As an R&D organization, we at Draper perform life-changing research and develop solutions to address some of the world\u2019s most urgent problems. But our innovations in space exploration, life sciences, human-centered engineering, autonomous systems, and other disciplines couldn\u2019t happen without modern digital technology and collaborative partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technology fuels innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When I joined Draper in 2015, it was still very much an engineering company. In addition to its traditional U.S. government clients, Draper was branching out in an effort to deliver innovation and create solutions for commercial enterprises and academia. I decided I could make the best contribution by bringing about beneficial change and finding ways to use technology to spearhead transformations. Our CEO supported me in this, and the company was ready for IT to play a larger part in leading innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It gives me great joy to drive our strategy as an advisor who sees what technology can help us accomplish\u2014and can put it into practice. Technology has opened the floodgates to immense innovation. It makes it possible to harvest and process enormous masses of data, and it positions scientists and researchers to expand the horizon of the possible every day. I am still excited to see what we can accomplish in the future, IT has never been better primed to make a lasting difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new voyage to the moon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our participation in NASA\u2019s initiative to return to the moon might be the most dramatic effort where technology plays a crucial role. Draper is on track to provide descent guidance and flight avionics for NASA\u2019s Human Landing System for the Artemis program, which aims to establish a presence on the moon by 2024. This is a sensational, once-in-a-lifetime undertaking, and what I find just as intriguing is that research and engineering in space can lead to practical, important benefits for people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAn example: One of our in-space projects is the \u201ctake me home\u201d button on an astronaut\u2019s suit. If astronauts become disoriented during a spacewalk, hitting that button would redirect them back to the spacecraft. You could transfer that solution into people\u2019s daily lives. How do we install this technology on firefighters\u2019 jackets, so they can get to safety when they must rush out of a burning building? That research is possible right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating transformative outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You find some of the best talent in the industry here. Draper is the rare company where a high-caliber scientist, a former four-star general, and a recent university graduate may work together to solve difficult problems. Part of IT\u2019s mission is to help them accomplish that, even when they are not in the same room together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDraper is the rare company where a high-caliber scientist, a former four-star general, and a recent university graduate may work together to solve difficult problems..\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n