This excerpt is part of a collection of brief interviews conducted by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) showcasing a student reflecting on their identity and experiences at MIT. Today’s participant, Titus Roesler, is a senior specializing in electrical science and engineering. During his first year at MIT, Roesler became a member of the Experimental Study Group (ESG), a collaborative learning environment that provides incoming MIT students the fundamental Institute requirements (GIRs) within a small, close-knit classroom atmosphere. Roesler continued to engage as an associate advisor in later years for new groups of first-year ESG students, served as a teaching assistant for calculus and group theory courses, and acted as an instructor for unique seminars in electrical engineering that he created from the ground up and subsequently taught. Roesler’s dedication to his academic community also runs deep. Apart from his teaching responsibilities, for which he was recently recognized with the EECS Undergraduate Teaching Award, he is also a participant in the Undergraduate Student Advisory Group in EECS (USAGE), which offers student perspectives to the department.
Q: Can you tell us about a teacher from your past who impacted your development?
A: While enrolled in ESG, I attended ES.1801 (Single-Variable Calculus), ES.1802 (Multivariable Calculus), and ES.1803 (Differential Equations), all taught by Gabrielle Stoy. One morning during late spring, Gabrielle requested that I linger after class to have a conversation with her. (I was concerned about which course rule I might have breached and was anxious throughout the lecture.) Rather than expressing discontent, Gabrielle invited me to apply for a teaching assistant position for an ESG math class in the following semester. I was overjoyed — and that marked the start of my “teaching journey” at MIT! Gabrielle officially retired from teaching mathematics in ESG in 2024, but we collaborated once again to conduct a special seminar on group theory during IAP [Independent Activities Period] 2025.
Q: What is one discussion that altered the course of your life?
A: I’m thankful for all the discussions I’ve had with Prof. Denny Freeman. I value his compassion, insight, and eagerness to dedicate time to talk about career aspirations, research, and education with me. Each visit to his office leaves me feeling more driven and hopeful than when I entered.
Q: Do you have a wish list? If yes, can you share a couple of items from it?
A: Completing the Boston Marathon has been on my wish list for several years, and I achieved that milestone in 2024. In addition, I would love to become acquainted with Antarctica — potentially by living and working at a research facility for a year.
Q: What’s your favorite key on a standard computer keyboard and why?
A: The backslash ( ) key is my favorite. I frequently utilize it for TEX commands during typesetting.
Q: If you unexpectedly won the lottery, how would you utilize some of the money?
A: A large order of Hagoromo chalk — popularly known as the “Rolls-Royce of chalk!”
Q: If you had to teach an extremely detailed course on a specialized topic, what would you choose?
A: In the field of signal processing, filters are used to isolate desired frequency ranges while reducing others. I would be keen on instructing a course focused on the theory and implementation behind filter design — creating a filter that meets specific requirements. For instance, should it be analog or digital? Finite impulse response or infinite impulse response? Group delay? Causality? Stability? Practical application? I may not be a specialist in filter design myself, but I would relish the chance to consolidate what I’ve learned so far and delve deeper into the subject.