From NC State to MIT: A Caldwell Fellow’s Research Journey

Gabe Thompson, a member of the Caldwell Fellows Class of 2026, is spending his summer at one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. Gabe, who is double majoring in physics and electrical engineering, was selected for MIT’s competitive nine-week Summer Research Program (MSRP), where he’s conducting artificial intelligence and machine learning research under the guidance of MIT professor Andreea Bobu.

A Dream Laboratory Becomes Reality

Thompson’s first day at MIT left an indelible impression. Walking into what he describes as a “very funky-looking building where you could imagine that cutting-edge science is done,” he encountered the legendary MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). The lab, whose academic genealogy traces back to Isaac Newton himself, houses humanoid robots and whiteboards scattered with mathematical formulas.

“It almost felt like a scene from a movie,” Thompson recalls. “Later on, I learned that I would be working there during the summer… this was really mind-blowing to me.”

The significance of this moment extends beyond the impressive facilities. Thompson has been reading research papers from CSAIL for years, making his placement there a full-circle experience that bridges his academic studies with hands-on research at the highest level.

Leadership Through Service in Research

Thompson’s approach to his MIT experience reflects the servant-leadership principles he’s cultivated as a Caldwell Fellow. While his research work is largely independent, he’s found meaningful ways to serve the broader research community within the program.

“Research can be very hard, and especially daunting if you are new to it,” Thompson explains. “I try to be a positive force in other people’s lives here, whether that is being someone you can have a genuine conversation with or providing guidance for people who are newer to the research process than I am.”

I try to be a positive force in other people’s lives here, whether that is being someone you can have a genuine conversation with or providing guidance for people who are newer to the research process than I am.

This philosophy aligns with his understanding of what it means to be a Caldwell Fellow: “carrying the principles of servant-leadership outside of NC State and into the world around you.” For Thompson, this manifests in small but significant moments of service, from helping with cleanup after meals to taking extra time to assist colleagues.

Navigating Open-Ended Challenges

The independent nature of Thompson’s research presents both opportunities and challenges. Working on open-ended problems in a new research area can feel overwhelming, particularly when faced with big, undefined questions. However, his Caldwell experience has equipped him with valuable tools for navigating these challenges.

“The Caldwell experience made me realize the amount of power that community has,” Thompson reflects. “I’ve been able to use this appreciation for community to help in building one here over the summer. When things are tough or challenges get to be a lot, I have found that I can draw on the people around me.”

This community-building approach has proven essential in the demanding research environment, where collaboration and mutual support can make the difference between breakthrough and burnout.

Building Connections and Presenting Research

Beyond his daily research activities, Thompson is focused on building lasting connections with MIT faculty, graduate students, and his undergraduate cohort. These relationships represent valuable professional networks that could shape his future academic and career trajectory.

Adding to the significance of his summer, Thompson will present a paper he authored at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) in Vancouver—a major achievement that highlights the caliber of research he’s conducting.

Lessons for Future Fellows

Drawing from his experience, Thompson offers practical advice for incoming Caldwell Fellows: “Find something that intersects with your interests and where you want to make a difference, and commit yourself to serving somewhere during your time at NC State.”

His approach emphasizes depth over breadth, focusing on fewer areas where he can take on greater responsibility and create more meaningful impact. This strategy has clearly served him well, leading to opportunities like the MIT research program and the chance to present at international conferences.

Thompson’s summer at MIT exemplifies how the Caldwell Fellowship’s emphasis on servant-leadership can create opportunities for academic excellence while maintaining a commitment to community and service. As he continues his research in one of the world’s leading AI labs, he carries with him the principles that define not just his academic pursuits, but his approach to making a difference in the world around him.