The Draper Scholars Experience

The Draper Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for post-graduate students to conduct their research under the supervision of both a university faculty advisor and a Draper technical staff supervisor in an area of mutual interest.  Scholars benefit not only from immersion in their university's academic research environment, but also from leveraging Draper's collective knowledge and experience, facilities, and resources. Draper Scholars work closely with Draper technical staff to solve real-world problems, to develop state-of-the-art technologies in world-class laboratories, and to publish their scholarly outputs in top-tier journals and conference presentations.  Projects range from advanced theoretical work to testing prototypes in fielded implementations.  The Program supports both Masters and PhD students in thesis-bearing technical degree programs.

The Draper Scholar Program provides structured additional professional development opportunities for students to complement and supplement their research experiences. Additionally, Scholars have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor drawn from Program alumni to leverage the Draper Scholars network.

Participating universities:

• Boston University

• Brown University

• George Mason University

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• Harvard University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Northeastern University

• Purdue University

• Rice University

• Texas A&M University

• Tufts University

• University of Colorado, Boulder

• University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• University of Michigan

• University of South Florida

• University of Utah

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Department/degree programs:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering/Electrical & Computer Engineering

• Materials Science

• Mechanical Engineering

• Nuclear Engineering

• Operations Research

• Physics

• Other programs also may be included

While Draper scholars are not Draper employees, we would like to make you aware that Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Duties/Responsibilities

• Draper is seeking high-performing Draper Scholars at the Masters or PhD level to perform technical research aligned with a Draper Research Whitepaper (Draper Scholars Program | Draper).

• The Scholar is required to generate a detailed Research Statement Work (SOW) and conduct timely research work in accordance with the SOW resulting in a university-approved thesis within the time constraints of the Draper Scholar Program (2-yrs for a MS; 5-yrs for a PhD).

• The Scholar is required to participate as an active member of a collaborative research team including their Draper Supervisor and their Faculty Advisor. The Scholar is required to communicate regularly with their research team on progress and challenges in achieving the desired outcomes defined in the SOW. The Scholar is also required to communicate regularly with the Draper Education Office regarding progress, changes in status and any challenges to successful completion of the program.

• The Scholar is encouraged to publish research results, as appropriate, in technical conferences and technical journals.

• The Scholar may participate in other professional development activities as determined in conjunction with the Draper Supervisor and the Faculty Advisor.

• The Scholar is required to follow the policy and procedures of the Draper Scholar program. The Scholar is encouraged to participate in regular Draper Scholar meetings and the annual Draper Research Symposium.

• Draper Scholar Program supports thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in technical areas of mutual interest to Draper and the partner university in engineering and the sciences

• All Draper Scholars must complete a thesis or thesis-equivalent work product

Required Qualifications: 

• Be a US Citizen

• Must be enrolled in a thesis-bearing research degree at a partner university at the time of the start of the Scholarship.  Must maintain the status of a student in good standing at the partner university in that thesis bearing degree program

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of matriculation

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Willingness to work with both Draper supervisor and the university Faculty Advisor on a topic of mutual interest

• Skills commensurate with the thesis project and the desired degree

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, to both peers and to senior management

• Enthusiasm to work in a team-oriented setting

Notes:  

• Draper Scholar Program supports thesis-based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in technical areas of mutual interest to Draper and the partner university in engineering and the sciences

• All Draper Scholars must complete a thesis or thesis-equivalent work product