Michael G. Littman

Michael G. Littman is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University since 1979. He specializes in tunable laser design, laser spectroscopy, mechatronics, space telescope design, and STEM education.

• B.A. (summa) in Physics, Brandeis University (1972)
• Ph.D. in Atomic Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1977)

His research focuses on optical instruments for deep space navigation, direct imaging of exoplanets, and control systems. He is a key contributor to the Terrestrial Planet Finder project, advancing high-contrast coronagraphs for space telescopes.

Notable scientific awards include the Paul F. Forman Award (2005), Optica Fellowship (2010), and the SEAS Distinguished Teaching Award (2015). He also leads the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) initiative.