<p>What are the students researching, specifically in undergraduate engineering. Are they leading science in many fields? Because I look at MIT and I see Magnar city and $200 computers, open courseware.</p>
<p>Can someone elaborate on whether caltech is continuing research into rovers and seismology?</p>
<p>I'm not trying to be insulting by comparing Caltech to MIT, I'm sure it's done a lot between the two.</p>
<p>A comparison shouldn't be / isn't insulting. That being said, before continuing it's worth noting a couple of things about the examples you picked. </p>
<p>I don't know what Magnar city is, but the $200 computers you reference came out of MIT's media lab, which despite being cool is really more of a design lab than a scientific research lab. The project you mentioned is not what would be considered traditional scientific research--it's an application of artistic creativity and design skills to existing hardware to create a better product.</p>
<p>I guess my point is that if you are really sure that you'd like to do MIT's MAS (Media Arts and Sciences) program, you should really consider going to MIT. That program is very unique. If you're planning on majoring in something else, you should try to compare research in relevant fields. I can't say a lot about the general research at Caltech because I don't pay attention, but I can certainly talk about the research going on my field.</p>
<p>Two interesting things going on in my lab: I am working on creating micro-sized platinum filament-based light emitters to be used in on-chip infrared spectroscopy. They are roughly 5 microns and are totally awesome!</p>
<p>My grad student is working on portable NMR, which is exciting. Another of my friends is working on an implantable bio-sensor that can serve as an early-warning system for a certain disease (I can't remember if I'm allowed to talk about it or not, I know I wasn't for a time). </p>
<p>You can sometimes find interesting stuff in here: Caltech</a> Media Relations: News Releases</p>
<p>I said masdar city!.......</p>
<p>Well thanks for the info, and for being understanding.</p>
<p>I met a grad student at some social event a while ago that's in the geology department. He's working on an early warning earthquake detection system. Apparently they were able to detect the large earthquake a few months ago about 5-10 seconds before it happened. They're hoping to increase the range a little bit further, and then have some way to integrate it into public systems. As in, get it to stop trains, broadcast it on TV/radio and give people a chance to stop whatever they're doing, lock down, dive under a desk, and get ready for the earthquake in a few seconds. Definitely a neat idea, and after having gone through my first earthquake just recently, I'd say it would be a great idea!</p>
<p>JPL (which is run by Caltech) is working on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) which will be the next rover to go to Mars. I think it's due for launch in the next year or so.</p>
<p>haha lol, we all have yahoo aim and are online right now. creepy. but thanks</p>
<p>Are undergraduates at MIT involved in Masdar City? I don't think the other examples by the OP are even engineering/science projects. I'm also kind of surprised that the $100 laptop project is on the list since all the reject buzz I've read was fairly critical (ie, it's not working, the laptops cost much more than the target $100, etc). </p>
<p>I'm not sure if the OP wants a list of the most high-profile profs/projects at both campuses. Are you looking for software start-ups that undergrads participate in? That's more of an MIT thing for sure. </p>
<p>I know that alt energy start-ups are very hot at Caltech right now (although it's probably hot at every research uni). There are also notable programmable/synthetic biology projects/labs at Caltech.</p>
<p>Edit: This post wasn't too useful, but if the OP specifies what field he/she's interested in, I could go into more detail w/ the stuff I'm familiar with and that an undergrad could get an involved in.</p>