Engineering Fellows

Jonathan Bernstein

Jonathan Bernstein is a Draper Laboratory Fellow, the highest level on the Draper technical ladder. He is responsible for MEMS technology development for specific programs and for platform technologies, including high-accuracy sensors and resonators in hermetically sealed silicon chips with through-silicon vias.

With 37 years of experience in inventing, designing, and building MEMS devices, Jonathan's expertise spans inertial guidance (Tuning Fork Gyro, accelerometers), acoustics (MEMS microphones and hydrophones), micro-mirrors for optical switches and medical endoscopy, solid-state atom sources, and other areas. He has over 70 publications in refereed journals and conferences and holds more than 57 U.S. patents.

Joining Draper in 1987, Jon advanced through the engineering organization to become a Lab Fellow. In 2000, he joined a startup that became Corning-IntelliSense as VP of Technology. Returning to Draper in 2004, he resumed his engineering role, leading projects for DARPA, Trident, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, and other clients.

Jonathan holds a BSEE in Electrical Engineering & Physics from Princeton University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in EECS from UC Berkeley, with concentrations in chemical engineering and materials science. He has received NSF and Hertz Foundation fellowships, as well as honors and awards from Motorola, Corning, and multiple Draper best patent, best paper, and Distinguished Performance awards.

Scott Berry

Scott Berry is currently leading the architecture, design, and deployment of new digital engineering tools for the Draper workforce. This multi-year transformational effort has deployed state-of-the-art engineering tools and new project and contract management capabilities across Draper.

With nearly 35 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, Scott has extensive expertise in real-time modeling and simulation for pilot-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop aerospace applications. His background includes technical leadership, line management, and organizational leadership focused on broad process, tool, and infrastructure improvements by aligning stakeholders to a common vision and solution.

Scott joined Draper in 1999, where he led simulation technology development and application for autonomous, biomedical, spacecraft, and guidance system development, integration, and testing. Over his career, he has been promoted to roles of increasing responsibility in project and line management, including Technical Director on numerous projects, SimLab group leader, and Mission Assurance Division Leader. He was awarded the Draper Distinguished Performance Award for his leadership on the Trident P1 Guidance System and led Draper to a successful CMMI Level 3 certification.

Scott holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas.

Jim Bickford

Jim Bickford is currently the leader of Draper’s Device and Engineering Physics Group. His team comprises mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers, along with physicists and material scientists, who serve diverse roles across all program offices, with a particular emphasis on radiation physics and microsystem development.

Since joining Draper in 1999, Jim has led dozens of programs ranging from small, early-stage development to large-scale programs that field hardware systems. His involvement spans a wide variety of areas, including precision MEMS sensors and actuators, novel communication systems, aerospace system development, nuclear power and propulsion, high-power optical systems, healthcare technology, and energy infrastructure optimization.

Jim holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, with a certificate in Manufacturing Engineering. His dissertation focused on the direct measurement of particle behavior in the Lagrangian reference frame of a turbulent flow.

Jeffrey Borenstein

Jeffrey T. Borenstein is a Draper Laboratory Fellow, the highest rank on Draper's technical ladder, and serves as the Director of the Biomedical Engineering Center. In this role, he leads programs focused on organ and disease models for drug discovery and safety testing, organ assist devices, and drug delivery systems. 

Jeff has over 30 years of experience in microsystems technology, microfabrication techniques, and microfluidics technologies, primarily aimed at medical device applications and drug development platforms. He pioneered advances such as the first microfluidic device cultured with mammalian cells and the first microfluidic organ support system. His projects have received support from DARPA, BARDA, NIH, CDMRP, and several pharmaceutical and medical device companies. 

Since joining Draper in 1994, Borenstein initially managed the Microfabrication Lab and then led the MEMS Technology Group. He has also served as a Group Leader in Biomedical Microsystems and the Synthetic Biology and Bio Instrumentation groups. Currently, he is the Chief Scientist in the Bioengineering Division and Principal Investigator on multiple government contracts.

Jeff holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from the University at Albany, with additional concentrations in mathematics, English literature, and semiconductor physics. He holds 80 issued patents and has authored over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings. He is a member of the National Academy of Inventors, has served as a panel reviewer on multiple NIH study sections for over a decade, and is a recipient of numerous best patent, best paper, best mentor, and Distinguished Performance awards.

