Brian Robinson

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

I’ve enjoyed learning about how to tackle political issues with clear, effective methodological rigor. In the course 17.803 (Political Science Laboratory), I remember feeling more confident discussing important issues after gaining a stronger understanding of how researchers tackle the vast uncertainties political questions can present. 

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

Studying Political Science helped me understand the broader potential and actual impacts of my work as an aerospace engineer. Air and Space technologies are especially critical for security studies, my area of specialization.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

My ability to think creatively about solutions to problems discovered in the course of my work was reinforced in my technical curriculum, but HASS courses provided space to think a little bigger about ‘why’ questions. I can firmly say I will walk away as a more well-rounded person with a better ability to empathize with others while enjoying diverse life experiences.

What are your plans for the future?

I will enter the Air Force and commence pilot training this spring!