Douglas Hart

Professor Douglas Hart is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. His work spans multiple research areas including Energy Systems, Ocean Robotics, Medical Imaging, and Tribology.

Professor Hart received his B.Sc. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1983, his M.Sc. from MIT in 1985, and his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1993.

His research focuses on Energy Systems and Ocean Robotics with significant practical applications. His work has led to innovations in battery technology for underwater vehicles and transportation systems like the MIT Hyperloop project. Media coverage in NYTimes, MIT News, Xconomy, Boston Globe, Scientific American, and Phys.org highlights the real-world impact of his research.

Professor Hart has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to education and research:

• Jr. Bose Award for education
• Keenan Award for innovation in education
• ASME Robert T. Knapp Award

Professor Hart has been actively involved in entrepreneurship, co-founding multiple companies including Glissade Inc., Lantos Inc., and Brontes Inc. At MIT, he serves as Co-Director of the MIT School of Engineering Technical Leadership and Communication (TLC) Program and the MIT Portugal Program, and is the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Faculty Liaison. He previously served as Division Head for Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics.

He teaches Engineering Systems Design (2.013), Engineering Systems Development (2.014), and the International Workshop on Innovation, with his 2.013 class inspiring student innovations like the water-powered aluminum battery for underwater vehicles.