Louis Breger

Louis Breger leads Draper’s Guidance and Control Group. Since joining Draper in 2007, he has worked on a variety of vehicles, including underwater, atmospheric, Earth-orbiting, cis-lunar, and interplanetary domains. Throughout his career at Draper, Louis has spearheaded efforts in safety-critical space rendezvous and proximity operations, spaceplane GN&C, cloud computing, and the generation of highly reliable flight software using model-based design.

Louis’s research interests encompass optimization-based guidance and control, as well as system health monitoring and prognostics. He has led research teams that demonstrated embedded robust optimization-based path planning for parafoils in flight tests and developed and characterized an embedded model-based system health monitoring capability on flight-like hardware. Recently, he has been the technical lead for Draper’s work on an uncrewed spaceplane, contributed to the development of a new heavy launch vehicle, and led a research cohort developing GN&C technologies for aerocapture. Previously, he worked on the Cygnus rendezvous and proximity operations guidance, navigation, and targeting team, supported the algorithm and software verification for a LEO Earth-observing spacecraft constellation, and led the effort supporting the successful approach landing test of a full-scale autonomous unpowered lifting body.

Louis is a lifetime member of the AIAA and co-authored a textbook on Spacecraft Formation Flying. He graduated from the Montgomery Blair Magnet Program and holds S.B. and S.M. degrees from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as a Ph.D. from MIT in Controls and Estimation.

Tom Burns

Tom Burns is a Draper Lab Fellow and Systems Engineer, supporting Draper programs and internal research and development. He brings extensive expertise in Department of Defense and Intelligence Community mission areas, including applications in space, guidance and control, and specialized instrumentation.

Tom began his career with TRW in Redondo Beach, CA, and then spent over 20 years at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). At the NRO, he served as a major system program director and corporate mission assurance lead, contributing to or directing the development and deployment of over a dozen critical National Security Space systems. Following his tenure at the NRO, Tom was the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Systems at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite Service, where he oversaw the development of five weather satellite systems and led the enterprise systems engineering function.

Tom joined Draper in 2017, serving as Associate Director in the National Security Space programs area. He led proposal and execution activities that expanded Draper’s role in proliferated Low Earth Orbit (p-LEO) mission concepts and applications of miniaturized components. In 2022, Tom transitioned to Draper Systems Engineering, where he continues to serve. Tom holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Notre Dame, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California.

David Carter

David J. Carter has been with Draper for 22 years, leading efforts to apply nanofabrication and nanotechnology across various areas, including RF MEMS, integrated optics, plasmonic devices, carbon nanotube MEMS/NEMS integration, and self-assembly.

He has spearheaded multidisciplinary programs in micro/nanofabrication, microfluidics, biotechnology, mechanical and electrical engineering, and technology transition. His work in molded nanoscale polymers led to the first-ever demonstration of human climbing using biomimetic synthetic gecko adhesion.

Currently, David focuses on using DNA-based nanoscale self-assembly to create optical metamaterials and applying micro- and nanoscale fabrication methods to pediatric heart valves. He has advised several Draper graduate fellows and initiated multiple collaborations with university researchers. David has co-authored 35 journal and conference papers and holds 21 patents in micro/nanofabrication, nanotechnology, and materials.

David received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT and his A.B. and M.S. degrees in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College.

Jonathon Copetta

John Danis

John Danis is a Division Staff member for the System Concepts and Design Division (GAB) at Draper, bringing extensive experience from both commercial companies and Draper. Before returning to Draper in 2022, John served as a Technical Program Manager at Berkshire Grey, leading the development of intelligent robotic systems to enhance warehouse operations.

At Draper, John previously managed Strategic Systems Programs, including the Conventional Prompt Strike Navigation System and the Mark 6 Mod 1 System Software. He has also held various roles in the Engineering Department, serving as Deputy Director of Engineering Operations and taking on technical leadership positions such as Technical Director for the Mark 6 Mod 1 System Software, Group Leader for Mission Architectures and Applications, and Task Leader for the Mark 6 Mod 1 Flight Software.

