MIT President Sally Kornbluth joins Laboratory Director Melissa Choi for fireside chat

Kornbluth and Choi discussed the connection between MIT campus and Lincoln Laboratory.
October 6, 2026
Haley Wahl | Technical Communications Group
Sally Kornbluth and Melissa Choi sit in blue chairs on a wooden stage in Lincoln Laboratory's auditorium.
Sally Kornbluth (left) and Melissa Choi (right) at a fireside chat in front of the Laboratory community. Photo: Niki Fandel / Lincoln Laboratory

In early September, MIT President Sally Kornbluth visited Lincoln Laboratory as part of a series of events celebrating the Laboratory’s 75th anniversary. Kornbluth met with Director Melissa Choi to discuss a variety of topics, including the Laboratory’s connections with MIT and how AI can be leveraged to increase students’ learning experience.

"Looking back over our 75 years, it's fair to say that MIT has been in our DNA since the day we started," Choi said during the chat. "The Institute's dedication to national service, technical innovation, and excellence drives our ability to deliver high-impact solutions for national security."

As the two discussed how AI is affecting research and education at MIT, Kornbluth referred to MIT's AI and Education report, which assessed the current use of AI at MIT and provided recommendations on how it can be used in the classroom.

"I think we want to think about AI as a tool for human augmentation, not human replacement," Kornbluth said. "And we really need to teach our students how to do that."

They also discussed the strong partnership between MIT campus and the Laboratory and new opportunities for collaboration in the future. Along these lines, Kornbluth emphasized the intellectual exchange of information, how the Laboratory develops dual-use technologies that could also be explored on campus, and the importance of intellectual initiatives such as quantum research. For the future, she mentioned opportunities in space exploration tools, such as sensors and navigators, and collaborations with MIT AeroAstro.

Choi wrapped up the chat by presenting Kornbluth with a Lincoln Laboratory 75th anniversary coin and a 3D laser radar image of MIT campus.

"It’s very important for us to think about Lincoln Laboratory and MIT as part of the same community trying to solve problems and enrich particular areas." Kornbluth said. "I look forward to seeing what will happen in the coming years."

Inquiries, contact Anne McGovern.