MIT Technology and Policy Program

Theses

TPP student research spans many domains, but shares methodologies and goals. Examples of award-winning theses and noteworthy research projects are shared here. We also maintain a public database of all TPP thesis titles, with links to web publications where available.

Award-Winning Theses and Student Research Stories

2023 Thesis Prize Winner

  • Maja Svanberg; “The Economic Advantage of Computer Vision Over Human Labor, and Its Market Implications” (2023). Advisor(s): Neil Thompson.

2022 Thesis Prize Winners

2021 Thesis Prize Winner

Karan Bhuwalka, recent TPP alum who won best thesis in 2021, reflects on TPP’s interdisciplinary approach and bringing data science, manufacturing, and social issues together in his research on the materials that make up electric vehicles.

Do native ads shape our perception of the news?: Manon Revel

Often masquerading as legitimate news, so-called “native” ads, pushed by content recommendation networks, have brought badly needed revenue to the struggling U.S. news industry. But at what cost? TPP alum Manon Revel is now a PhD student in the IDSS Social and Engineering Systems PhD program. Her TPP thesis advisor was Prof. Ali Jadbabaie.

Health Savings of Renewable Energy: Emil Dimanchev

Research from TPP alum Emil Dimanchev, who won TPP’s best thesis award in 2019, found that health savings from cleaner air would more than pay for the cost of implementing renewable energy policies. His thesis was advised by TPP director Noelle Selin.

Thesis Database

Thesis Titles, 1977 to 2015

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2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2015
  • Francois Bouriez; “Characterization of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor on Silicon Insulator;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Richard Davies; “Learning by Doing and Using and Electric Utility Input into the Nuclear Power Plant Innovation Process;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Alexander Demacopoulos; “International Construction Financing;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Thomas DiMauro; “The Springfield Bypass;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Moctar Fall; “Energy Problems and Economic Growth in Senegal;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Olimpia Hernandez Pena; “Survey and Analysis of the Relationship between Perceived Qualities and Perceptions of Effectiveness by the Users and Staff of the Computer Facility: The Joint Computer Facility at MIT;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Steven Izatt; “The Artificial Heart Program: An Analysis of Economic, Technological, and Political Forces, 1963-1971;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Eric Maille; “The Discount Rate for a Government-Owned Utility: The Case of Hydro-Quebec;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Jeremy Newberger; “A Strategy for Localized Cooling of Dispersed Computer Systems;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Barbara Smith; “An Analysis of Alternative Strategies for the Appraisal and Authorization of Risky Industrial Facilities;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Darryl Thompson; “The Efficacy of Patent and Trade Secret Laws on Recombinant DNA Techniques;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)
  • Harry West; “The Manning of Robots -- A Study of the Relation between Robot Technology and Trade Union Policy;” SM, 1984 (5/1/1984)

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