John also has experience as a Software Project Manager in the semiconductor capital equipment industry. At Axcelis Technologies, he led software development for Rapid Thermal Processing Equipment and High-Dose Ion Implanters in the New Products Development group.

John holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where his thesis focused on “Modeling and Simulation of Robot Arms with Flexible Links,” and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from NJIT with a concentration in Control Systems.

Almir Davis

Almir Davis serves as the Engineering Deputy for Science and Technology at Draper. In this role, he oversees the identification, shaping, and development of Draper’s current and future engineering capabilities in science and technology. His responsibilities encompass managing externally funded programs, targeted contract R&D, internal R&D initiatives, and university outreach programs.

Almir brings over 25 years of experience in both defense and commercial sectors. His expertise spans advanced research and development in precision sensors, assured precision navigation and timing (APNT) systems, precision electronics, distributed sensor networks, and microelectronics. He has a proven track record in program management, leading advanced technology programs from concept development through to demonstration and production transition. Additionally, Almir has a strong background in business development.

Since joining Draper in 2007 as a staff engineer in electronics, Almir has made significant contributions. He later moved to the precision sensor division, supporting the design and development of inertial sensors and instruments. His role expanded to Technical Director, overseeing the design, development, testing, and integration of a large-scale wireless sensor network for monitoring oil and gas infrastructure corrosion and defects. Prior to his current position, Almir led the Advanced Technology for Defense Systems, managing a diverse portfolio of over 20 early-stage S&T programs with sponsors from DARPA, ONR, and AFRL.

Almir holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Tufts University, as well as M.S. and B.S. degrees from Northeastern University.

Dino Dibiaso

Dino DiBiaso is a Laboratory Fellow in the Electronic Systems project engineering organization, serving as the chief engineer for the Maritime Autonomy business area. He is responsible for facilitating technical shaping, capture, staffing, execution, and oversight for various programs in this area. He also serves as a subject matter expert for the development, testing, fielding, and transition of autonomy solutions for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Dino has over 35 years of experience developing reliable, complex systems for real-time enterprise, distributed, and embedded applications. He has led or significantly contributed to the development of several products and solutions from concept to fielded deployment in the defense and telecommunications industries at various technology readiness levels.

Dino began his career at Draper in 1989 as a co-op student and became a member of the technical staff in 1992. He supported the development of embedded software systems until he became the chief engineer and eventually the director of engineering at Auspice, a startup spun out of Draper to commercialize its space program Timeliner technology. Upon returning to Draper in 2005, he has served in technical leadership roles on several projects across the defense and electronic systems business areas.

Dino holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science from Northeastern University.

David Hanson

David Hanson is a distinguished Lab Fellow with nearly 42 years of experience at Draper in the defense industry. His expertise encompasses advanced packaging and microelectronics research, design, and development for harsh environments. Throughout his career, David has held various significant roles, including task leader, technical director, and engineering manager.

David's journey with Draper began as a student in 1982. He became a staff engineer in 1985, contributing to various projects involving inertial instrument packaging designs, MEMS-based precision-guided munitions IMU designs, and miniature electronic systems. A recognized expert in his field, David is a member of IMAPS and holds three patents in MEMS packaging.

He earned both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University.

Phil Hattis

Phil Hattis is a Laboratory Fellow at Draper, where he has been since arriving as a graduate student in 1974. Throughout his tenure, Phil has been instrumental in developing and applying new technical capabilities for both civilian and national security applications.

Early in his career, Phil contributed to and led the development of the Space Shuttle Orbital Flight Control System. He subsequently spearheaded investigations into trajectory design and control for hypersonic vehicle concepts and led the development of precision airdrop capabilities that are now widely used. As a Technical Director, Phil has overseen a wide variety of projects involving Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) software and hardware systems for aerial, missile defense, launch, and space vehicles. His work includes human-rated space systems, Earth observation systems, autonomous space flight systems, reusable launch vehicles, hypersonic vehicles, precision Mars landing systems, and defense systems against ballistic missile and hypersonic threats.

