Daniel E. Hastings

Specialization and Research Interests

My research spans laser material interactions, fusion plasma physics, spacecraft plasma environment interactions, space plasma thrusters, and space systems analysis and design. I am also interested in  advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at MIT.

Teaching Interests

Throughout my MIT tenure, I have taught courses in space environment interactions, rocket propulsion, advanced space power and propulsion systems, space policy and space systems engineering.

Academic Degrees

B.A., 1976, Oxford University; S.M., 1978, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D., 1980, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Positions Held at MIT

Associate Department Head for Research, 1993-1996; Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1993-present; Professor, Engineering Systems, 2000-2015; Director, Technology and Policy Program, 2000 – 2003; Associate Director & Co-Director, Engineering Systems Division, 2000-2004; Director, Engineering Systems Division, 2004-2005; Dean for Undergraduate Education, 2006-2013; Chief Executive Officer and Director Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 2014-2018, Aeronautics and Astronautics Department Head, 2019-2023, Associate Dean of Engineering for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School of Engineering, 2021-2023, Institute Community and Equity Officer (interim), 2023 – 2024, Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement (interim), 2023 – 2024.

Positions Held outside MIT

Chief Scientist of the Air Force, 1997-1999; NRC Government Industry University Roundtable, 2000-2003; Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, 1993-1997 and 2000-2009; Chair, Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, 2002-2005; Chair, Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Lab S&T Advisory Panel, 2001-2010; NASA Advisory Council, 2001-2003; National Science Board, 2002-2008; National Academy of Engineering, Committee of the Engineer 2020, 2001-2006; Draper Corporation, 2006-2019; Board of Trustees of Aerospace Corp, 2000-2009, 2010-2019, 2020-present; Intelligence Science Board, 2010-2013; NRC Air Force Studies Board, 2011-2019; AAAS Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, 2008-2013; Blue Origin Advisory Board, 2020-present; Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Board, 2021-present; NASEM Division of Engineering and Physical Sciences Board 2019-present. Defense Science Board (2022-present); User Advisory Group for the National Space Council (2023-present); AIAA President Elect (2023-present).