6.191 Introduction Master of Engineering Thesis Project Program Prototyping Research Results Charles G. Sodini, Howard E. Shrobe, Arthur C.M. Chen

6.191 Introduction Motivation Master of Engineering –To better prepare EECS students for the working environment – course work and a thesis project – a transition process –Help students to find a thesis project -- a capstone of MIT education –Help prepare graduates for their 1 st job experience

6.191 Introduction MEng Thesis - Time Frame State-of-art research Career interest Project concept Preliminary thesis proposal Fall semester Senior Spring semester Senior SummerGraduate year UROP/ RA / (6.192) Familiarize with technology Execute feasibility studies Prepare final project plan - System design, schedule Arrange for financial support Project Execution Detail design Coding/ build hardware Test, demo Thesis writing Final thesis proposal Thesis, Graduation

6.191 Introduction Path to MEng Thesis Exposure to research opportunities at MIT –Lectures by EECS faculties on their research –Explore state-of-the-art research by teams Determine students interests –Technical interests, future career opportunities Define a focused idea –Understand the scope of the idea –Prepare a short presentation Obtain informal research advisor’s approval Write-up preliminary thesis proposal

6.191 Introduction Personal Reflection What are your favorite subjects, areas? What am I going to do after MEng? –Ph.D., Professional schools, job, vacation? Which MIT labs do I know, which ones I like to know better? How am I going to work with others in a team environment?

6.191 Introduction Some Observations Getting a thesis project is research and akin to getting a job Research for potential projects is a similar process for almost all students Industrial experience: lack of negotiation, team working, and communication skills

6.191 Introduction Educational Components Breath of Knowledge –Build prototypes based on state-of-art research –Exposure to a variety of MIT research programs – part of your “rolodex” for the future Creativity –Develop innovative project ideas based on MIT research Teamwork –Understand research within MIT community –Generate potential opportunities for thesis projects Communications & Project Planning –Team and individual presentations –Preliminary thesis proposals

6.191 Introduction Transition to Work Problem set solving  Project synthesis –Understand opportunities presented by advanced research programs –Develop project ideas that can be completed within limited time Obtain faculty advisor’s approval (time &$$) –Communicate your idea effectively –Present your capabilities credibly –Akin to a “job search”

6.191 Introduction Syllabus

6.191 Introduction Some Past MEng Thesis Projects

6.191 Introduction Who are We Charlie Sodini: –Research, academic, industrial experiences, etc. Howie Shrobe: Art Chen:

6.191 Introduction Team Approach to Identify Opportunities Form small teams (3-4 per team) –Understand research programs of various MIT research labs -- FASTER –Brainstorm on possible project opportunities -- MORE –Limited simulation of “real” work experience How to form teams –Collect student data: name, interest, contact info, etc. –Assign teams and post information on the web –Rotate roles among team members

6.191 Introduction Simulate Work Experience Directed goals: –Understand research programs of labs –Generate possible project ideas Coach and monitor team outputs –A framework for team action –Brainstorm project ideas –Review team outputs – presentations Individual thesis project proposal development –Specific work assignment –“Market” proposed project and student to advisors

6.191 Introduction Some Perspective on Team Objective: do more in less time –More potential thesis topics for the entire class Educational context –Learn the process and nuisances of team dynamics: positives and negatives –Self-awareness: How do I interact in a team Leadership role –Conflict resolution

6.191 Introduction Introduction to Team Collaboration To be added