Phil’s contributions extend beyond Draper. He has participated in developmental program and technology portfolio review teams for NASA, the Air Force, and the National Research Council. He served on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board for four years. Phil is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and holds national-level roles in professional societies.

Phil holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University, an M.S. in Aeronautics from Caltech, and a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT. He has a lifelong interest in the history and advancement of space exploration.

Ralph Hopkins

Ralph Hopkins is a Laboratory Fellow and Acting Division Leader of the Precision Sensors Division at Draper. This division is responsible for designing and developing critical enabling inertial, optical, quantum, photonic, and acoustic components for Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications across tactical, navigation, and strategic domains.

Ralph has served as the Technical Director of advanced inertial instrument development programs, including strategic, navigation, and tactical grade gyroscopes and accelerometers. He is an invited speaker for short course tutorials on inertial instruments and technology and has presented internationally for the NATO Science and Technology Organization-sponsored lecture series and symposia on navigation technology. Additionally, he has served as a subject matter expert on a GAO panel assessing PNT technologies.

Ralph holds a BS and ME in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an ME in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, and an MS in Engineering Management from The Gordon Institute of Tufts University.

Lyle J. Jenkins

Lyle J. Jenkins is a subject matter expert in floated inertial instruments with 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing miniature tactical and strategic grade accelerometers and gyros. He joined Draper in 1995 and has since contributed significantly to the Guidance Hardware and Electromechanical Instrument fields. Currently a member of the Precision Sensor Division, Lyle oversees the design and production support of the Navy’s advanced high-reliability Pendulous Integrating Gyro Accelerometer. This instrument, which combines conventional state-of-the-art gas bearings with MEMS processing technology, is deployed in the Trident Mark 6 Life Extension Guidance System. L

Lyle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.

Micahel Judy

Peter Kachmar

Duane Larsen

Duane Larsen has been a member of the Draper technical staff since 1985, holding an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Vermont. With over 30 years of experience in radiation-hardened electronics design and development for strategic defense and space applications, including 12 years as Group Leader for Draper’s core RH&S team, Duane is recognized as a Draper Fellow. His expertise spans radiation environments, their impact on system electronics, design hardening methods, and compliance verification through rigorous testing and analysis.

During his tenure as Program Manager with Draper’s Special Programs Office from 2008 to 2016, Duane led initiatives in compact low-power sensor systems development. Returning to Draper’s RH&S team in 2016, he has since supported various RH&S efforts for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Strategic Navy, Air Force, and various Space programs. Throughout his career, Duane has contributed to the design and development of advanced radiation-hardened technologies, including precision reference elements, strategic-grade linear integrated circuits, ferroelectric memory, electro-optic components for fiber-optic gyros, and readout electronics for MEMS inertial instruments. His work also involved test circuits used in underground tests (UGTs) such as the Mighty Oak.

Duane has authored several publications in the field and maintains active collaboration with the broader RH&S community nationwide.

Tom Marinis

Tom Marinis is an electronics packaging engineer with extensive experience in designing enclosures and assembly processes for high-reliability applications in challenging shock, vibration, and thermal environments. Throughout his career, he has packaged a wide range of devices, including multichip modules, MEMS inertial sensors, magnetometers, atomic clocks, micro-batteries, micro-thruster arrays, and implanted medical devices.

Tom holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a Fellow of The International Microelectronics and Packaging Society (IMAPS) and serves as an associate editor of the IMAPS Journal. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Tom dedicated ten years to military service.

Michael J. Matranga

Michael J. Matranga has over 35 years of experience in the defense and aerospace industry, specializing in engineering management, technical design, development, and leadership in hardware, software, and firmware for ground, air, and space-based systems. Joining Draper in 2001 as a Principal Member of the Technical Staff, Michael initially supported the Space Program Office before transitioning to the Special Programs Office. There, he contributed to the design, development, and delivery of miniaturized sensors and systems. In 2004, he founded the Embedded Systems Group, focusing on the development of embedded firmware for sensors and systems. Throughout his career at Draper, Michael has held positions in the Hardware (GB), Software (GC), and Systems (GA) directorates.

Michael holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Loyola Marymount University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University, and an M.S. in Engineering Management from the Gordon Institute at Tufts University

Marc McConley

Marc McConley is a Laboratory Fellow in the Autonomy, Guidance, Navigation & Control Division at Draper.

