Gleason appointed as Associate Provost
**MIT Appoints Professor Karen Gleason as Associate Provost**
Professor Karen Gleason, a renowned chemist and chemical engineer, has been appointed as the new associate provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), effective immediately. In her new role, she will oversee administrative functions including space planning, resource allocation, campus renovations, and developing partnerships with industry to enhance research and educational collaborations.
Professor Gleason, who has been a faculty member at MIT since 1987, brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She has previously served the institution in various capacities, including as associate dean of engineering for research, associate director for the Institute of Soldier Nanotechnologies, and executive officer of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her significant experience working with industry will be beneficial to the Office of the Provost's efforts around collaborations with industry.
Provost Martin Schmidt expressed gratitude for Professor Gleason's acceptance of the new position, noting her entrepreneurial spirit and impressive background in her email to the MIT community. Professor Gleason's pioneering research in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of polymer thin films allows for the fabrication of novel organic surfaces and devices. She has authored over 250 publications and holds 18 issued U.S. patents for CVD polymers and their applications in optoelectronics, sensing, microfluidics, energy, biomedicine, and membranes.
In her new role, Professor Gleason will chair the Committee for the Review of Space Planning (CRSP), which is responsible for managing space planning, allocation, and renovations across MIT. This appointment replaces Provost Martin Schmidt, who was appointed provost in February.
Professor Gleason, who currently holds the Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Professor of Chemical Engineering position at MIT, will no longer have teaching or research responsibilities in the Department of Chemical Engineering. She is thrilled to serve in her new capacity at MIT and looks forward to contributing to the institution's ongoing success.
While the exact details of Professor Gleason's appointment and responsibilities at MIT have not been officially announced, typical associate provost roles at MIT involve overseeing administrative functions and developing partnerships with industry to enhance research and educational collaborations. These details should be confirmed through official MIT announcements or websites.
- Professor Karen Gleason's expertise spans across engineering and chemistry, making her a valuable addition to the field of public research, particularly in nanotechnology and energy.
- The Dean of Engineering will miss Professor Gleason's contributions to the Department of Chemical Engineering, especially her groundbreaking work in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of polymer thin films.
- With her extensive experience in research and partnership development, Professor Gleason is expected to make significant contributions to MIT's faculty, education-and-self-development, and technology endeavors.
- In the realm of space exploration, the university community anticipates that Professor Gleason's leadership in the Committee for the Review of Space Planning (CRSP) will lead to innovative campus renovations and efficient space planning.
- The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) press plans to cover Professor Gleason's influential role in various areas such as medicine, optoelectronics, sensing, microfluidics, and biomedicine.
- Along with her new role as associate provost, Professor Gleason's patent portfolio in CVD polymers and their applications is likely to stimulate further innovation and technological advancements at MIT.
