Dear members of the MIT community and friends,
I’m writing to share a personal update. As some of you may have read, I have accepted the role of
MIT’s next Provost.
As such, this will be my last issue of The Infinite as the Dean of Engineering.
Serving as dean over the past eight years has been the highlight of my professional career. I’ve had the incredible privilege of working alongside and learning from the extraordinary community of engineering faculty, students, postdocs, and staff. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting so many of our remarkable alumni. Your accomplishments, insights, and commitment to MIT have been a constant source of inspiration, and your support for the next generation of engineers continues to strengthen our shared mission.
As I reflect on my tenure as dean, I am deeply proud of what we’ve achieved together. Across our departments, labs, and centers, the School of Engineering has advanced knowledge, launched bold new initiatives, and continued to educate and empower students to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. That spirit of collaboration, innovation, and purpose defines this community.
I’m delighted to share that Maria Yang, the Kendall-Rohsenow Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will serve as interim dean while we begin the search for the next dean. Maria is a thoughtful leader, a champion of excellence in teaching and research, and a trusted member of the School’s leadership. I know the School will thrive under her guidance during this transition.
I hope you enjoy this issue’s highlights from the end of the academic year. Thank you for your support, your friendship, and the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to continuing to serve MIT, and to staying connected with this extraordinary community, in my new role as Provost.
Sincerely,
