Wesley L. Harris

Specialization and Research Interests

Fluid dynamics: unsteady aerodynamics, aeroacoustics; rotorcraft technology; economic incentives: defense systems acquisition, lean financial management methods; sustainment of capital assets; sickle cell pathology: onset dynamics of crisis.

Academic Degrees

B.A.E. (with Honors), 1964, University of Virginia
M.A, 1966, Princeton University
Ph.D., 1968, Princeton University

Society Memberships

African Scientific Institute, Fellow; American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow; American Helicopter Society, Fellow, Director; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Honorary Fellow; American Physical Society; American Society for Engineering Education; Mathematical Association of America; National Academy of Engineering; National Technical Association, Fellow; Cosmos Club, Washington, DC; Union of Concerned Scientists, Board Member.

Positions held at MIT

Founding Director, MIT Hypersonics Research Team, 2015 – present; Associate Provost for Faculty Equity, 2008-2013; Head, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2003-2008; Housemaster, New House, 2002-present; Charles Stark Draper Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2001-present; Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1996-2001; M.L. King Jr. Visiting Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1995-1996; Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1981-1985; Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1979-1981; Director of the Office of Minority Education, 1975-1979; Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and of Ocean Engineering, 1973-1979, Sponsored Research Experiment Subcommittee” of the Ad Hoc Academic Affairs Committee (AAC).

Positions held outside MIT

Advisory Committee Member for Alabama A&M University’s LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Program; AIAA 2026 Fellows Selection, Chair; AIAA Honors and Awards Committee; Vice President, National Academy of Engineering (2022-Present); NASA Headquarters, Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, 1993-1995; University of Tennessee, Space Institute, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, 1990-1993; University of Connecticut, School of Engineering Dean, 1985-1990; Harris Analytical and Planning, President and Owner, 1980-1985; NASA Headquarters, Manager, Computational Methods 1979-1980; Southern University, Department of Physics, Associate Professor 1970-1971; University of Virginia, School of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, Assistant Professor 1968-1970, Associate Professor 1971-1972.