The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has announced the addition of four distinguished scholars and innovators to its faculty, bringing fresh expertise in media, arts, artificial intelligence and sustainable architecture. Karrie G. Karahalios 94’, MEng 95, SM 97’PhD 04’ joins the MIT media lab as a full professor of media arts and science. AI, anthropology, sociology, psychology, game theory and design in her research , earning accolades such as the NSF CAREER Award, Alfred P. Sloan fellowship and ACM distinguished member recognition. Pat Pataranutaporn joins the MIT lab as an assistant professor and researcher. In the department of architecture, Mariana Popescu steps in as an assistant professor, bringing her expertise in computational and parametric design, digital fabrication and sustainable construction.
A doctoral graduate of ETH Zurich and a “Pioneer” of MIT technology reviews global ‘list of 35’ innovators of under 35’ (2019), Popesuc works bridges architecture, engineering and computational methods to promote innovative, eco-conscious building practices . Holly Samuelson also joined the department of architecture as an associate professor in the building technology program. Her teaching and research examine how building design affects human and environmental health with projects addressing greenhouse gas emissions, heat vulnerability and indoor quality. Samuelson’s work has been featured in major outlets including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The BBC and The Wall Street Journal.
With these appointments MIT strengthens its commitment to advancing innovations at the intersection of technology, design sustainability and human well-being. The appointment of Karrie G. Karahalios, Pat Pataranutaporn, Mariana Popescu, and Holly Samuelson reflect MIT’s ongoing commitment to attracting visionary leaders whose work spans technology, design, sustainability, and human-centered innovation. Their diverse perspectives and groundbreaking research promise to enrich MIT’s academic community and drive forward solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
