MIT School of Engineering Welcomes New Faculty, Expanding Research Horizons in 2026

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) School of Engineering has announced the arrival of new faculty members in 2026, marking a significant expansion of its research and educational capabilities. These new appointments span six academic units within the School, bringing a diverse range of expertise that promises to open new avenues for discovery and learning.

According to Paula T. Hammond, dean of engineering and an Institute Professor, the incoming faculty members are expected to contribute fresh perspectives that will drive new directions for research. This influx of talent is also anticipated to create enhanced opportunities for students to engage in learning through discovery, both in the classroom and in laboratory settings. The dean expressed her commitment to supporting these new colleagues as they pursue ambitious ideas, build collaborations across MIT, and contribute to student growth.

Advancing Research Across Key Engineering Disciplines

The new faculty cohort brings specialized knowledge in several critical areas, reflecting the evolving landscape of engineering and technology. Their research interests highlight a commitment to addressing complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of current understanding.

• Mechanical Engineering: Andrew Akerson, an assistant professor, focuses on optimal design, computational solid mechanics, and material characterization. Haoning Tang, also an assistant professor, conducts interdisciplinary research in nanophotonics, optical instrumentation, and device engineering, with an emphasis on metamaterials and quantum materials.
• Aeronautics and Astronautics: Jake Hecla, the Charles Stark Draper Career Development Professor, specializes in aerospace nuclear power and propulsion, and heat rejection in space. Zachary Manchester, the Boeing Career Development Professor, is interested in developing autonomous systems that can match and eventually surpass human performance.
• Biological Engineering: Eric Sun, an assistant professor, develops computational and machine learning models to study complex biology, with applications in aging, rejuvenation, and immune interactions.
• Chemical Engineering: Stylianos Varchanis, the Raymond A. (1921) and Helen E. St. Laurent Career Development Professor, focuses on theoretical and computational models for understanding transport processes in complex fluids, soft matter, and living systems, relevant to materials engineering, energy, and biotechnology.
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS): Hengyun Zhou, the Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Professor, is developing full-stack architectures for resource-efficient, fault-tolerant quantum computing. Edward “Jas” Bordeau Brooks, the KDD Career Development Professor in Communications and Technology, also joined the EECS department.

These appointments underscore MIT's dedication to fostering cutting-edge research and providing students with access to leading experts in their fields. For students, this means exposure to innovative projects and methodologies that can shape their future careers. Parents and educators might see this as an affirmation of MIT's continued role at the forefront of engineering education, offering diverse and challenging academic pathways.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Student Opportunity

Several of the new faculty members hold joint appointments, particularly within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), reporting into both the School of Engineering and the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing. This structure highlights a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that many of today's most significant challenges require insights from multiple fields.

The integration of expertise across departments and schools can lead to richer research outcomes and more holistic educational experiences for students. It also encourages a broader perspective on problem-solving, a skill highly valued in professional environments. Students interested in pursuing engineering at MIT can anticipate an environment where cross-disciplinary thinking is not just encouraged but actively facilitated by the faculty's diverse backgrounds and collaborative structures.

For K-12 students considering a path in STEM, understanding the breadth of engineering disciplines and the interconnections between them can be inspiring. Platforms like COSMIQ offer free voice-driven AI tutoring, helping students explore foundational concepts in subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics that underpin these advanced engineering fields. Additionally, resources like the free practice hub by grade and subject can provide supplementary support as students build the knowledge base necessary for future studies in engineering.

A Look Ahead: Impact on Education and Innovation

The arrival of these new faculty members is expected to have a lasting impact on both the educational offerings and the research output of the MIT School of Engineering. Their work in areas such as quantum computing, aerospace nuclear power, and machine learning for biological systems reflects a forward-looking approach to engineering challenges.

These developments signify MIT's ongoing commitment to attracting top talent and maintaining its position as a global leader in engineering education and research. For students, this translates into an enriched learning environment, exposure to pioneering research, and opportunities to contribute to projects that could define future technological advancements. The emphasis on both fundamental research and practical applications ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a wide array of career paths, from academia to industry.

While the School of Engineering celebrates these new additions, it also acknowledges a loss, remembering Thomas Rose, MIT’s POSCO Professor of Materials Science, who passed away in September 2026. His research focused on ancient metallurgy, highlighting the historical depth and breadth of engineering studies.

The 2026 faculty appointments at the MIT School of Engineering represent a strategic investment in the future of engineering. By welcoming experts in diverse and emerging fields, MIT continues to foster an environment of innovation and discovery, benefiting both its students and the broader scientific community.