Carrson Baldwin

I knew right away that the Lab was a place where I could continue to support the sailors I had lived and worked with.

When did you join the Laboratory, and why did you pursue a career here?

I joined the Lab after five years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine officer. I had the pleasure of working with the Lab on my first shore duty, with the Lab supporting algorithm development for an AI project I was responsible for. I knew right away that the Lab was a place where I could continue to support the sailors I had lived and worked with. Using my operator knowledge and taking advantage of academic resources here and on MIT campus, I have more flexibility than while I was on active duty to conquer problems that I personally experienced.

What does your research focus on?

I'm developing AI algorithms for acoustic underwater detection, assessing ways to improve the performance of operational naval systems, and field-testing carry-on equipment for celestial navigation.

What is the most exciting and/or challenging part of your work?

The most exciting and challenging part of my work is that each day presents a new problem. I work in fields that I have a strong background in, like acoustics, and take on difficult questions that demand thorough research to answer. I also tackle challenges in areas that I have very little background in and rely on my technical abilities to adapt and learn.

Which accomplishment are you most proud of?

My greatest accomplishment was qualifying in submarines. I proved my technical knowledge was sufficient to safely operate a nuclear warship and joined a legacy like no other. This achievement was years in the making, with countless hours of study and practice. I'll always carry this honor with me, and I'm forever bonded with those that have shared my experience.

How did you become interested in STEM?

I always seemed to have an ingrained passion for physics and the math that came with it. In high school, I had an incredible teacher who assigned labs in such a unique way. He would provide a physical constant — say, gravitational acceleration — and a room full of equipment, and we had to prove the constant's value. I loved having to design, perform, and evaluate my own procedures. In college, I worked alongside theoretical physicists in a lab specializing in low-temperature physics, calibrating resistance bridges that provided temperature readings during experiments. Getting full access to a lab to do exactly what high school had trained me for was an incredible experience!