At Draper, Marc has served as a technical director for numerous programs. His recent work focuses on developing advanced GPS-denied navigation technologies, including SkyMark celestial navigation and signals of opportunity. He has also led various algorithm and software development projects, such as gun-fired munitions, GPS-denied personal navigation systems, advanced navigation and mapping techniques, and Deep Integration GPS/inertial integration.

Additionally, Marc has directed programs involving guided systems and mission planning for guided airdrop systems, machine learning for software vulnerability detection and repair, and advanced screening research for malintent detection.

Marc received his BSE with highest honors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University, and his S.M. and Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has also been honored with three Draper Distinguished Performance Awards.

Ryan Prince

Ryan Prince has over 20 years of experience in mixed-signal embedded systems design, cybersecurity research, and anti-tamper technology. She is the Secure & Assured Systems Capability Lead, responsible for developing Draper's corporate technology roadmap and strategy for Resilient Compute Solutions and Hardened Microelectronics. This role involves identifying technological gaps and capabilities that require growth and targeted investments. Ryan coordinates cybersecurity research across multiple business portfolios, ensuring Draper's products are robust and secure against evolving threats from nation-state adversaries. She also serves as Draper's System Security Engineer for the Navy Strategic Systems Program Office, with her expertise recognized across various Department of Defense and Intelligence Community sponsors.

Ryan joined Draper as a student in 2001 and became a staff engineer in 2003 after completing her graduate research as part of the Draper Scholars program. Initially, she joined the MEMS group, where she created a sensor technology and, with Draper funding, founded a company in 2004. Upon returning from this startup, she joined the electronics division, serving as the Technical Director on various programs for over a decade before transitioning to the software directorate in 2019. She has held management positions in both the electronics (mixed-signal embedded systems group) and software (resilient and fault-tolerant systems group) divisions at Draper.

Ryan's patents include Latency-Free Data Encryption and Decryption between Processor and Memory (Issued Apr 25, 2023); High Performance Bi-Directional Fly-By XOR for DDR4 DRAM (Issued Mar 29, 2022); Trusted Application Provisioning and Launch (Pending); Tamper-Sensitive Stressed-Engineered Structures (Pending); Microfluidic Ion-Selective Electrode Sensor System (Issued Sept. 5, 2006); Disposable, Self-Administered Electrolyte Test (Issued Aug. 5, 2008).

Ryan holds B.S. and M.Eng. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in electrical engineering and computer science.

Ganesh Rao

Ganesh Rao joined Draper in 2011 and currently leads the Digital IC Design Group, having previously served as the group leader for the FPGA and Verification groups. With 30 years of experience in digital design, including FPGA and ASIC design and implementation, packaging, PCB, and system design, Ganesh is responsible for Draper's digital ASIC design capabilities. His role involves hiring and training staff, developing processes and best practices, and acquiring the necessary tools and equipment to ensure project success.

In addition to his leadership role, Ganesh serves as a Technical Director, overseeing multidisciplinary teams in hardware security and digital system design. 

He holds an MSEE degree from North Carolina State University and has prior experience in the telecommunications sector, where he developed telecom ASICs.

Michael Ricard

Michael Ricard is a Laboratory Fellow in the Autonomy, Guidance, Navigation, and Control Division at Draper. His work encompasses research, design, development, technical leadership, and program management.

Michael joined Draper in 1995, beginning his career with autonomous control systems for unmanned undersea vehicles. Over the course of his career, he has worked on software development for space vehicles, optimization of target assignments for overhead assets, development of open architecture autonomy software for undersea vehicles, and various concept development and proof-of-concept activities to meet unique requirements.

He has also been an active participant in Draper’s education programs, supervising over 25 Draper Scholars and serving as Draper’s point of contact at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Boston College and both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Operations Research from MIT.

Andrew Staugler

Andrew Staugler is a Laboratory Fellow at Draper, specializing in system engineering, GN&C algorithm design, modeling and simulation, and software development. Since joining Draper in 1996, Andy has made significant contributions to the Trident Program for over 25 years and currently serves as Chief System Engineer for MARK 8 Guidance System development.

