Architecture and Planning Institute Onboards Fresh Faculty Members for 2025 Term
New Faculty Members Enrich MIT's School of Architecture and Planning
MIT's School of Architecture and Planning has welcomed a group of new faculty members, each bringing unique expertise to the institution. These scholars are making significant contributions in media arts and sciences, human-AI interaction, and architecture.
Karrie G. Karahalios, a full professor at the MIT Media Lab, is renowned for her pioneering research on social media and algorithmic systems' impact on communication and society. Her interdisciplinary work spans computing, AI, sociology, anthropology, psychology, game theory, and design. She has received numerous honors, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, SIGMOD Best Paper Award, and recognition as an ACM Distinguished Member.
Pat Pataranutaporn, an assistant professor at the Media Lab, focuses on human-AI interaction. He develops personalized AI systems designed to augment human cognition, including learning, decision-making, self-reflection, and well-being. He will co-direct the Advancing Humans with AI Program, investigating new frontiers where AI supports human thriving.
Mariana Popescu and Holly Samuelson, both joining the Department of Architecture, contribute to research and teaching at MIT. Popescu, an assistant professor, is a computational architect and structural designer with a focus on digital fabrication and sustainable design. She was named a "Pioneer" on the MIT Technology Review global list of "35 innovators under 35" in 2019. Samuelson, an associate professor in the Building Technology Program, has a doctor of design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Her teaching and research focus on issues of building design that impact human and environmental health.
Holly Samuelson's research and teaching complement the school's academic faculty and diversity. Popescu and Samuelson, along with Karahalios, were noted in a study on gender and scholarly self-promotion, highlighting ongoing challenges and dynamics in scientific visibility for women researchers.
Pat Pataranutaporn joins the MIT Media Lab as an assistant professor of media arts and sciences. His research focuses on human-AI interaction and personalized AI systems that amplify human cognition.
These new faculty members enrich MIT's School of Architecture and Planning by combining advances in technology, AI, social sciences, and design to push boundaries in their fields and foster interdisciplinary innovation. Their presence strengthens the school's academic faculty and diversity, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic academic environment.
- The new faculty members at MIT's School of Architecture and Planning are conducting research in various areas, including human-AI interaction and sustainable design.
- Karrie G. Karahalios's research in media arts and sciences examines the impact of algorithmic systems on society and communication.
- Pat Pataranutaporn is exploring personalized AI systems that can augment human cognition, such as learning, decision-making, self-reflection, and well-being.
- Mariana Popescu, a computational architect and structural designer, focuses on digital fabrication and sustainable design, striving to create materials with less environmental impact.
- Holly Samuelson's teaching and research at the Department of Architecture concentrate on building design that impacts human and environmental health.
- The school's academic faculty benefits from the diverse expertise of these new faculty members, promoting interdisciplinary learning and innovation in education-and-self-development.
- The recent fellows at MIT have contributed to research in engineering, computing, energy, materials, and technology, advancing sustainability and science.
- News about the recruitment of these faculty members underscores the school's commitment to fostering a dynamic and diverse academic environment.
- The current faculty members are enriched by collaborating with scholars from different disciplines, enhancing the teaching quality and pushing the boundaries in technology, engineering, and science.
- The faculty members' research in fields like AI, media arts, architecture, and engineering complement each other, allowing for groundbreaking collaborative projects that contribute to society's sustainable development.
- These faculty members are expected to produce significant contributions and help shape the future of computing, engineering, materials, and technology, contributing to the school's mission of enriching the environment and promoting advanced education.
