Karen Gleason appointed associate provost

Dear members of the MIT community,

I am writing to announce that Professor Karen Gleason has agreed to take on the role of Associate Provost, effective today, April 1.

Professor Gleason replaces me in that role, which I stepped down from upon my appointment as Provost in February.

In her new position, Professor Gleason will have oversight of space planning, allocation, and renovations across the Institute, which includes chairing the Committee for the Review of Space Planning (CRSP). In addition, she will bring her significant experience working with industry to bear on her role in supporting the Office of the Provost's focus on strengthening MIT's industrial engagements.

I am thrilled by Professor Gleason's willingness to serve in this capacity. A member of the faculty since 1987, Karen is the Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Professor of Chemical Engineering. Previously, she has served MIT as the Associate Dean of Engineering for Research; Associate Director for the Institute of Soldier Nanotechnologies, and Executive Officer for the Department of Chemical Engineering. Karen's pioneering research in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of polymer thin films makes it possible to fabricate novel organic surfaces and devices. Prof. Gleason has authored more than 250 publications and holds 18 issued US Patents for CVD polymers and their applications in optoelectronics, sensing, microfluidics, energy, biomedicine, and membranes. She has also been a successful entrepreneur during her time on the MIT faculty.

Karen earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in chemical engineering from MIT. Her doctorate in Chemical Engineering is from the University of California at Berkeley.

Please join me in congratulating Karen on her new role.

Sincerely,

Martin A. Schmidt, Provost