Nathaniel Hanson

Dr. Nathaniel Hanson is a technical staff member of the Human Resilience Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He holds a BS degree in computer engineering from the University of Notre Dame, an MS degree in computer science from Boston University, and a PhD in computer engineering from Northeastern University's Institute for Experiential Robotics. His doctoral research focused on leveraging hyperspectral imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy for robot-centric terrain understanding and object manipulation.

At Lincoln Laboratory, Hanson leads a research portfolio at the intersection of robotics and disaster response. His current work explores sensor-algorithm co-design for material perception, soft robotic intelligence, and remote sensing for ecosystem monitoring. He collaborates closely with MIT on AI curriculum development, and mentors military personnel through the Department of the Air Force-MIT AI Accelerator. In addition to his research, Hanson helps organize academic conferences and workshops through the IEEE and Automation Society to advance robotic technologies in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.