Abstract: An apparatus for measuring environmental parameters along a drill string includes a protector disposed radially around the drill string, and a sensor system with an optical fiber configured to collect data on environmentalditions within a wellbore through which the drill string is being inserted. Protector is made of a composite material having the sensor system and the optical fiber embedded within. Collected data may be extracted from the sensor system. A method of collecting data on environmental conditions within a wellbore includes disposing a sensor system onto a matrix substrate of a protector; coating the sensor system and matrix substrate with a composite material; curing the composite material so as to embed the sensor system within the protector; forming a protector around a drill string; using the sensor system to collect data from within the wellbore upon insertion of the drill string and protector; and retrieving the collected data.