Throughout his tenure, Andrew has held numerous leadership roles in the design, development, and deployment of the MARK 6 MOD 1 Guidance System. These roles include Technical Director for System Software, Simulation, and Advanced System Concepts, as well as Task Leader for Flight Algorithm Development, System Requirements and Design, and Calibration Software.

Additionally, Andrew served as Program Manager in Strategic Systems for a three-year rotation and as Group Leader in the Algorithms and Software Directorate for ten years.

Andrew holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University.

Robert Tingley

Robert Tingley is an Engineering Fellow specializing in communications, signal processing, and electronic warfare at Draper. With over 25 years at the organization, he has been instrumental in founding core technologies and businesses, authored for national study boards, and held diverse leadership roles across engineering and programs.

A lifelong learner, Robert earned his PhD under Professor Pahlavan at WPI and completed numerous advanced courses at BU, Harvard, MIT, and UMASS. He is also a commercial pilot with ratings in single engine, multiengine, instrument, and part 107 categories. Outside of work, he enjoys conducting charity flights with his family in their PA34.

Dianne Turney

Paul Ward

Paul Ward is a Laboratory Fellow in the Electronics and Embedded Systems division at Draper, where he has dedicated 39 years to developing innovative electronics and analysis for high-performance instruments and systems. His designs include precision signal references, fiber-optic gyroscopes, MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers, strategic-grade radiation-hard inertial instruments, low-noise geophones, and electric and magnetic field sensors. 

Paul has received Draper's Distinguished Performance Award three times: in 1994 and 1997 for his work on the MEMS tuning-fork gyroscope, and in 2019 for developing the world’s first ultra-high precision radiation-hard PVR. He has also earned Draper's Best Technical Patent Award in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2021, and the Best Technical Publication Award in 2011 and 2017. In 2019, Paul was honored with NASA’s Silver Achievement Medal as a member of the Parker Solar Probe Team.

Throughout his career at Draper, Paul has managed the Microelectronics group, the Analog and Power Systems group, and the Mixed-Signal Control Systems group. He holds 30 U.S. patents and has coauthored numerous publications.

Before joining Draper, Paul designed and analyzed electrical power systems for U.S. Navy surface vessels. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. Additionally, he is a member of Eta Kappa Nu and an Advanced-class amateur radio operator.

Marc Weinberg

Marc S. Weinberg holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, where he was a National Science Foundation Fellow. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Marc applied classical and modern optimal control to turbine engines and taught gas dynamics and feedback control at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Marc co-invented the first practical silicon MEMS gyro, now widely used in various applications. His work spans chemical sensors, balance prostheses, photovoltaics, and atomic clocks, many of which have led to startups or commercial products. His expertise focuses on relating instrument parameters and tolerances to measured performance, multi-axis vibration sensing, and instrument modeling and dynamics.

An AIAA Associate Fellow and licensed Professional Engineer, Marc holds 65 U.S. patents.

 

David White

David White is a distinguished Laboratory Fellow specializing in the development of cutting-edge technologies and avionics architecture solutions for weapon systems. His primary focus is on advancing next-generation guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) capabilities to support the nation’s strategic deterrence mission. David was appointed as a Laboratory Fellow in 2022.

David began his career at Draper in 2004 as a Systems Engineer after working at MPC Products (now Woodward) in Skokie, Illinois, where he designed actuation systems for aerospace and defense applications.

Currently, David is on a field assignment with the Navy Strategic Systems Programs, contributing to the formulation and execution of enduring science and technology initiatives as well as weapon system architecture trades. Over his 20+ years at Draper, David has successfully transitioned numerous technologies from concept to operational systems, with applications spanning GN&C, microelectronic embedded systems, and cyber-physical solutions.

In his first decade at Draper, David played a pivotal role in the development of the Trident MK6 MOD1 Guidance System. He held multiple positions with increasing leadership responsibilities, ultimately serving as the Technical Director for integration and test activities. His leadership culminated in the first launch of the Trident D5LE Weapon System from the USS Tennessee in February 2012.

David holds degrees from Tufts University (BSME, MSEM) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MSME), with a concentration in modeling and control of dynamic systems.