Gleason appointed as Associate Provost
In an email to the MIT community, Provost Martin Schmidt expressed his gratitude to Professor Karen Gleason for accepting the position of associate provost at the prestigious institution. Effective immediately, Professor Gleason will take on this new role, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise.
Professor Gleason has been a part of the MIT faculty since 1987, and during this time, she has made significant contributions to the university. She has served in various roles, including associate dean of engineering for research, associate director for the Institute of Soldier Nanotechnologies, and executive officer of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
In her new role, Professor Gleason will have oversight of space planning, allocation, and renovations across MIT. She will also support the Office of the Provost's focus on strengthening MIT's industrial engagements. Her significant experience working with industry will be beneficial to these efforts.
Professor Gleason's industrial and entrepreneurial background will be a valuable asset in her new position. She has authored over 250 publications and holds 18 issued U.S. patents for CVD polymers and their applications in various fields such as optoelectronics, sensing, microfluidics, energy, biomedicine, and membranes. Her research in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of polymer thin films has led to the fabrication of novel organic surfaces and devices.
As the Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, Professor Gleason has demonstrated her commitment to the university. She will now chair the Committee for the Review of Space Planning (CRSP).
Provost Schmidt noted that Professor Gleason's experience as an entrepreneur will be very helpful to the Office of the Provost. He wrote that he is thrilled by her willingness to serve in this capacity.
In her new role, Professor Gleason is expected to have broad academic leadership responsibilities, typically including overseeing faculty affairs, research initiatives, academic programs, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her role will likely involve strategic planning to advance MIT’s educational and research missions, particularly in fostering innovation and partnerships across campus.
Gleason's appointment replaces Provost Schmidt, who was appointed provost in February. This change marks a new chapter in MIT's leadership, with Professor Gleason's industry expertise set to play a significant role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university's academic community.
Professor Gleason's extensive experience and achievements make her an ideal candidate for this role. Her appointment is expected to strengthen MIT's position as a global leader in technology and economic development, by encouraging a culture of innovation and enabling the university to strengthen ties with industry partners and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
- Professor Gleason's significant contributions to MIT, spanning roles in engineering, nanotech, and chemistry, will likely influence her academic leadership responsibilities.
- Her 18 issued U.S. patents for CVD polymers, applied in various fields such as energy, biomedicine, and microfluidics, demonstrate her expertise in technology and innovation.
- In her new role, Professor Gleason will oversee research initiatives, faculty affairs, and academic programs, leveraging her extensive experience in these areas.
- The press is likely to cover her appointment, given her impressive background in education, self-development, and industrial engagement.
- MIT's focus on space planning, allocation, and renovations will benefit from Professor Gleason's oversight, given her expertise in strategic planning and her commitment to the university.
- With Professor Gleason's appointment, MIT may foster stronger partnerships with industry partners and entrepreneurial ecosystems, further solidifying its position as a global leader in energy, medicine, and technology.
