualization, both the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet consist of two components: the end-devices and the network core that connects them. Traditional telecommunications regulation over 100 years has assumed the presence of a network core that could be engineered to fulfill regulatory goals as well as a vertically-integrated industry structure that could meet regulatory obligations. Chintan’s research argues that disruptive trends in technology are eroding the control in the core that was traditionally assumed. His research hypothesizes that in the environment of eroding control in the network core (“The End of Core”), meeting regulatory objectives will require that future regulatory response be discontinuous from that of the past. He uses system dynamics to model the dynamic complexity surrounding the current VoIP regulation and to understand policy options for preventing undesirable outcomes. The model endogenizes the technological change to the policy process.

Broadly, Chintan is interested in understanding the information and communications systems from the perspective of complex systems. He is interested in the full spectrum of technology and development; as an engineer creating high-end to grassroots innovations, as an analyst observing the socioeconomic impact, and as a systems thinker interested in the policy implications and possible interventions. A parallel, and inextricable, interest he has is in developing ways to observe, measure and analyze complex, socio-technical systems.

Personal Website:
http://web.mit.edu/chintanv/www/

Updated April 2007

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Chintan Vaishnav
Chintan Vaishnav
email: chintanv "at" mit.edu
cell phone: 617.312.3834
   
 
 

Danielle Wood

Academic Background:
  • – •
  • – •
Work Experience:
  • – •
  • – •

Research Description:
 .

Updated JULY 2008

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Danielle Wood
Danielle Wood
email: dradams "at" mit.edu
phone: XXX.XXX.XXXX
     
 
 

Yingxia Yang

Academic Background:

  • September 2000 - July 2003 • Tsinghua University, China: M.S. in Material Science
  • September 1996 - July 2000 • Beijing Technology & Business University, China: B.S. in Polymer Material & Engineering

Work Experience:

  • 2 Years with Procter & Gamble
    • Scientist, Research & Development for Fabric & Home Care

Research Description:
Yingxia’s research focuses on the flexibility of the autobody assembly to help the automobile manufacturing strategy.

Updated September 2005

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Yingxia Yang
Yingxia Yang
email: yingxia "at" mit.edu
phone: 617.577.5576
     
 
     
         
MIT SoE MIT Sloan School of Management MIT School of Science SHASS SA+P