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Visionary astronautics researcher, explorer, and expert on human adaptation to space will lead the Institute’s world-renowned research center.
To celebrate International Women's Day in 2019, Barbie rocked a BioSuit™ of her own when Mattel Portugal honored me with "Astronaut Barbie," inspired by my work as part of their Barbie scientist series.
Specialization and Research Interests
Aerospace biomedical engineering: biomechanics, control, and dynamics; human factors; engineering systems and design; space policy
Teaching Interests
Introduction to Aerospace and Design, exploration, space biomedical engineering, leadership development
Academic Degrees
B.S., 1986, University of Notre Dame (Aerospace Engineering) S.M., 1989, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Aeronautics & Astronautics) S.M., 1989, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Technology and Policy) Ph.D., 1992, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Aero. Biomed. Engineering)
Society Memberships
American Association of University Women, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts, Aerospace Medical Association, American Society for Engineering Education, International Society of Biomechanics, Sigma Xi, The International Research Honor Society, Society of Women Engineers, Space Studies Institute, Union of Concerned Scientists
Positions Held at MIT
Charles Stark Draper Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1993-1995; Assistant Professor, 1995-1998; Harvard–MIT HST Affiliate Faculty, 1995-Present; Associate Professor, 1998-2000; MIT Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2000; Director, Technology and Policy Program, 2003-2105; Engineering Systems Div., Joint Faculty, 2003-2004; Professor 2004-present, Engineering Systems Division, Dual Faculty, 2004-present; House Master: Baker House 2005-2015; Director, MIT Media Lab 2021-
Positions Held outside MIT
NASA Deputy Administrator, 2015-2017
Affiliated Labs
Awards & Honors
2019
Honored at International Women's Day with a Dr. Dava Newman Barbie space doll, Mattel
2018
Lowell Thomas Award–Explorer’s Club
2018
Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
2018
Jeffries Aerospace Medicine and Life Sciences Research Award, AIAA
2017
Leadership Award, Women in Aerospace
2017
NASA Distinguished Service Medal
2016
National Capital Section's Barry M. Goldwater Education Award, AIAA
2016
Henry L. Taylor Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Aerospace Human Factors, Aerospace Medical Association
2008
Metropolitan Museum of Art Super Heroes: Fashion and Fantasy
2007
Best Inventions of the Year, Time Magazine
2000
MIT Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow