MIT Lincoln Laboratory Interns Address National Security Challenges
Nearly 170 interns have recently completed their summer research program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, returning to their undergraduate or advanced degree programs. However, for Anna Raymaker and Vivek Jagadeesh, the work is just beginning as they continue their contributions as student technical assistants during the 2026-27 academic year, supporting the laboratory's national security research.
Robert Loynd, executive officer in the Director's Office, emphasized the importance of the summer research program in developing talent for defense-critical programs. Interns are integrated into research and development teams across various mission areas, including missile defense, cyber operations, advanced communications, and quantum technologies.
In 2026, the intern program was recognized by Yello and WayUp, earning a spot on their Top 100 Internship Program list and receiving the Public Service Award for its commitment to meaningful intern engagement that benefits the public good.
Anna Raymaker, a PhD student at Georgia Tech, focused her research on maritime security. Initially unsure of her specific area of study, she became engaged in a project involving a boat test bed. Through her research, she identified a significant gap in shipping security, particularly concerning the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is crucial for preventing maritime collisions. Raymaker discovered that AIS could be manipulated, leading to potential dangers such as ghost fleets disguising themselves to evade sanctions.
This summer, Raymaker analyzed the security of AIS at Lincoln Laboratory, aiming to understand the trust assumptions within the system and identify vulnerabilities. Her research uncovered various methods of interfering with AIS, including radio-based spoofing, which could mislead vessels about their positions or transmission channels. Collaborating with her advisor, Hamed Okhravi, she explored defenses against these threats, highlighting the real-world implications of AIS security for navigation and global shipping.
Collaboration Fuels Maritime Security Innovations
Raymaker expressed appreciation for the collaborative culture at the laboratory, noting how discussions with staff often led to valuable connections and support. As a student technical assistant, she plans to investigate other aspects of maritime security, including the protection of undersea cables, which have become a geopolitical concern. She aims to develop solutions to the challenges faced by mariners, emphasizing the importance of their safety at sea.
Vivek Jagadeesh, a master's student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, found his path to Lincoln Laboratory through a summer position that aligned with his research on securing operating systems. He worked on Hardware-Assisted Kernel Compartmentalization (HAKC), a technology designed to enhance the security of operating system kernels by dividing them into smaller, manageable components.
Jagadeesh's focus was on facilitating HAKC's transition to industry, aiming to make the technology accessible to major Linux distributors. He developed a source-to-source compiler, or transpiler, which allows for seamless integration of HAKC code into existing Linux systems. This innovation is crucial for ensuring that the technology can be widely adopted and audited by developers.
Cleared to File
His advisor, Derrick McKee, praised Jagadeesh's achievement in creating a transpiler capable of transforming the entire Linux kernel, marking a significant milestone for HAKC's future. Jagadeesh felt well-supported throughout his internship, collaborating closely with project leaders and contributing to meaningful work that has real-world implications.
For students considering an internship at Lincoln Laboratory, Jagadeesh encourages them to pursue the opportunity, highlighting the chance to work on impactful projects that will inform their future research endeavors.
