James Clifford

What does your job entail?

In my current role, I build and analyze physics-based models of a wide array of technologies related to sensors, aircraft, satellites, communication systems, navigation, and data exploitation. I then present the key findings of my analyses to a range of audiences, from our government sponsors to my Laboratory colleagues.

What brought you to the Laboratory?

After college, I wanted to work with a great team on interesting projects that have real-world impact; I cannot think of a better place than the Laboratory for this type of career.

Do you participate in any Laboratory community activities? 

I am a member of the New Employee Network and Recent College Graduates employee resource groups and have volunteered with the Girls’ Innovation Research Lab (G.I.R.L.). I was drawn to hands-on science demonstrations as a young student and would love to spark that interest in the next generation of scientists. At one G.I.R.L. event, I helped middle school girls build light-up mechanical arms, introducing them to mechanical and electrical design and the fun of science and engineering.   

What are your hobbies?

As a former collegiate baseball player, I enjoy watching baseball. More recently, I have taken up rock climbing and joined the MIT Outing Club, which has been a great way to meet new people in the area and spend time in nature.

Where do you find inspiration or motivation?

I have always liked puzzles and solving problems, and that interest served as a baseline motivation for the experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics research that I carried out for my master’s degree before I joined the Laboratory. The real-world impact of my analyses and the opportunity to present them to our government sponsors adds an additional layer of motivation to the already fascinating problem-solving work I get to do.