Like many prospective students, MIT ORC was my graduate department of choice, because of the world-leading, application-centered research it conducts. I was understandably overjoyed upon learning of my acceptance to the department, and this enthusiasm was further reinforced at the Open House (in April for prospective students), when we all had the opportunity to meet with faculty about their research interests, and mingle with current students and learn more about their lives. The warm welcome I received at the Open House by faculty, staff and students was another big reason I wanted to join the department.
Looking back, the good things I heard about the ORC culture at the Open House were certainly true. The office is a space in which students can work independently (either at their assigned desks or in individual study rooms), collaborate in shared study rooms, and socialize or just hang out. The office is also where events are conducted, such as student seminars and social events organized by the INFORMS student chapter. I am constantly surrounded by peers who are incredibly smart and kind, and the ORC is definitely a place where cooperation comes first and strong friendships are formed.
The greater Boston area is a very livable city and is a great place to pursue graduate study in. There is a network of bicycle lanes together with a subway and bus network that makes car ownership not necessary. In my free time, I run along the nearby Charles river (weather permitting), explore the city, and watch free concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The many sides of Boston include a bustling entertainment scene, a wealth of nature spots within a short drive away, and flagship sports arenas. MIT also has a huge gym free for all MIT members!
All of this provides a great environment in which to do good work. At MIT, particular emphasis is placed on doing research with both theoretical significance and measurable impact. Faculty often have industry collaborations with leading firms in the US and globally, so you get the chance to work directly on meaningful problems which can have immediate societal impact. My current research develops new methodological tools in optimization, in order to solve difficult problems in logistics and transport at scale. This is a issue I feel strongly about and am happy to be working on. The diverse and comprehensive research interests among the faculty mean that you can definitely find an advisor whose research interests align with yours. Of course, similar research interests should not be your only criteria in deciding on your research advisor; it is also important to find an advisor whose working styles match yours and with whom you would be excited to embark on an academic journey. Please feel free to reach out to current students to learn more!
