Maria Yang, a distinguished mechanical engineering professor and design leader, has been appointed MIT's vice provost for faculty, where she will oversee faculty recruitment, retention, and professional development while maintaining her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
MIT has appointed Maria Yang, the William E. Leonhard (1940) Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as its new vice provost for faculty, effective February 16, 2026. The appointment, announced by Provost Anantha Chandrakasan, recognizes Yang's nearly two-decade career at MIT marked by interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership across the Institute.
Yang's new role places her at the center of MIT's efforts to recruit, retain, and support faculty members throughout their careers. She will work closely with school and department leaders on strategic planning, mentorship programs, and professional development initiatives designed to help faculty pursue "bold ideas with excellence and creativity." Her appointment also includes oversight of campus academic and research spaces, leadership of the National Science Foundation's New England Innovation Corps Hub, and representation on various Institute boards and committees.
A Return to MIT with a Distinguished Track Record
Yang's connection to MIT runs deep. As an undergraduate in mechanical engineering, she graduated with the Class of 1991 before pursuing her master's and PhD at Stanford University's design division. She returned to MIT in 2007 as an assistant professor and has since held multiple leadership positions, including associate dean, deputy dean, and interim dean of the School of Engineering.
Her leadership experience extends beyond traditional administrative roles. In 2021, Yang co-chaired an Institute-wide committee on the future of design, which led to the creation of the Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) through a generous gift from the Morningside Foundation. As MAD's associate director since its inception, Yang has developed innovative programs including design-focused graduate fellowships open to students across MIT and a new design-themed first-year learning community.
Since 2017, Yang has also served as academic faculty director for MIT D-Lab, which uses participatory design to collaborate with communities worldwide on solutions to poverty challenges. In 2024, she became co-chair of the SHASS+ Connectivity Fund, supporting research projects that bring together scholars from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences with faculty from other MIT schools.
Design Research and Recognition
Yang's research focuses on early-stage design processes and their impact on outcomes, from consumer products to complex engineering systems. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 ASME Design Theory and Methodology Award, which recognizes "sustained and meritorious contributions" in the field. She is also a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award and the American Society of Engineering Education Fred Merryfield Design Award.
In 2017, Yang was named a MacVicar Faculty Fellow, one of MIT's highest teaching honors, recognizing her excellence in undergraduate education.
Vision for Faculty Support
In her new role, Yang emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that enables faculty to perform at their best, not only as researchers but also as educators, mentors, and members of the MIT community. "Part of what makes MIT unique is the way it provides faculty the room and the encouragement to do work that they think is important, impactful, and sometimes unexpected," she says.
Chandrakasan expressed confidence in Yang's ability to serve as "an effective and trusted champion for colleagues across the Institute," citing her extensive track record of working across disciplinary lines. Her appointment follows the tenure of Institute Professor Paula Hammond, who served as vice provost for faculty from 2023 before becoming dean of the School of Engineering in January 2026.
Yang succeeds Hammond at a pivotal moment for MIT, as the Institute continues to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education while maintaining its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Her unique combination of design expertise, interdisciplinary experience, and administrative leadership positions her to make significant contributions to MIT's faculty community and its broader mission.
Related Links:
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion