Alyssa Pierson

Alyssa Pierson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University since January 2021, previously serving as a Research Scientist and Postdoctoral Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from February 2017 to December 2020. Pierson specializes in designing control algorithms for autonomous vehicles that engage with human drivers, emphasizing socially-aware planning algorithms to address congestion, risk measurement, and the intentions of other drivers. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University (2017) and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College (2010), Pierson’s experience includes roles as a Program Manager and Mechanical Design Engineer at Cobham and various engineering projects during undergraduate studies.